Nominations open for (REACH) Climate-Health Action Award

The biennial Recognizing Excellence Around Champions of Health (REACH) Awards recognize those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and commitment in the fields of disease elimination. This year’s edition will also spotlight health workers who played a key role in the COVID-19 response and showcased exceptional dedication and courage while keeping the world safe.

The award celebrates an individual on the frontline of responding to climate-related health challenges and disasters, including but not limited to, extreme weather events, the emergence or reemergence of climate-related diseases, and access to health for climate migrants.

Eligibility Criteria

• Nominees should meet the following eligibility criteria:
  • Nominees must be individuals and will be accepted from organizations in any part of the world, including non-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, international organizations, government agencies and academic institutions.
  • Nominees may be any age, but preference will be given to young leaders (under age 35) for the Rising Champion Award.
  • During the application process, nominators, nominees and evaluators will be required to confirm that they have read and understand the 2023 REACH awards statutes, and acknowledge that any information submitted will be subject to and handled in accordance with such provisions.
  • Each nominee may only be considered for one (1) award category.
  • No person can nominate herself/himself for the REACH Awards
  • Nominees must be working in the field of human disease elimination and/or in the COVID-19 response and/or in a climate and health crisis response in low or middle income settings but may come from any sector (civil society, academia, private sector, medicine, etc.) This may include efforts to eliminate transmission or eliminate a disease as a public health threat.
    • Elimination of transmission entails reduction to zero of the incidence of infection caused by a specific pathogen in a defined geographical area, with minimal risk of reintroduction, as a result of deliberate efforts; continued actions to prevent re-establishment of transmission may be required.
    • Elimination as a public health problem encompasses both infection and disease. It is defined by achievement of measurable global targets set by WHO in relation to a specific disease. When reached, continued actions are required to maintain the targets and/or to advance the interruption of transmission.
    • COVID-19 response may include all preventive, diagnostic and treatment activities implemented by healthcare workers.
    • Response to climate and health crises may include, but is not limited to, extreme weather events, emergence/reemergence of climate-related diseases, and access to health for climate migrants.
    • Eligible disease areas may include but are not limited to: poliomyelitis, Neglected Tropical Diseases, Malaria, Tuberculosis and pandemics (e.g. Ebola, SARS, Zika).
  • Nominees must be able to travel to the UAE for the Reaching the Last Mile global health forum.
  • The Presidential Court’s decision on applicant eligibility is final.

Criteria

• Candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
  • Dedication: Demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to addressing climate-related health challenges, or ensured continuity of health services for communities affected by climate change or facing climate-related disasters. This could be demonstrated through (but may not be limited to) the following:
    • Outstanding courage, determination, or other contributions to the community during climate disasters or emergencies
    • Significant involvement in the treatment and prevention of climate-related emerging or reemerging diseases
    • Exceptional dedication to the health of climate migrants.
  • Impact: Measurably improved the health and welfare of individuals affected by a climate crisis in their community or country.
  • Adaptability: Proven ability to swiftly adjust to changing climate conditions and the subsequent health challenges they pose, implementing efficient and timely interventions.
  • Location: Preference will go to those based in low and middle-income countries at the forefront of climate-related challenges.

For more information, visit Reaching the Last Mile.