BALTIMORE, United States — In a feat of youthful ingenuity and scientific promise, Heman Bekele, a fifteen-year-old prodigy, has been awarded TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year. Bekele received this prestigious accolade for his innovative creation of a soap that has the potential to treat skin cancer, a significant advancement in affordable healthcare solutions.
The Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), as Bekele named it, integrates the cancer-fighting drug imiquimod into a conventional bar of soap. Imiquimod is typically delivered as a topical cream in a broader cancer treatment regimen. Bekele’s transformation of this drug into soap form aims to provide a more affordable and accessible treatment option for those affected by skin cancer.
Bekele’s inspiration for this groundbreaking invention stems from his early experiences in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Before migrating to the United States at the age of four, he vividly remembers seeing laborers toiling under the scorching sun, their skin unprotected from harmful ultraviolet radiation. This familiarity with the perils of sun exposure, coupled with lessons from his parents about the importance of covering up and using sunscreen, set the stage for his later scientific curiosity and innovation.
“When I was younger, I didn’t think much of it, but when I came to America, I realized what a big problem the sun and ultraviolet radiation is when you’re exposed to it for a long time,” Bekele told TIME. This realization prompted him to delve deeper into the impacts of sun exposure and UV radiation, leading him to the discovery of imiquimod.
Bekele’s curiosity evolved into experimentation, where he began testing imiquimod in various forms. His persistence paid off at the age of 14, when he developed the Skin Cancer Treating Soap, a breakthrough that earned him the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Currently, Bekele is advancing his research and development efforts at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. While the recognition from TIME is a milestone, Bekele acknowledges that significant work remains. He is focused on the essential next steps: rigorous testing of the soap, securing a patent, and obtaining certification from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These steps are crucial in transforming his promising invention into a widely available and life-saving product.
Bekele’s journey from a child observing the harsh realities of sun exposure in Ethiopia to a young scientist on the verge of a medical breakthrough is a testament to his dedication and vision. His story underscores the remarkable potential within youth to address complex global health challenges through innovation and perseverance. As he works towards making the Skin Cancer Treating Soap accessible to all, Bekele exemplifies the transformative impact that one young mind can achieve.
