PATH, a nonprofit organization that uses innovative technologies and solutions to solve global health problems, has been selected to receive the 2009 Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize of $1.5 million.

The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation presents the annual award, the world’s largest humanitarian prize, to an organization that is significantly alleviating human suffering.

Since its inception in 1977, PATH has worked to improve the health of people around the world by advancing technologies, strengthening systems and encouraging healthy behaviors.

PATH is currently located in Ballard just east of the Ballard Bridge. It announced earlier this year it will be relocating to South Lake Union by January 2010. Read coverage here.

PATH works in more than 70 countries in the areas of health technologies, maternal and child health, reproductive health, vaccines and immunization, and emerging and epidemic diseases.

The organization leverages public- and private-sector resources to create solutions that are appropriate, affordable, and accessible for the people who need them the most, especially those in developing countries, according to a PATH press release.

“PATH is having a profound impact on the health and quality of life of millions of men, women and children around the world,” Steven M. Hilton, president and chief executive officer of the Hilton Foundation, said in the press release.

“PATH is honored to be selected for the prestigious Hilton Humanitarian Prize," Dr. Christopher J. Elias, PATH’s president and chief executive officer, said in the press release. "We will use the prize funds as innovation capital to support new initiatives in areas we've identified as critical to PATH’s mission.

PATH was one of more than 200 nominees for the 2009 Hilton Prize.

The Hilton Foundation was created in 1944 by the late hotel entrepreneur and business leader Conrad N. Hilton, who left his fortune to the foundation when he died in 1979 with instructions to help the most disadvantaged and vulnerable throughout the world without regard to religion, ethnicity or geography.