Time Magazine recently unveiled the winner of their 'Person of the Year' title, which included several globally prominent names on the nomination list released earlier this month.
However, the magazine's editor, Nancy Gibbs, and the entire committee voting on who to crown for this prestigious and longstanding award decided to bestow it to the more unpopular movers of society. Therefore, the highly coveted title was given to the fighters and volunteers of the deadly Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Sierra Leone.
EVD is a globally feared illness, which often results in death in humans. According to the data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the average fatality rate of this virus among those infected is 50 percent. In the past, the case fatality rates fell within 25 and 90 percent.
To control the spread of the deadly virus, as well as to cure those infected, WHO sought medical practitioners to volunteer in creating an effective response to the disease.
These volunteers took charge in conducting surveillance in the area, holding community engagement activities, and implementing case management initiatives. They also provide laboratory services, contact tracing, infection control, and logistical support. Volunteers help facilitate training for safe burial practices of those who succumbed to the disease.
"The rest of the world can sleep at night because a group of men and women are willing to stand and fight," shared Gibbs in the announcement article.
The nominees shortlisted for the prestigious award included the following:
1. Tim Cook, who is a widely recognized mover in the field of technology. He is mostly known for introducing to the public Apple's latest smartphone innovations, the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus. He also spearheaded the entry of Apple Watch, a wearable gadget, as well as Apple Pay, a more convenient method of sending money.
2. Vladimir Putin, one of the most controversial world leaders, has been constantly making the headlines this year. The Russian president has been recognized for his leadership in the recently concluded Winter Olympics in Sochi. He also made the news for Russia's takeover of Crimea. The leader went under fire for the ongoing civil conflict happening in eastern Ukraine as well.
3. Masoud Barzani, who is the acting president of the Iraqi Kurdish Region. He has held this post since 2005, and took advantage of his standing to push for the highly anticipated independence of his people. He is also acknowledged for his efforts to fight off the invasion brought about by the Islamic State of Iraq and Greater Syria.
4. Jack Ma, the person who revolutionized the e-commerce industry by successfully running one of the most sought after companies today -- Alibaba. As CEO of the China-based e-commerce giant, Ma has been hailed as an outstanding entrepreneur, with his company opening at $25 billion in the IPO market.
5. Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, who has been shoved into the spotlight this year following the various domestic abuse cases filed against the athletes under the league. Since the stories broke into the news, the public have been continuously expressing their outrage over the incidents and putting some of the blame on Goodell's leadership.
6. Taylor Swift, who is one of the most talked about pop artists, has made the news this year following her decision to pull out her music from Spotify. This move was explained by her conviction that the streaming service should pay the artists more for their songs.
7. Ferguson protesters, who took their grievances against the system to the streets after the fatal shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white police officer. The protests continued and the damages escalated in November, when the said cop was acquitted of the alleged crime.
