23 August 2025
Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize — 5th Laureates
Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize
Announcement of the 5th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Laureates
Announcement of the 5th Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize Laureates
The Government of Japan has officially announced the laureates of the Fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize (HNAP), which recognizes outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services that contribute to the health and welfare of the people of Africa.
The award ceremony will be held in August 2025 on the occasion of the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9).
Laureates of the Fifth Prize
Medical Services Category
Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) (Headquartered in Switzerland)
DNDi is honored for its patient-centered model and significant impact in developing and delivering affordable treatments for neglected tropical diseases, particularly African sleeping sickness. Their innovative partnerships have led to sustainable improvements in health systems and access to care in Africa.
Awarded For:
- Developing and ensuring access to treatments for neglected tropical diseases, particularly African sleeping sickness (Human African Trypanosomiasis).
- Making essential medical innovations available to populations often excluded from R&D priorities.
- Strengthening equitable drug development models and collaborative delivery frameworks with local health systems.
Medical Research Category
Dr. Abdoulaye Djimdé (Republic of Mali)
Director, Malaria Research and Training Centre, University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako
Dr. Djimdé is recognized for his pioneering work in malaria research, including antimalarial drug resistance surveillance, the development of malaria treatment strategies, and the creation of a network of African malaria researchers that has strengthened capacity and collaboration across the continent.
Awarded For:
- Groundbreaking research in chloroquine resistance and molecular markers for malaria.
- Leading clinical trials on artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), influencing WHO treatment guidelines.
- Founding and leading the Pathogens genetic Diversity Network Africa (PDNA) – now spanning 16 countries.
- Mentoring and building capacity for African scientists through DELGEME and DELGEME Plus programs.
- His work has impacted malaria control policy, improved patient survival, and advanced scientific collaboration across Africa.
Notable Contributions
- Identification and field validation of the Pfcrt gene for chloroquine resistance.
- Key research leading to WHO's endorsement of PyramaxR for repeated use in children.
- Mapping genetic diversity of Plasmodium species to inform localized malaria strategies.
- Development of advanced training in genomics and bioinformatics for young African researchers.
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