Professor Isabella QuakyiThe American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) awarded Professor Isabella A. Quakyi, of the Department of Biological, Environmental & Occupational Health Science at the University of Ghana the 2019 Clara Southmayd Ludlow Medal for her contributions to the understanding and control of tropical diseases during the 68th Annual Meeting of the ASTMH in Washington DC.
According to the Society, Clara Southmayd Ludlow Medal recognizes honorees for their inspirational and pioneering spirit, whose work represents success despite obstacles and advances the field of tropical medicine.
Prof. Quakyi is a Professor of Immunology and Parasitology, a health researcher as well as a Fellow of the African Academy for Science in the field of Biosciences.
Her research and teaching over the past three decades focused on malaria immunity, immunoepidemiology, immunopathology, immunodiagnosis, autoimmunity, molecular immunology and vaccine development.
Speaking during the ceremony, Prof. Quakyi noted the great honour bestowed upon her as the third recipient of this award which was started in 2017. She reflected on the legacy of Dr Ludlow and the under-representation of women in the sciences.
The previous recipient of the award are; Prof. Njeri Wamae, Professor of Parasitology at the United States International University, Kenya (2018) and late Ruth S. Nussenzweig MD, PhD of New York University School of Medicine, United States (2017).
ASTM is the largest international scientific organization of experts dedicated to reducing the worldwide burden of tropical infectious diseases and improving global health.
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Article by Jedidah Mwangi
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