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Advancing Science for Global Health
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Home > Global Health Matters May/Jun 2021 > Research!America recognizes advocate Mary Fogarty McAndrew Print

Research!America recognizes advocate Mary Fogarty McAndrew

May / June 2021 | Volume 20 Number 3

Screenshot of Mary Fogarty McAndrew’s recorded video acceptance speech during the May 2021 Research!America Advocacy Awards.Courtesy of Research!America

In its first virtual advocacy awards ceremony, Research!America recognized the contributions of many supporters, including advocate Mary Fogarty McAndrew, who received the 2020 Gordon and Llura Gund Leadership Award for her contributions in advancing global health science and improving the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Fogarty McAndrew is the daughter of Congressman John E. Fogarty, the namesake of both the Fogarty International Center at NIH and a foundation devoted to providing services for those with IDD, headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island. In a panel discussion during the program, Fogarty McAndrew recalled her father’s wish that there be a center at NIH that was laser-focused on global health. After his untimely death in 1967, she said his colleagues did just that.

“COVID-19 has taught us that making strategic investments in research and training and pandemic preparedness can save lives and lessen the impact of future disease outbreaks,” Fogarty McAndrew observed. “There are numerous former Fogarty trainees in laboratories and health ministries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. They are mobilizing teams to track the spread of coronavirus and its mutations, and are studying treatments and vaccines.”

Congressman Fogarty would approve of the contributions of both entities that bear his name, she added. “My father would be very happy with the way these organizations are making a difference at home and around the world.”

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