HOUSTON – The Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) announced that the Yale School of Public Health’s Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) was selected as the recipient of the organization’s highest honor, the 2025 Ali Fadul Memorial Award, in recognition of outstanding commitment to humanitarian principles and exceptional service to the people of Sudan.

The award commemorates the legacy of the late Dr. Ali Fadul, a physician whose life embodied courage, integrity, and unwavering dedication to justice. Dr. Fadul tragically lost his life on April 21, 1990, tortured while leading a doctors’ strike in Sudan. The award recognizes individuals and institutions whose work advances human rights, protects civilians, and strengthens accountability in times of crisis.

SAPA brings together physicians and medical professionals of Sudanese descent who live and work primarily in the United States. It has operated in Sudan since 2019, partnering with local hospitals and healthcare professionals to deliver critical medical aid and training in a health system ravaged by war. Throughout the ongoing war and humanitarian catastrophe in Sudan, SAPA has documented atrocities, starvation and attacks on health workers, while working extensively to support and strengthen Sudanese healthcare infrastructure. The organization supports 34 hospitals and more than 100 primary health care facilities across Sudan. 

HRL has played a pivotal global role in documenting atrocities, analyzing conflict-related human rights abuses, and producing evidence-based reporting that has informed international advocacy efforts to protect vulnerable populations. Its rigorous research on Sudan has helped to illuminate the scale of civilian suffering, identify patterns of violence, support policy responses, and elevate the voices of affected communities.

“The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab’s work has been essential in ensuring that the world does not look away from the atrocities facing civilians in Sudan,” said SAPA President Dr. Yasir Yousif Elamin. “Their commitment to truth, justice, and scientific rigor exemplifies the spirit of Dr. Ali Fadul and aligns with SAPA’s values as a humanitarian and medical organization. We extend our deepest gratitude to the HRL team for their contributions to the global effort to safeguard civilians in Sudan and uphold human rights during one of the darkest chapters in the country’s history.”

“We are honored to receive this award named for Dr. Ali Fadul Memorial Award, whose integrity and ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of the health and dignity of the Sudanese people is a lasting inspiration,” said Dr. Danielle Poole, Director of Research at Yale Humanitarian Research Lab.  “SAPA continues to provide the largest humanitarian response led by a Sudanese organization – uniquely positioned to deliver life-saving services to over one million people. It’s been a privilege that Yale HRL holds with the utmost responsibility to provide evidence-based reporting, particularly alongside the incredible courage of those who work in the field – especially those whose voices have gone silent in recent days.”

The award was presented during a gala held during SAPA’s Annual General Assembly in Houston this week. With the theme “Together for Sudan,” the gathering brought together physicians, humanitarian responders and community advocates to reflect on the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and discuss solutions to support Sudanese communities in the midst of war.

About SAPA

SAPA is a scientific, professional, and humanitarian organization founded in January 2019. As a membership-based association, SAPA brings together physicians and medical professionals of Sudanese descent who live and work primarily in the United States. Its mission is to empower Sudanese healthcare professionals in the U.S. while advancing medical education, expanding healthcare access, and providing humanitarian aid to communities in Sudan and beyond.

SAPA supports 34 hospitals and more than 100 primary health care facilities across Sudan, in collaboration with humanitarian actors and various civil and governmental authorities. SAPA also operates 896 mobile clinics to date, treating tens of thousands of internally displaced persons. 

SAPA provides healthcare and emergency services, hunger relief programs, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, and a social protection program that focuses on mental health and psychosocial support services, as well as the treatment of gender-based violence. Since 2019, SAPA has supported Sudan’s health system by providing personal protective equipment, oxygen supply, and medical supplies, as well as direct support to frontline workers. SAPA is committed to strengthening the existing healthcare infrastructure in Sudan by working to support medical training and solely employing local Sudanese healthcare professionals at SAPA-supported healthcare sites in Sudan. 

About Humanitarian Research Lab

The Yale School of Public Health Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL) is dedicated to protecting the health and security of populations affected by crises throughout the world. HRL generates evidence for operational response and accountability in humanitarian crises. HRL analyzes and preserves open source and remote sensing data, including satellite imagery and information shared via social media, consistent with international legal standards for use in ongoing and future accountability mechanisms. This includes maintaining rigorous chain-of-custody procedures for preservation and accountability mechanisms. Real-time analyses of these data provide support to partners delivering healthcare and responding to population needs in conflict settings.