Published on 11.2.09

The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases today announced Andrew Baldwin, M.D. as Grassroots Ambassador for the organization. In this role, the physician, humanitarian and former star of ABC’s “The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman” will work to raise the profile of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) by educating the public about these disabling, debilitating, and even deadly diseases that affect 1.4 billion people worldwide, many who live on less than $1.25 a day.

In addition, the announcement of Dr. Baldwin as Grassroots Ambassador coincides with the launch of the Global Network’s signature grassroots funding and awareness campaign, Just 50 Cents. A major component of Just 50 Cents is the Campus Challenge, a contest giving full-time undergraduate and graduate college students the opportunity to become Student Ambassadors in the fight to prevent and eliminate NTDs. A donation of 50 cents can provide an individual with treatment for the seven most common NTDs for an entire year. The contest will run from November 2, 2009 to April 2, 2010.

Dr. Baldwin will play a key role in driving awareness and participation for the Campus Challenge, encouraging students to start a Just 50 Cents campaign in their school, workplace, or community. He will also promote medical diplomacy efforts for the Global Network by engaging in NTD prevention and treatment through his work with humanitarian missions.

Dr. Baldwin recently used his medical and Spanish language skills this summer aboard the U.S. hospital ship USNS COMFORT, as part of a naval team that brought medical, dental and civic action programs to seven Caribbean, Central and South American nations. As part of the SOUTHCOM mission which began May 29th, Dr. Baldwin had a special focus on NTDs, which impact over 230 million people in the region.

“Through my work with the Navy I have traveled the globe and worked in places like Cambodia and Laos, where I have seen the devastating effects of NTDs first hand,” said Dr. Baldwin. “For approximately 50 cents per person per year we can effectively treat and prevent these diseases, improving the health of the world’s poorest people with a low-cost solution that is at our fingertips. As Grassroots Ambassador, I hope to spread the word about the tremendous impact we can make by investing in NTD control by supporting and encouraging people to get involved in the Just 50 Cents campaign, and engaging in medical diplomacy to help end the cycle of poverty and promote peace and economic prosperity.”

We’re honored to have Dr. Andy Baldwin join us as Grassroots Ambassador,” added Kari Stoever, Managing Director for the Global Network. “His unique ability to bring together skills in medical diplomacy, advocacy and outreach make him a powerful voice for us at a time when the fight against NTDs is at a tipping point.”

About NTDs
Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of 13 parasitic and bacterial infections that are the most common afflictions of the world’s poorest people. Spread by mechanisms as simple as a bite of an infected fly or contact with contaminated water, they blind, disable, disfigure and stigmatize their victims, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and disease. Research shows that treating NTDs lifts millions out of poverty by ensuring that children stay in school to learn and prosper; by strengthening worker productivity; and by improving maternal and child health.

About Andy Baldwin
Andrew Baldwin, M.D. is a physician and humanitarian in Washington, D.C.. Additionally as an Ironman Triathlete, and National Health/Fitness Specialist he assists the U.S. Surgeon General with his initiative "Healthy Youth for a Healthy Future" - a National program combating childhood overweight and obesity. He was also the star of ABC hit show, “The Bachelor: An Officer and a Gentleman.” Among his numerous acknowledgements, Dr. Baldwin has been honored on the Washington D.C. Most Influential People under 40 list in 2009, and Outside Magazine's Top 100 Influential People of the World list in 2006 for the humanitarian work he did in Laos on a military mission where he treated over 600 Laotians in remote villages.

About Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases
The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, headquartered at the Sabin Vaccine Institute, is committed to raising the profile of neglected tropical diseases and leveraging international resources to end suffering and death through effective, low-cost treatments. To learn more about the Global Network’s grassroots efforts including the Just 50 Cents Campus Challenge, visit http://globalnetwork.org/just50cents.

About Sabin Vaccine Institute
Sabin Vaccine Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing human suffering from infectious and neglected diseases. Through its efforts in vaccine research, development and advocacy, Sabin works to provide greater access to vaccines and essential medicines for millions stuck in pain, poverty and despair. For more information about Sabin’s research and commitment, visit: www.sabin.org.

Contacts:
Anjana Padmanabhan for the Global Network
anjana.padmanabhan@sabin.org
+1-202-621-1688(office)

Penelope Jean for Dr. Andy Baldwin
Penelope@penelopejean.com
+1-615-568-5948