Annalena Tonelli | |
---|---|
Born | |
Died | 5 October 2003 | (aged 60)
Cause of death | Assassination by firearm |
Nationality | Italian |
Known for | Social Activism |
Awards | Nansen Refugee Award |
Annalena Tonelli (2 April 1943 – 5 October 2003) was an Italian Catholic lay missionary and social activist. She worked for 33 years in East Africa, where she focused on tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, campaigns for eradication of female genital mutilation, and special schools for hearing-impaired, blind and disabled children.[1] In June 2003, Tonelli was awarded the Nansen Refugee Award, which is given annually by the UNHCR to recognize outstanding service to the cause of refugees.[2] In October 2003, she was killed inside her hospital by two gunmen.[3]