The annual Bill Foege Global Health Awards, hosted by MAP International, took place at the Delta Flight Museum on May 15, featuring the esteemed Dr. Bill Foege as a keynote guest.
At 89 years old, Foege expressed a deep connection to Atlanta, a city he chose to call home 65 years ago due to its association with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC has positioned Atlanta as a pivotal hub for global health initiatives worldwide.
However, recent federal budget cuts under the current administration have posed significant challenges for many organizations committed to delivering global health support to disadvantaged communities.
The day before the awards event, Foege authored an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that criticized these budget cuts, raising significant concerns among health advocates.
During his remarks to the event’s attendees, Foege emphasized the “value of helping a neighbor,” a principle that has guided his career throughout the decades.
As part of his legacy, Foege led the CDC’s efforts to eradicate smallpox in the late 1970s, a monumental achievement credited with saving 120 million lives.
In addition to his CDC tenure, he was the inaugural director of the Carter Center, furthering global health initiatives alongside former President Jimmy Carter.
Foege also played a key role in founding the Decatur-based Task Force for Global Health and worked with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, enhancing its influence in global health before returning to Atlanta.
His exemplary contributions were recognized when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2012.
Chris Palombo, President and CEO of MAP International, expressed gratitude during the event, stating, “Dr. Foege, we appreciate your being here with us. We are honored to have you here and to celebrate your work and all you’ve done in humanity.”
Foege remarked that MAP International epitomizes the essence of global health, explaining that MAP stands for Medicines for All People.
“The power of science doesn’t come from its existence,” he stated, adding that its true strength lies in its application.
Foege highlighted that discussions around compassion and empathy must translate into tangible actions, underscoring the significant work done by MAP International and various Atlanta-based organizations.
In addition to CDC and MAP International, other organizations such as the Carter Center, the Task Force for Global Health, CARE, and the Emory Global Health Institute contribute to Atlanta’s prominent role in global health.
While attempts to form a Georgia Global Health Alliance have not materialized, there remains hope for collaboration among Atlanta’s health organizations to improve health outcomes globally.
Palombo remarked, “MAP’s work is now more crucial than it’s ever been.”
He noted that through impactful partnerships, MAP International provided $912 million worth of medicine and health supplies in 92 countries last year, resulting in 47 million patient treatments.
The awards ceremony included a panel discussion moderated by journalist Bill Nigut, featuring Mark Rosenberg, former CEO of the Task Force for Global Health; James Curran, former dean of the Rollins School of Public Health; and Russell Medford, CEO of Covanos.
Rosenberg delineated three reasons the public should care about the health of global communities.
First, he pointed out that diseases originating in other countries are likely to reach the United States, making it crucial to address health issues abroad for mutual protection.
Second, he referenced compassion, stating, “We are humans, and we’re connected to other people in other parts of the world, and when they suffer, when they’re sick, our humanity suffers.”
Thirdly, he highlighted that the U.S. could gain insights from healthcare challenges faced in poorer nations, remarking that, “We do not have the best medical system here in this country.”
Rosenberg acknowledged that America could learn from its counterparts facing severe medical issues, suggesting that innovation often arises from necessity.
While the panelists largely avoided confronting the political climate contributing to cuts in global health funding, Curran stressed the need for survival strategies amid what might be a temporary political phase.
He indicated, “The world is horribly interconnected,” urging collective action across organizations.
Curran emphasized the importance of advocating for global health issues without political bias: “We need additional philanthropy from many organizations, and we need advocacy from people who are not afraid to speak out because they’re too tied to a political party.”
Medford reiterated Foege’s assertion about the importance of using science effectively, adding that rebuilding trust in global health hinges on collaboration and transparent metrics to communicate results.
He said, “This is the way we’ll be able to advance ourselves through the challenging times now.”
The event concluded with recognition of the 2025 recipients of the Foege Awards, including President George W. Bush and Laura Bush; Dr. Jim Kim, former president of the World Bank; and various organizations such as Merck and WellStar Healthcare.
Foege praised President Bush for his substantial $15 billion investment in HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa, highlighting a personal memory of a trip where he witnessed the devastating impact of the epidemic.
“Now the $15 billion has now gone on to $100 billion spent on AIDS,” Foege noted, concluding that 25 million lives have been saved due to that initiative.
Curran called for a long-term perspective on public health, asserting that it should transcend partisan politics, while Rosenberg echoed his sentiments about unity in the face of health crises.
“We shouldn’t let partisan politics stand in our way,” he stated, reinforcing the importance of collaboration.
Palombo wrapped up the evening by reflecting on the hope and responsibility shared among attendees, reiterating the unique role Atlanta can continue to play in the global health landscape.
“There’s more to be done,” he concluded, inspiring a collective commitment to the ongoing mission of improving global health.
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