NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

ATLANTA — An Atlanta nonprofit focused on global health known for highlighting the work of its partners is getting a turn in the spotlight and a $2 million award from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

The foundation announced Tuesday that The Task Force for Global Health received the annual prize. The Task Force, founded in 1984 to focus on child immunizations, now targets tropical diseases and other health issues in more than 150 countries.

Peter Laugharn, president and CEO of the Hilton Foundation, said jury members were impressed by the organization’s work — and the charity’s model of acting as a “silent partner” in cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, health care organizations and other nonprofits.

“The Task Force is not a household name, but it’s an organization that has accomplished incredible things,” Laugharn said. “They’ve done it in a way that’s not self-marketing … and I do think their humility has meant they’re not that widely known.”