In a resounding tribute to Africa’s scientific leadership in global health, Professor Abdoulaye Djimdé of Mali has been awarded the 2025 Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to malaria research and scientific capacity building across the continent.
The prestigious award, announced by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, recognises exceptional achievements in medical research and services in Africa. Professor Djimdé joins a distinguished group of laureates whose work has significantly advanced public health on the continent. The honour also underscores the global importance of African-led innovation in tackling diseases such as malaria, which continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives annually.
For Professor Djimdé, the battle against malaria is deeply personal. Inspired by the loss of his younger brother to the disease at age 12, his career has become a lifelong pursuit of malaria elimination and scientific empowerment. Today, he is a leading microbiologist and immunologist, known for advancing malaria treatment strategies while nurturing a generation of African scientists to carry the fight forward.
Currently, he leads the DELGEME Plus consortium, a pan-African initiative focused on malaria genomics, antimicrobial resistance, and elimination strategies. Supported by the Science for Africa Foundation’s DELTAS Africa II programme, the initiative fosters cross-border collaboration and scientific excellence throughout the continent.
Professor Djimdé’s leadership has also led to the establishment of a state-of-the-art research and training facility at the University of Technical and Technological Sciences of Bamako. This centre has become a nucleus for high-level biomedical research and capacity building, addressing critical gaps in Mali’s scientific infrastructure and offering advanced opportunities for young researchers.
Despite persistent efforts, Africa still shoulders the majority of the global malaria burden. According to the 2024 African Union Malaria Report, only six African countries have achieved a 40% reduction in malaria incidence since 2015. Mali remains one of the 11 countries most affected, making Professor Djimdé’s work all the more urgent and impactful.
The Science for Africa Foundation hailed the award as a powerful endorsement of African-led science. “Professor Djimdé exemplifies what is possible when local expertise is empowered and trusted to lead,” said a spokesperson. “This recognition validates our commitment to investing in African researchers and institutions.”
As Africa continues to strive toward malaria elimination, Professor Djimdé’s work stands as both a milestone and a blueprint—demonstrating how research rooted in local knowledge and driven by African leadership can shape transformative public health outcomes for the continent and beyond.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
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