Dr. Jamal Eltaib has received the 2025 Aurora Prize for his fearless dedication and selfless medical service in conflict-ravaged Sudan. The award ceremony was held on Ellis Island, a historic symbol of refuge and new beginnings, and also marked the Aurora initiative’s 10th anniversary.
Dr. Eltaib was selected from over 800 candidates worldwide. As the 2025 Aurora laureate, he will receive a $1 million prize to expand his mission and support local heroes and organizations assisting vulnerable communities.
The prize honors those who risk their lives to save others. This year, the Aurora Prize recognized Dr. Eltaib’s extraordinary courage and commitment to providing care amid war.
Despite Sudan’s devastating civil war and the near-collapse of its healthcare system, Dr. Eltaib works to keep Al Nao Hospital in Omdurman operational. It remains one of the few functioning medical centers in Greater Khartoum—a testament to his unwavering resolve and leadership even in extreme danger.
“Growing up, I saw how fragile life can be, and how much one person’s care and knowledge can mean. I wanted to become a doctor to serve people at their most difficult moments,” Dr. Eltaib said.
Nubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative and Chair of its Board of Directors, stated: “In a time when indifference is widespread and compassion is under threat, Dr. Eltaib proves humanity still endures.”
“Despite unimaginable danger and hardship, Dr. Eltaib has shown what true humanitarian leadership looks like,” said Lord Ara Darzi, Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee and co-director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation at Imperial College London.
Since the escalation of Sudan’s conflict in April 2023, Dr. Eltaib has operated under relentless bombardments, infrastructure collapse, and severe shortages of electricity and medical essentials, including anesthesia. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that hundreds of injured, displaced, and critically ill patients continue receiving care. Under his leadership, Al Nao Hospital has become a lifeline for the community, embodying resilience, solidarity, and unwavering dedication to saving lives under the harshest conditions.
The ceremony also honored Aurora’s 2025 exceptional heroes: Sally Becker, Dr. Zuhair Lahanani, and Dr. Jill Seaman.
