‘Let Every Child Have a Name: The Road to a World Without Measles’ is the latest exhibit by gifted illustrator Sophie Blackall, to be unveiled today at a partnership meeting of the Measles & Rubella Partnership in Washington D.C.

Commissioned by the Partnership, Ms Blackall’s series of evocative illustrations were inspired by her recent journey to the Democratic Republic of Congo where she learned firsthand about measles and its devastating consequences. The illustrations tell a story of the toll of measles and the dedication and quiet heroism and the health workers and families working to vaccinate and protect their children.

“In some parts of Africa, families don’t name their children until the threat of measles has past,” said Ms Blackall. That threat disappears entirely when children are vaccinated, and a child can be vaccinated for a single dollar. I was so inspired by the dedication and passion of health workers and families in the Congo, and I hope their illustrated stories will inspire others to get involved. Together we can support their efforts and work to end measles, and let every child have a name.”

Sophie Blackall is an award-winning Brooklyn-based Australian artist who has illustrated over 20 books for children. She has also captured imaginations with her blog and book Missed Connections and a celebrated poster seen all over New York subways. The exhibit is designed by Sara Gillingham, an award-winning art director and designer who has previously collaborated with Ms Blackall on the Ivy & Bean series of books.

View Sophie Blackall’s new exhibit on the Redcross.org website: https://rdcrss.org/PLVFMW

View the video that tells the story of Sophie’s journey, giving a behind-the scenes look at how she creates her beautiful illustrations: https://youtu.be/eXeEKopYCAg

If you are in New York this weekend, you can see some of the artwork and hear Sophie speak about it:

• At the Social Good Summit on Saturday 22 September. She’s scheduled to be on a panel at 3.15 pm. See the website for details.
• On International Way at the 92nd Street Y’s Street Festival on Sunday 23 September in the afternoon.

You can also follow these events on social media – #SophieSocialGood