Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 13 May 2025 – The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) congratulates Dr. Abdoulaye Djimdé of Mali and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) on receiving the Fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, awarded by the Government of Japan. The prestigious award recognises extraordinary contributions to medical research and services that address Africa’s most pressing health challenges, including malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Dr. Djimdé, Director of the Malaria Research and Training Centre in Bamako, was honoured in the Medical Research category for his transformative work over three decades. His pioneering research into malaria drug resistance and genomic surveillance has informed both national policies, and global World Health Organization guidelines. Beyond his scientific contributions, Dr. Djimdé has built local research capacity through training programmes that have empowered scientists across 17 African countries.

At a time when Africa’s fight against malaria faces a “perfect storm” of challenges, including growing resistance to traditional tools and treatments, Dr. Djimdé’s work exemplifies African-led innovation in global health. Coordination across countries and partners is essential for our collective big push against malaria’s perfect storm and towards eliminating malaria

Joy Phumaphi, ALMA’s Executive Secretary, in recognition of Dr. Djimdé efforts to build Africa’s research capacity through training

ALMA also applauds the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, recipient of the Prize in the Medical Services category, whose efforts to deliver treatments for neglected tropical diseases, especially African sleeping sickness, continue to save lives and restore dignity across underserved communities. DNDi’s work ensures that vulnerable communities can access quality care and directly supports the goals of the WHO 2030 NTD Roadmap, which aims to eliminate at least one NTD in 100 countries by 2030. Expanding access to treatment remains key to achieving this vision.

This recognition, announced ahead of TICAD 9 in August 2025, reflects Japan’s sustained commitment to advancing health priorities in Africa. Japan’s continued support for global health institutions, such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, further reinforces its leadership and solidarity in the pursuit of health equity. 

ALMA commends the Government of Japan for recognising African excellence and strengthening global partnerships that leave no one behind.

About the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize

The Prize aims to honour individuals or organisations with outstanding achievements in the fields of medical research and medical services to combat infectious and other diseases in Africa, thus contributing to the health and welfare of the African people and of all humankind.