15 Year Old Ethiopian Immigrant Is TIME 2024 Kid of the Year.

At just 15 years old, Heman Bekele is redefining the potential of youth innovation. Born in Ethiopia and now living in Virginia, Bekele has been named TIME 2024 Kid of the Year, following his win as “America’s Top Young Scientist” in 2023.

His groundbreaking creation, a soap that treats skin cancer, has the potential to revolutionize healthcare accessibility worldwide. Infused with immunotherapy compounds, this cost-effective soap aims to offer an affordable alternative to traditional treatments that can cost thousands of dollars.

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Bekele’s journey from a curious young chemist to an award-winning inventor underscores his vision: making lifesaving treatments accessible to the communities that need them most.

“Heman Bekele’s achievements are a true testament to the power of innovation and the resilience of the human spirit. His story is an inspiration to young people around the world, showing that with determination and a commitment to making a positive impact, one can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.”

Heman Bekele’s Early Life and Family Background

Heman Bekele was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to parents Muluemebet Getachew and Wondwossen Bekele. His family moved to the United States when he was four years old, settling in Virginia.

Adapting to a new culture and language was a challenge for Heman. Yet, with his parents’ unwavering support, he excelled.

His mother, Muluemebet, works as a special education teacher at Lynbrook Elementary School in Fairfax County, while his father, Wondwossen, is a human resources specialist at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

From a young age, Heman’s parents encouraged his curiosity and passion for science. At just seven years old, his parents gifted him a chemistry set, fueling his enthusiasm for experimenting. Muluemebet and Wondwossen emphasized education, persistence, and the importance of making a positive impact on society, values that continue to guide Heman’s work today. They also instilled in him an awareness of skin protection, given their experiences in Ethiopia where laborers often worked long hours under the sun without proper protection—an inspiration behind Heman’s focus on skin cancer treatment.

The support and guidance from his parents have been pivotal in his journey, as they encouraged both his scientific explorations and his broader vision of making healthcare more accessible.

Herman Bekele’s Invention

Heman Bekele’s invention is a bar of soap designed to treat and potentially prevent skin cancer. His journey began with a simple question: how to make cancer treatment accessible to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status. This drive emerged from witnessing disparities in healthcare, especially in Ethiopia, where he observed laborers working under the harsh sun without skin protection.

Bekele’s soap is infused with imiquimod, an FDA-approved drug commonly used in creams for treating certain types of skin cancer. The innovative aspect of his design is how it delivers treatment through an everyday product—soap, which most people already use. By incorporating a lipid-based nanoparticle that allows the active ingredient to cling to the skin even after washing, Bekele’s soap can provide localized treatment, especially for early-stage melanoma and other skin cancers.

What makes this invention groundbreaking is its affordability and simplicity. Traditional skin cancer treatments can cost thousands of dollars, making them inaccessible for many. In contrast, Bekele’s soap is projected to cost just $0.50 to produce, which could make it a viable treatment option in low-income communities globally.

The soap not only promises to address treatment barriers but could also raise awareness about skin cancer prevention, as it’s a product that’s likely to be used regularly. Bekele aims to refine the formula further, secure a patent, and eventually create a nonprofit to distribute the soap to communities in need. His ultimate vision is to make skin cancer treatment as commonplace and accessible as soap itself, potentially saving countless lives.

“Heman Bekele’s innovative soap has the potential to revolutionize skin cancer treatment, making it more accessible and affordable for people around the world. His remarkable achievement at such a young age is truly inspiring.”

TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year

Bekele’s invention is part of the TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year competition, which recognizes five young innovators making a difference.

The “Kid of the Year” award from TIME focuses on young people aged 8 to 16 who make a significant impact. Bekele’s aim to provide equitable skin cancer treatment aligns with these values. His work has deeply resonated with the magazine’s editors.

“Heman’s passion, dedication, and innovative spirit make him a true inspiration for young people around the world. His work has the potential to save countless lives and improve the quality of life for those affected by skin cancer,” said the TIME editorial team.

Bekele aims to turn his treatment into a nonprofit by 2028. This will ensure his innovation reaches those in need. With TIME’s recognition, Heman Bekele’s legacy as the 2024 Kid of the Year will inspire many for years to come.

As Bekele continues to lead the way for a brighter future, his story reminds us that passion, hard work, and a commitment to positive change can achieve anything. The impact of his accomplishments will continue to inspire and empower the Ethiopian community and beyond. This further solidifies Heman Bekele as a visionary and a beacon of hope for young people everywhere.