Calestus Juma fellows named among 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024
The two fellows, Prof. Collen Masimirembwa and Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi, named as the 100 Most Influential Africans list features leaders from various fields, including business, civil society, creative, public office, sports, and opinion shapers.
Science for Africa Foundation is proud to announce that two recipients of Calestus Juma Science Leadership Fellowship fellows have been named in the prestigious 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 list by New African Magazine.
The two fellows, Prof. Collen Masimirembwa and Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi, named as the 100 Most Influential Africans list features leaders from various fields, including business, civil society, creative, public office, sports, and opinion shapers.
The 100 Most Influential Africans list features leaders from various fields, including business, civil society, creative, public office, sports, and opinion shapers.
Masimirembwa, who this week receives the prestigious global Pioneer Award in Pharmacogenomics, at the Silicon Valley Precision Medicine World Conference Award and is to receive another award in March in Germany, the Humboldt Research Award, was recognized by the London-based Pan-African publication for ‘laying the foundations for African genomic medicine.’
Masimirembwa
In his quest to establish a research ecosystem and centres of excellence across Africa, the Zimbabwean scientist founded the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AiBST) in 2002. His efforts have introduced and fostered a deeper understanding of African genomics and drug discovery, nurturing a generation of African scientists.
The Calestus Juma fellow’s mission does not end here.
With the support of Science for Africa Foundation, Masimirembwa is set to launch three centers of excellence in Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Nigeria. These centers will serve as hubs for cutting-edge research, training industry-focused scientists, and forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders – an ambitious initiative meant to create a thriving R&D biotechnology industry in Africa, fostering innovation and self-reliance in drug development.
Furthermore, Masimirembwa will lead a prospective, multi-center clinical trial spanning several African countries. This groundbreaking study will investigate the effectiveness of Pharmacogenetic testing in reducing adverse drug reactions and improving treatment efficacy specifically within African populations. This research is crucial for tailoring medical treatments to the unique genetic makeup of African individuals, ultimately leading to better healthcare outcomes.
Prof Moses Obimbo Madadi, a champion of women’s health, was honored for ‘his work investigating the relationship between HIV infection and preterm delivery.’ The distinguished Kenyan clinician-scientist is a passionate advocate for addressing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal mortality in Kenya.
Madadi
In October 2024, Prof Madadi successfully organized the first-ever Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Awareness Run – a 10K race featuring triple Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary of Health, Debra Barasa, raising awareness and mobilising support for this critical issue.
Prof Obimbo, who also serves as the Honorary Secretary of The Kenya Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, envisions establishing a World Haemorrhage Day to galvanize global efforts to combat PPH. He is a vocal champion for women’s health and continues to make significant strides in research, advocacy, data ecosystem, and innovation.
As a Calestus Juma fellow, his research in this critical area has shed light on the complex interplay between HIV and pregnancy complications, contributing to advancements in prevention and treatment strategies.
“We are thrilled to see two Calestous Science Leadership Juma Fellows recognised for their outstanding contributions to science and medicine in Africa,” said Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation.
