The award acknowledges outstanding projects which contribute toward improving medical healthcare in developing countries along with those persons from organizations who are responsible for the projects.
Leprosy is numbered among the neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and, according to figures from the WHO, still occurs in more than 120 countries. Each year over 210,000 patients worldwide fall ill with the disease. Although leprosy has been curable for many years now, the afflicted are still outcast from society. Due to a fear of exclusion many hesitate to seek medical help when an infection with leprosy is suspected. On the other hand, if the disease is diagnosed and treated too late, visible and irreversible damage can be the consequence, for example to hands and feet, as well as severe vision impairments.
Proposals were encouraged which involve successful projects from OECD DAC-listed countries that are based on partnership. The projects ought to demonstrate how the early, culturally sensitive case detection and diagnosis via visits at home, the therapy involved and reconstructive measures or social support lead to sustainable improvement of the health situation and living conditions of those affected. Alongside the high quality and innovation displayed by the project, a particular achievement and personal character on the part of the person proposed to be responsible for the project are recognized by the award. The proposed projects are supposed to be implemented by or together with local partners, strengthen the respective healthcare structures, and serve as model for exemplary projects in this area.
This year's winners have already been determined.
The Else Kröner Fresenius Award for Development Cooperation in Medicine 2023 goes to:
Organization: International Nepal Fellowship (INF Nepal) for their humanitarian commitment “INF NEPAL – 70 Years of Leprosy Relief – toward zero leprosy”
nominated by: TERRA TECH Förderprojekte e. V.
Look forward to detailed background information about the awardee and gain deeper insights into the award-winning project at the award ceremony:
Date: Tuesday, 17th of October 2023, 6 p.m.
Where: Wintergarten Varieté Berlin, Potsdamer Str. 96, 10785 Berlin, Germany
Queries: preisverleihung@ekfs.de
Participation is only possible through prior registration: https://app.guestoo.de/public/event/9a27e2bf-2f75-499d-b269-16a9cc7dc4dc