the henry dunant medal is the highest award of the red cross movement and is presented and awarded by the standing commission of the red cross and red crescent. the standing commission makes up to five awards every two years. the medal is awarded in order to “recognise and reward outstanding services and acts of great devotion, mainly of international significance, to the cause of the red cross/red crescent by any of its members.” special weight is put on the international significance of a potential recipient's acts or service. the medal was first given in 1969 and 149 individuals have received the award since then.