NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 22 -The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) has been awarded the fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in the medical services category, in recognition of its pioneering work in developing treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect the world’s poorest communities.
The award the highest medical honour conferred by the Government of Japan was presented in Tokyo in a ceremony graced by Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan and hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
Established in memory of renowned Japanese scientist Dr. Hideyo Noguchi (1876–1928), who died in Africa while researching yellow fever, the prize is awarded every three years to individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to medical research and services in Africa.
Accepting the honour, Prof. Samuel Kariuki, DNDi Continental Lead for Africa and Eastern Africa Director, said the recognition validates a patient-centered model of medical innovation that places African scientists at the forefront.
“This recognition is proof of the power of a model for medical innovation driven purely by patients’ needs, where African scientists are leading the charge against diseases that have long burdened our communities,” Prof. Kariuki said.
“DNDi was founded with the vision that Africa should not have to wait for others to solve our health challenges.”
Founded in 2003 by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) alongside international partners, DNDi has emerged as a global model for Africa-led health innovation. In just over two decades, the organization has developed 13 new treatments for six deadly diseases nine of them delivered from Africa.
DNDi’s portfolio includes fexinidazole, the first-ever all-oral treatment for sleeping sickness, as well as new therapies for HIV in children, leishmaniasis, and mycetoma. The organization has conducted clinical trials with partners across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Malawi, Guinea, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.
Prof. Elijah Songok, KEMRI Director General, hailed the award as a testament to Africa’s ability to deliver world-class scientific breakthroughs.
“As one of DNDi’s founding partners, KEMRI is immensely proud to see DNDi recognized for its outstanding contributions,” Prof. Songok said.
“We It demonstrates that when African institutions lead research initiatives, we achieve global impact. This prize validates the critical role African research institutions play in advancing global health equity.”
In a statement, DNDi expressed gratitude to KEMRI for the nomination and to the Government of Japan for the recognition, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no disease is neglected simply because it affects the most vulnerable.
