The Brief
Never is the victory of breaking a record sweeter than when it comes in the form of saving human lives.
Inspired by a mission of the World Health Organization (WHO) to eradicate 17 Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) affecting thousands of individuals in impoverished nations, the Uniting to Combat Neglected Tropical Diseases coalition has donated 7 billion treatments since 2012.
To celebrate its success thus far and highlight the power of partnership, the coalition, along with their partner, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, enlisted 10 pharmaceutical companies across the globe to make one such historic achievement official.
The Solution
The Record: On January 30th, the Uniting to Combat NTDs coalition organized drug manufacturers, warehouse and health workers, delivery drivers, and government officials to deliver an unprecedented 207,169,292 medications across four contents in 24 hours.
The Adjudicator: On April 19 at the WHO’s Global Partners Summit in Geneva, a Guinness World Records™ adjudicator presented the official certificate to the charitable coalition for the Most medications donated in 24 hours (multiple venues).
Event Day Amplification: The Guinness World Records certificate presentation made headlines not only because it was hosted by eminent philanthropist Bill Gates, but also because it commemorated the 5th anniversary of the London Declaration, a historic document signed by leaders committed to controlling, eliminating or eradicating 10 NTDs by 2020.
Post Attempt Engagement: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation took to social media to celebrate the record attempt and continue to generate awareness through an inspiring video that showcased the incredible feat.
Our partners were part of an international drug donation for the record books. Literally. More than 207 MILLION doses donated in 24 hours! pic.twitter.com/M0xW3bn1LB
— Gates Foundation (@gatesfoundation) 19 de abril de 2017
Bill Gates also weighed in on the “record-breaking generosity” on his blog, willing the record to be broken again in the years to come.
Read Bill Gates note on the record-breaking attempt here: https://www.gatesnotes.com/Health/Record-Breaking-Generosity
Of course, all world records get challenged. And I for one will be thrilled for the day when this record for drug donations gets broken. So will the millions of families around the world who need them.