The Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), co-founded by the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), has been awarded the fifth Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize in the medical services category.
The award ceremony was held today in Tokyo in the presence of Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru.
The Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prize, awarded every three years, is Japan’s highest medical honour. It commemorates Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a pioneering Japanese scientist who devoted his life to bacteriological research and died while studying yellow fever in Africa.
DNDi was recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing and delivering new treatments for neglected diseases that disproportionately affect poor and vulnerable populations in Africa.
“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,” said Prof. Samuel Kariuki, DNDi Continental Lead Africa and Eastern Africa Director. “DNDi was founded with the vision that Africa should not have to wait for others to solve our health challenges. We remain committed to ensuring that no disease is overlooked simply because it affects the poorest and most vulnerable.”
Since its founding in 2003 by KEMRI and other international partners, DNDi has developed 13 new treatments for six deadly diseases, including sleeping sickness, leishmaniasis, mycetoma, and pediatric HIV—nine of which were delivered from Africa. One of DNDi’s major achievements is the development of fexinidazole, the first all-oral treatment for both gambiense and rhodesiense forms of sleeping sickness.
It also conducted the world’s first randomized clinical trial for mycetoma, a debilitating and neglected disease, and carried out numerous studies to improve leishmaniasis treatment and develop child-friendly HIV therapies.
DNDi’s work spans the continent, with clinical trials conducted alongside partners in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Guinea, the Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“As one of DNDi’s founding partners, KEMRI is immensely proud to see DNDi recognized for its outstanding contributions, and for our shared commitment to addressing neglected diseases,” said Prof. Elijah Songok, Director General of KEMRI. “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.”
DNDi extended its gratitude to KEMRI for the nomination and to the Government of Japan for recognizing its mission to advance medical innovation and improve the lives of the world’s most neglected patients.
