The Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize honours individuals or institutions that make outstanding contributions to medical research or medical services in Africa

Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize

Dr Hideyo Noguchi was a prominent Japanese bacteriologist who made many important contributions to our understanding of tropical diseases, particularly those affecting Africa, in the early 20th century.

In memory of Dr Noguchi’s major scientific contributions and dedication to his research, the Government of Japan established the Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in 2006.

The prize honours individuals or institutions who have made outstanding contributions to, and who are still active in, the fields of medical research or medical services in Africa The inaugural awards were made in 2008, 80 years since Hideyo Noguchi’s death.

The first laureates of the prize were Brian Greenwood, Manson Professor of Clinical Tropical Medicine at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK, honoured for his work on malaria, and Professor Miriam K Were, Chairperson of the National AIDS Control Council of Kenya, honoured for her work in advancing community-based health services.

The award ceremony was held on 28 May 2008, the first day of TICAD (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) IV. The prize will be awarded every five years to coincide with this conference.