The release of Zahra Zainal’s unique illustrations for our six winners marks the culmination of more than six months’ efforts. Beginning with the 2015 site going live and a how-to video, continuing with the announcement of six partners, and reaching a crescendo with 51 nominees and over 4000 votes, it’s been an exciting ride! We’re thankful for every person who signed up at the site, and the many thoughtful comments and nominations.

Your interest in the 2015 Social Media Awards confirms our conviction that social media can be a powerful tool to connect people around the world for important causes in health and development. The passion and commitment to #DefeatMalaria is truly inspiring. We salute you and the entire malaria community, and your devotion to making the world a better place through eradicating this disease.

A look back...

There’s still time to catch up on the great stories, interesting facts, and inspiring personalities on this site. Start with a review of the winners, including their interviews with Tim France, illustrations, and a brief biography. Then check out the Malaria Mobilizers – three committed malaria heroes that amassed an amazing number of votes and comments on their nomination pages. Walk back in time with the earliest malaria communicators and innovators, and jump ahead to their contemporary counterparts (both innovators and communicators). Make sure you read our interview with Oluwamayowa Salu – he got the most endorsements in the Social Media Awards, and for good reason. Finally, browse the Social Media Awards Twitter feed, for conversations, appreciations and the latest malaria and social media news.

...a look ahead

Last year, Inis Communication worked with Health Systems Global to host the 2014 Social Media Awards: Health Systems. This year, six partners joined for the Social Media Awards: Malaria Heroes. Get in touch with us if you and your organization are interested in working with us to host an Awards program in 2016.

Even before the ink dries on this year’s awards, we are making initial plans for the 2016 Social Media Awards, which will focus on recognizing the use of social media to promote integrated approaches to sustainable development.

Problems associated with interconnected complex systems are typically hard to identify and even more difficult to solve because the causes and effects are not obvious. Bringing the different dimensions of development together allows these issues to be seen as an integrated whole and be understood collectively. Joined-up thinking can be supported through networked communications and social media.

If you are an organization that prides itself on working across sectors and disciplines, then you might be interested in partnering with the awards next year. The awards provide opportunities for high visibility for your organization and priority work areas. Please get in touch if you have an idea for a 2016 award category or are interested in working with us to promote the integrated approaches theme next year.

And that’s a wrap! Stay tuned on social media through @socmed4good and Inis Communication’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. Once again, thanks for your participation, both in the Social Media Awards, and in malaria advocacy, as we all work together to defeat malaria!

                

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