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Dr. Jamal Eltaeb Awarded the Aurora Prize 2025

On November 6, 2025, the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative announced that Dr. Jamal Eltaeb has been honored with the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity 2025. This prestigious award comes with a one million dollar grant and acknowledges individuals who risk their lives to save others. Dr. Eltaeb's extraordinary courage and dedication to providing medical care in conflict zones have made a significant impact, especially amid the ongoing civil war in Sudan.

Dr. Eltaeb, the director of Al Nao Hospital in Omdurman, has maintained essential healthcare services in one of the last remaining hospitals in the Khartoum metropolitan area. His resilience exemplifies unwavering leadership even in the direst circumstances. Under his guidance, the Al Nao Hospital has become a refuge for countless patients who require urgent medical attention.

“From a young age, I witnessed the fragility of life and the enormous difference that compassionate care can make. I wanted to be a doctor to assist people in their most vulnerable moments,” said Dr. Eltaeb. “The Aurora Prize serves as encouragement for medical professionals, educators, humanitarian workers, and ordinary individuals around the world to continue their efforts, knowing that their work matters. It reminds us that one person’s courage can inspire change and that compassion can heal.”

Dr. Noubar Afeyan, co-founder and chairman of the board of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, praised Dr. Eltaeb’s contributions, stating, “In a world where indifference often prevails, Dr. Eltaeb stands as a testament to humanity's resilience. He reminds us that the spirit of humanitarianism persists, and it is our shared responsibility to uphold it.”

The award was announced during a ceremony on Ellis Island, a symbol of refuge and renewal, marking a decade-long commitment of Aurora to amplify the voices of grassroots humanitarian workers. Dr. Eltaeb was chosen from a pool of over 800 nominations. In addition to the monetary award, the funding will help expand his work and support local leaders and organizations aiding communities in need.

“Facing unimaginable dangers and deprivations, Dr. Eltaeb exemplifies the true essence of humanitarian leadership,” remarked Lord Ara Darzi, chair of the award selection committee. “Aurora is honored to support his mission and bring attention to the resilience of those suffering the consequences of conflict.”

Since the conflict escalated in Sudan in April 2023, Dr. Eltaeb has dealt with relentless bombardments, infrastructure collapse, and critical shortages of medical supplies, including anesthesia. His efforts have ensured that hundreds of injured and displaced patients continue to receive vital treatment, reinforcing his hospital's status as a critical lifeline in the community.

“Dr. Eltaeb embodies the principle of rejecting indifference,” commented Chelsea Clinton, a member of the selection committee. “His commitment to humanity extends beyond saving lives; it also involves preserving the dignity and well-being of his community during one of the most devastating conflicts in Sudan.”

Also acknowledged during the ceremony were noteworthy 2025 Aurora Humanitarians, including Sally Becker and Dr. Zouhair Lahna, among others. They were honored alongside philanthropists exemplifying the core value of Aurora, ‘Gratitude in Action,’ like Henrietta H. Fore and Graça Machel.

As the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity celebrates ten years of impact, it stands as a flagship program of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. The organization, founded in honor of survivors of the Armenian Genocide and those who assisted them, aims to amplify the voices of individuals on the frontlines of humanitarian crises and equip them with the resources needed to broaden their impact.

For more information about the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, visit AuroraHumanitarian.org.