Al-Sumait Prizes to honor those helping to advance areas of food security, safety

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Two years after his death, the memory of Kuwaiti physician Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Sumait, a dedicated humanitarian who dedicated his life to helping Africa's poor, is being kept alive through a national initiative aimed at boosting the continent's efforts in the areas of food safety and sustainability.

The Al-Sumait Prizes are bestowed upon African programs having to do with food security and nutrition education. Winners receive $1 million and are chosen by a review board comprised of development professionals and philanthropists from all over the world, including American philanthropist and entrepreneur Bill Gates.

"Though I never met him, I've learned through my involvement in the prize about the extraordinary life of the late Dr. Abdulrahman Al Sumait and how he truly embodies Kuwait's tradition of generosity and concern for people in need," Gates said. "Through the Al-Sumait Prize, we will celebrate his life, not just by celebrating his achievements, but also by discovering the next generation of innovations that will shape a healthier and more prosperous future for Africa and lift millions out of poverty."

Board member Donald Kaberuka, former president of the African Development Bank, agreed.

"The Al-Sumait Prize is a recognition and reward for excellence in human development in education, health and food security," he said.

Two prizes, one for food security and the other for health, will be awarded in November 2016. More information about the awards, including application forms, is available at http://www.alsumaitprize.org.