At just 15 years old, Heman Bekele has already made a significant impact, earning him the title of TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year. His remarkable invention—a soap that could potentially treat skin cancer—has captured attention worldwide.
Bekele’s Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS) is no ordinary soap. It’s infused with the cancer-fighting drug imiquimod, offering a creative and affordable approach to delivering a lifesaving treatment. The idea stems from Bekele’s early memories in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he often saw laborers working long hours under the sun without any protection for their skin. These experiences stuck with him, even after moving to the United States with his family when he was four years old.
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Reflecting on his upbringing, Bekele told TIME, “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.” His parents had always taught him and his sisters the importance of covering up to avoid sun damage, but it wasn’t until later that Bekele truly understood the risks.
His curiosity and determination led him to experiment with imiquimod, a drug typically used in cream form for cancer treatment. Bekele envisioned a more accessible option—a bar of soap that could deliver the drug while also being easy to use in everyday life. His innovation led him to win the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” at just 14 years old in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
Now, Bekele is taking his invention to the next level. He’s working in a lab at the prestigious Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, determined to turn his dream into reality. However, he knows there’s still a long road ahead. The soap needs further testing, patenting, and FDA approval before it can be widely available.
Despite the challenges, Heman Bekele remains focused on his goal. His groundbreaking work has already earned him national recognition, and with his passion and ingenuity, there’s no doubt he’s on the path to achieving something truly extraordinary.
