CHICAGO, Ill. – May 1, 2015 – The Cigna Foundation will be honored Saturday by Arogya World, a Chicago-based non-profit that strives to change the course of chronic disease by implementing sustainable programs with measurable impact. The award, given to the Cigna Foundation for its role in advancing global health, will be presented during Arogya World’s third annual gala http://arogyaworld.mindstaging.com/gala/.
“We applaud the Cigna Foundation’s support of chronic disease prevention in low- and middle-income countries and believe their investment in non-profits, including Arogya World, will have great impact in the post-2015 world,” said Nalini Saligram, founder and CEO of Arogya World.
David Figliuzzi, executive director of the Cigna Foundation, will accept the award.
“It’s a privilege for the Cigna Foundation to be able to support programs that can help turn the tide on chronic disease in countries like India and eliminate human suffering,” Figliuzzi said. “In the true spirit of partnership, we look forward to working with Arogya World in our mutual health mission.”
In 2014, Arogya World received a $260,000 World of Difference grant from the Cigna Foundation – its largest grant to date – for its work in preventing non-communicable diseases through health education and lifestyle changes. Arogya, whose name in Sanskrit means “living without disease,” is using the grant to create a mobile phone-based heart, stroke and kidney disease prevention program in India, where chronic disease is responsible for more than 50 percent of deaths.
About the Cigna Foundation
The Cigna Foundation, founded in 1962, is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation is committed to working together with nonprofit organizations that are creating innovative approaches to improving the health and security of individuals and communities everywhere. The Foundation’s primary grant making focus is on health equity, with an emphasis on sharing the expertise and energies of Cigna’s people with our nonprofit partners.
About Cigna
Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) is a global health service company dedicated to helping people improve their health, well-being and sense of security. All products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, Life Insurance Company of North America and Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. Such products and services include an integrated suite of health services, such as medical, dental, behavioral health, pharmacy, vision, supplemental benefits, and other related products including group life, accident and disability insurance. Cigna maintains sales capability in 30 countries and jurisdictions, and has more than 85 million customer relationships throughout the world. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.cigna.com.
About Arogya World
Arogya World is a global non-profit working to prevent non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through health education and lifestyle change. The organization strives to change the course of chronic disease by building strategic partnerships and using innovative technology to implement scalable, sustainable programs with measurable impact. In India, Arogya World implements diabetes prevention programs in schools, workplaces, and the community. Since its founding in 2010, Arogya World has made three Clinton Global Initiative Commitments. To further advance prevention of NCDs, Arogya World India Trust has been set up as an affiliate in Bangalore. www.arogyaworld.org
MEDIA CONTACT:
Gloria Barone
215.761.4758
Gloria.barone@cigna.com