Celebrating Renewed Vigor and Anticipation for 2006, the Malaria Foundation Announces the First Annual Malaria Awards Ceremony

Atlanta, GA, January 23, 2006 --(PR.com)-- In support of the goal shared by many, to bring the world noticeably closer to the eradication of malaria, the Malaria Foundation International (MFI) is proud to announce the first ever Malaria Awards Ceremony, to be held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA on May 18, 2006. The first annual awards ceremony will be entertaining, educational and empowering as it creates a special annual day to honor the hundreds of individuals and organizations who are spearheading the world’s fight against malaria. Nominations are currently being accepted for a wide variety of categories to include the broad spectrum of key players who are helping to bring awareness, support and success towards tackling this disease. Suggested categories to launch this event are highlighted below and winning nominations will be posted along with future updates at MFI’s website: www.malaria.org.

“The first annual Malaria Awards Ceremony represents our way to reach out and thank the many extraordinary individuals and organizations who have made important contributions, many of which would otherwise go unnoticed,” said Dr. Mary Galinski, Founder and President of The Malaria Foundation International and a member of the faculty at Emory University. “There are real life heroes among us, who can become role models for others. As we enter a revitalized era in the fight against malaria, our annual awards ceremony will bring special recognition to many unsung heroes who are pushing the fight in exciting new directions and those who are accomplishing the most in the fight against this nefarious disease, which kills thousands of people each and every day.” As an annual event, the Malaria Awards Ceremony will spur new creative directions, the involvement of new advocates, and much needed attention on the disease from the public at large. “Malaria fighters deserve the same recognition as that taken for granted by sports figures and entertainers,” says Dr. Galinski. “This will be their day.” In its first year, a main aim will be to create excitement around the idea of publicly celebrating the willingness, dedication and accomplishments of people reaching beyond the call of duty to raise the profile of malaria and help whip this disease. The Atlanta location for the May 18th event will be disclosed at the time nominees are announced in March 2006. Future Malaria Award Ceremonies may take place in other cities, as another means to raise awareness and support against malaria on site at different locations. 

Lance Laifer, the Founder of Hedge Funds vs. Malaria and Dunk Malaria and the creator of the Malaria Awards Ceremony said, “We picked the Malaria Foundation International to be the organization that organizes, stages and implements the Malaria Award Ceremony because we are extremely impressed with the passion, tenacity, perseverance and, most importantly, reputation of the Malaria Foundation. They are perfectly positioned to be the arbiter and champion of malaria success worldwide.”

Everyone is called upon to help nominate and honor individuals of all ages and nationalities, or projects and organizations that are making a difference in the fight against malaria. Please contribute to the success of this new initiative by sending your nominations for specific categories to MalariaAwards@malaria.org with your name, e-mail address and a brief supporting explanation for your nomination. Resumes or curriculum vitae will also be accepted and reviewed for nominees if available. Nominations are welcome, regardless if individuals will be able to attend. The following are suggested categories for 2005 accomplishments. Alternative and new creative category suggestions are also welcome. 

Malaria Award Ceremony Categories
Lifetime Achievement Award
Person of the Year
Celebrity of the Year
Movie Actor of the Year
Singer of the Year
Athlete of the Year
Scientist of the Year
Laboratory Technician of the Year
Health Minister of the Year
Politician of the Year
Philanthropist of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Nurse of the Year
Doctor of the Year
Child of the Year
High School Student of the Year
Teacher of the Year
University Student of the Year
Graduate Student of the Year
Postdoctoral Fellow of the Year
University Leader of the Year
Reporter of the Year
Columnist of the Year
Project Manager of the Year
Malaria Project Pioneer of the Year
Community Leader of the Year
Religious Organization Leader of the Year
Case Manager of the Year
Newcomer of the Year

Scientific Breakthrough of the Year
Most Surprising Discovery of the Year
Idea of the Year
News Show of the Year
News Report of the Year
Sporting Event of the Year
Book of the Year
Magazine of the Year
Newspaper of the Year
Website of the Year
Blog of the Year
Poem of the Year
Speech of the Year
Essay of the Year
Conference of the Year
Most Popular Anti-Malaria Product of the Year
Research Publication of the Year
Documentary of the Year
TV Program of the Year
Marketing Campaign of the Year
Advertising Campaign of the Year
Event of the Year
Educational tool of the Year
Most Innovative New Project of the Year
Sustainable Development Initiative of the Year
Vaccine Research Discovery of the Year
Drug Research Discovery of the Year
Mosquito Research Discovery of the Year
Mosquito Control Program of the Year
Environmental Control Program of the Year

Company of the Year
NGO Leader of the Year
News Organization of the Year
Television Network of the Year
Cable Network of the Year
Country of the Year
PR Firm of the Year
Sport of the Year
Sports League of the Year
Religious Organization of the Year
Government Funding Agency of the Year
Medical School of the Year
Public Health School of the Year
Business or Law School of the Year
Advocacy Group of the Year
Charity of the Year

For more information please contact:

Dr. Mary R. Galinski, Founder and President, MFI
Head, Malaria Research and Education Programs, Emory University
Email: mary.galinski@emory.edu
Cell #: 770-891-1604

Dr. Cindy Korir, Project Coordinator and African Liaison, MFI
Scientist, Malaria Research and Education Programs, Emory University
Email: ckorir@emory.edu

Dr. Kathryn Burchenal, Vice President, MFI
Email: MalariaAwards@emory.edu

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