Honouring Aabi's memory. Protecting children's futures.
The Aabi Award for the Influenza Champion(s) of the Year
Aabi is our bright, fearless, beautiful, and funny two-year-old who loved food, dressing up to put on fashion shows with her elder sister Aarvi, and enjoyed mealtimes, saying "woowwww mumma, thank you" to whatever was put on her plate.
She is and will forever be her sister's sunflower, her mumma's Koala, her papa's puppy, and her family's joy.
In May 2025, Aabi contracted influenza A. Within hours of her fever rising, she was gone. The virus had reached her brain stem, causing Acute Necrotising Encephalitis.
Her flu vaccine was booked for 6 May 2025. She became sick on 4 May.
The Aabi Award is created in her memory, to ensure that other families know:influenza is not "just the flu."
Aabi means “pure joy.” And that is exactly what she was.
The Aabi Award recognises people doing outstanding work to protect Australian families from influenza. Clinicians, researchers, community members, nurses, parents, pharmacists, teachers. Anyone whose work reflects Aabi’s spirit: protecting children, and the families who love them.
How It Works
1
Nominate
Nominations open 1 June each year and close on July 31, 2026. Anyone can nominate.
2
Panel reviews
A small judging panel selects three winners each August.
3
Winners announced
Each year on 26 August — Aabi's birthday — we announce the year's winners.
The Prizes
Three winners each year
$850 cash prize winner
A framed certificate in Aabi’s name
A feature story on the IFA website and social media
Winners will be announced here on 26 August 2026
