Every day, ordinary people take extraordinary actions to protect others, reduce disaster risks, and strengthen their communities. Some save lives through innovation. Others mobilise neighbours to solve neglected problems ignored during or post disasters. Many work quietly, by driving a snakebite victim on their motorbike to the nearest hospital without recognition, yet their impact saves lives and transforms entire communities.
Our First Hero The ADN Hero Award 2025 went to ADN Regional Coordinator, Ms. Tahira Khan for her amazing work to reduce avoidable deaths from well fall in Pakistan.
In 2026, we invited ADN Members and the public to nominate individuals whose courage, leadership, and commitment have prevented harm, protected lives, or created safer futures. Whether they introduced a simple idea that changed everything, rallied a community to act, or stood up when no one else would, their story deserves to be told. Because they are unsung heroes.
Someone who has:
- Reduced preventable injuries or deaths
- Led a community-driven safety or risk-reduction initiative
- Overcome barriers to protect others
- Created measurable, lasting change
The Hero Awards are selected by an ADN Panel of Experts, chaired by the ADN Presidents, Professor Nibedita Ray-Bennett and Dr. Hideyuki Shiroshita. The Panel of Experts applies eight selection criteria, using the criterion most relevant to each case.
Whilst there can only be one award winner, we feel that nominees who meet our ‘Hero Criteria’ will be featured on our website, with their stories shared to raise awareness and inspire others.
Hero Stories 2026 [File, uploaded PDF]
- Reducing elephant-human conflict in rural India
- Reducing burn deaths and injuries amongst vulnerable communities Kenya
- Increasing health security in rural Nepal
Hero Story 2025 [File, uploaded PDF] Reducing well-fall deaths in Pakistan