The Japanese government has awarded the Fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize to Dr Abdoulaye Djimdé for Medical Research Category and Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi).
This is contained in statement by Stanley Obiajunwa , Assistant Information and Culture/General Affairs Japan Embassy Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
Obiajunwa said that the prestigious award, recognising contributions to medical research and services in Africa, was presented in the medical services category.
According to him, Djimde was awarded because of his research on malaria, an endemic
disease threatening the lives of people in Africa.
He said that the results of his research over the past thirty years have contributed significantly to improved treatment and control of malaria, and have had an important impact on the health policies of African governments and
the WHO.
Obiajunwa said that through
these accomplishments, his research had saved the lives of many people living in malaria-endemic areas.
He said that he also remained firmly committed to realising the dream of a
malaria-free Africa.
“Despite recent progress, malaria remains one of the most pressing public health
problems in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Growing up in rural Mali, Djimdé had
a firsthand tragic experience with this terrible disease, which took the life of one of his beloved brothers when he was just 12 years of age.
“This experience moved him to become an anti-malarial scientist later in life to prevent other children from dying of
malaria.
“In pursuit of this goal, he undertook pharmacy studies in Mali and graduated
with honors, ” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Abdoulaye Djimdé was born in the Republic of Mali in 1964.
The 61 years old pharmacist is a researcher specialised in molecular parasitology.
He is the current Director, Malaria Research and Training Center, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies, Bamako.
The award prize is named after Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a Japanese microbiologist who dedicated his life to researching yellow fever in Africa.
The Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize is a significant honor, aiming to acknowledge individuals and organisations making notable achievements in combating infectious diseases and improving public health in Africa.
