Falobi Award Recipients

The 2016 Omololu Falobi Award has been awarded to 85 leaders from 19 countries

The 2016 Award is a “Celebration of HIV Prevention Research Advocacy”. All nominated advocates/researchers/policy makers/journalists/funders/research volunteers who have inspired their respective nominees in HIV prevention research, advocacy and implementation in the 10 years since Omololu’s passing were honored as Award recipients as part of a celebration of our collective role in advancing HIV prevention research. Awardees were profiled and honored as part of a growing community of HIV prevention advocates at the HIV Research for Prevention (R4P) Conference in Chicago in October. The cash prize was given to Omololu’s three children to help support their education fund.

View 2016 Falobi Awardees — A-K / L-N / O-Z

The 2014 Omololu Falobi Award has been awarded to Taiwo Oladayo Oyelakin

Although Taiwo is no longer with us, he’s been honored with the 2014 Omololu Falobi Award in acknowledgment of his leadership and work as a passionate advocate who has inspired many others in their commitment to HIV prevention.

Taiwo reminded us of our friend Omololu in many ways – least of which is that of a brilliant, young, Nigerian advocate lost to us too soon. Taiwo embodied Omololu's ideals in many ways by making the work of HIV advocacy his life's work as well.

In his short professional life, he proved himself a leader and an inspiration to many; he believed that HIV prevention research was an important part of addressing the epidemic; he believed that the communities that are most affected need to be involved in developing solutions to problems; and that the voices of those at the frontlines must be amplified.

He was a true son of Africa – championing African advocates and developing a mentorship program to nurture others. He focused his efforts in Nigeria, and yet was part of the global community of activists who aspired to end the epidemic not only in Nigeria, but globally.

Like Omololu, Taiwo lived his life in a hurry. And like him, he left his mark on all those who met him. If there is anyone worthy of this Award, it is Taiwo.

Learn more about Taiwo.

Watch the webcast of the award ceremony. 

Anna Forbes is the 2012 Omolulu Falobi Award Winner

Anna Forbes was announced as the 2012 recipient of the Omololu Falobi Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention Research Community Advocacy at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 International Microbicides Conference in Sydney. The Award was presented to Ms Forbes by 2010 recipient, Charles Shagi.

An advocate, organizer and writer, Anna Forbes has worked in HIV/AIDS since 1985 and on women's health and rights since 1977. Now an independent consultant with an international client base, her work centers around women, HIV, gender, health and rights.

“I am honored to receive this award from my peers... There have been times over the past several years when finding a safe and effective microbicide and other woman-controlled options for HIV prevention seemed like a distant dream, but today we are much closer to making it a reality. As Omololu said, the challenge of our time is HIV/AIDS. Receiving this award in his name gives me renewed hope to meet that challenge,” Forbes said.

AVAC congratulates the 2010 winner, Charles Shagi, African Medical and Research Foundation

The 2010 winner was announced at the closing ceremony of the 2010 International Microbicide Conference.

Charles Shagi, Program Officer for AMREF based in Mwanza, Tanzania, was honored for his significant contributions to developing and sustaining community engagement and education programs that empower women and their communities to advocate for themselves and to become vital partners in HIV prevention research trials.

Download the Omolulu Falobi press release here.

Read an interview with Charles Shagi.

Inaugural Award Winners

The inaugural Omololu Falobi Award was given to Lori Heise and Srikrishnan Aylur (Krish) in 2008 at the International Microbicide 2008 Conference in New Delhi, India.

Lori is currently an independent consultant and was the Executive Director of the Global Campaign for Microbicides. She has served as an expert advisor to the World Health Organization, the Pan-American Health Organization, the World Bank, and the US National Institutes of Health. She has published widely in academic journals, including the British Medical Journal, Social Science and Medicine; AIDS; Studies in Family Planning, and the Lancet.

We asked Lori what the Award means to her. Hear her thoughts.

Krish is a research manager at the YR Gaitonde Center for AIDS Research and Education in Chennai, India.