We are delighted to announce that the recipient of the 4th Annual Dr. Bob Wood Award for Excellence in HIV Prevention is awarded to Solomon Tsegaselassie.
Solomon Tsegaselassie is recognized with the Dr. Bob Wood award because of his tireless HIV prevention work with African immigrant communities in King County, providing an invaluable contribution to combating the invisibility of populations in need.
Named for the founding director and pioneering leader of Public Health’s HIV/AIDS program, the Dr. Bob Wood Award recognizes individuals whose work in HIV prevention inspires and energizes our communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Before emigrating to the U.S., Solomon worked in public health in Ethiopia, including doing HIV prevention work in an environment with very few resources. Shortly after moving to Seattle, Solomon began his HIV prevention efforts working with the Center for Multicultural Health, providing outreach and community health organizing to several local communities of immigrants from East Africa. Recognizing that there may be a high degree of fear and stigma associated with HIV, Solomon worked with leaders from the Ethiopian, Egyptian, Kenyan, Eritrean, Somali and Tanzanian communities to form and sustain Health Councils. Through those groups he has helped promote health education, access to healthcare and awareness of HIV testing and treatment options.
Solomon is also a key advocate for the HIV prevention and treatment needs of African immigrants, among other contributions. And throughout all, he is noted for conducting his work with inspiring commitment and kindness. We are so grateful to Solomon and wish him a hearty congratulations on this important recognition.
To learn more about the current work of the HIV/STD Program at Public Health and throughout the King County community, visithttp://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/communicable/hiv.aspx