The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) has awarded the prestigious 2025 Greenwood Africa Award to Dr. Fitsum Tadesse, a renowned malaria researcher and public health advocate from AHRI. This esteemed award celebrates his important contributions to malaria research, as well as his dedication to advancing public health in Ethiopia and Africa.
Established in 2018, the Greenwood Africa Award honors mid-career African scientists demonstrating exceptional research achievements and leadership potential in combating infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. The award commemorates Professor Sir Brian Greenwood’s legacy of improving health outcomes across the continent.
Dr. Tadesse, a Wellcome Fellow at LSHTM, has focused on malaria drug resistance, diagnostics, and the spread of the invasive mosquito species Anopheles stephensi in the Horn of Africa. His work has significantly shaped malaria elimination strategies, including Ethiopia’s five-year malaria action plan, which he spearheaded. His expertise has also informed policies in neighboring countries, underscoring his regional impact.
In response to receiving this prestigious recognition, Dr. Tadesse expressed gratitude and highlighted the collaborative nature of his achievements: “This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a tribute to countless researchers, healthcare workers, and communities who entrusted us with their health. It strengthens my resolve to generate quality and timely evidence that informs decision-making locally.”
Dr. Tadesse’s family, along with LSHTM researchers, joined him in London to celebrate his achievement. As part of the award, Dr. Tadesse delivered the esteemed Greenwood Lecture during his residency at LSHTM, where he shared insights into his transformative work.
Professor Sir Brian Greenwood remarked: “I am delighted that Dr. Tadesse’s contributions to malaria research have been recognized through this award. I hope he will continue his strong collaboration with LSHTM.”
Congratulations to Dr. Fitsum Tadesse for this well-deserved honor that cements his legacy in the fight against malaria and infectious diseases in Africa