Remembering Jimmy Carter

The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) joins the nation in mourning the loss of former President Jimmy Carter, a true humanitarian whose lifelong commitment to public service and global health improved the quality of life for individuals and communities worldwide. Along with his wife of many years, Rosalynn Carter, President Carter worked to resolve conflict peacefully, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent and eradicate disease.

Their efforts focused on several neglected tropical diseases, including river blindness and Guinea worm disease. Public health leaders and advocates have praised the former president for helping to introduce the term “neglected tropical diseases” to the public and raising awareness about forgotten diseases and their impact on human lives. President Carter was deeply involved in the work of The Carter Center, including personally negotiating a ceasefire during the Sudanese Civil War in 1995 so that healthcare workers could advance efforts to eradicate Guinea worm. In the mid-1980s, about 3.5 million cases of the disease were reported each year in Africa and Asia, and by 2023, only 14 cases were reported in Africa.

In 1997, NFID presented the Carters with the first annual Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award in recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian service. Since that time, NFID has honored more than 25 individuals whose outstanding humanitarian efforts and achievements have contributed significantly to improving global public health through domestic and/or international activities. From developing new vaccines and treatments, to tracking and mitigating infectious diseases, and advocating for health equity, NFID awardees are recognized for their commitment to serving communities across the US and around the globe. Recipients of the award include:

• Seth F. Berkley, MD, co-creator of COVAX, which helped deliver nearly 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccine to 146 countries
• Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH, an internationally recognized expert on HIV/AIDS and global health, who oversaw robust programs to fight poverty and improve the lives of women and girls in more than 60 countries, as president and CEO of CARE
• Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, current director-general of the World Health Organization, who led ambitious efforts as minister of health of Ethiopia to address malaria and HIV/AIDS, expand access to antiretroviral therapy, and improve the health of millions globally
• Former President Bill Clinton, who increased US funding for HIV/AIDS research and fostered faster drug approval as President, and later established the Clinton Foundation HIV/AIDS Initiative to expand access to care and treatment in the developing world
• General Colin L. Powell, a passionate advocate for children’s health who led America’s Promise—the Alliance for Youth, devoted to improving the lives of the nation’s youth by providing resources to millions of young people

President Carter continued to send annual letters of congratulations to NFID award recipients until the 50th anniversary of NFID:

As NFID celebrates its 50^th anniversary, Rosalynn and I applaud the organization for the vital role it has played in educating the public and healthcare professionals about the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases across the human lifespan. Through its activities, NFID educates and engages millions—from families with small children to experienced healthcare professionals and community leaders. Rosalynn joins me in sending our congratulations to the 2022 NFID distinguished awardees.

Jimmy Carter, December 2022

Nominations Now Open for 2025 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award

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