Their achievements reflect a strong commitment to empowering African institutions, fostering South-South and North-South collaboration, and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
The EDCTP Prizes 2025 were attributed during the Twelfth EDCTP Forum, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda from 15 to 20 June.
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Meet the 2025 EDCTP Prize winners.
Dr Pascoal Mocumbi Prize: Professor Alexander Debrah
Professor Alexander Debrah, of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, has been awarded the 2025 Dr Pascoal Mocumbi Prize in recognition of his pioneering work on lymphatic filariasis and river blindness. His research into the use of doxycycline to manage these debilitating diseases has had transformative clinical and policy impact. Professor Debrah has treated over 5,000 patients and established elephantiasis management clinics across Ghana, while also leading innovations in community-based disease surveillance using mobile technology. Through multi-country partnerships and the TAKeOFF consortium, he has driven forward African-led research and clinical trial platforms.
Outstanding Female Scientist Prize: Professor Rashida Ferrand
Professor Rashida Ferrand, from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, is recognised for her pioneering contributions to adolescent HIV research. Based in Zimbabwe for over two decades, her work has reshaped understanding of perinatally acquired HIV and championed adolescent-centred care. Her innovations include caregiver support interventions, self-testing tools, and integrated community-based HIV and sexual health services. As Director of the CREATE PhD programme and co-lead of several EDCTP-funded consortia, Professor Ferrand has built sustainable research capacity across Africa and inspired a generation of health researchers.
Outstanding Research Team Prize: Zambart Research Unit
The Zambart Research Unit (ZARU), led by Dr Kwame Shanaube, receives the Outstanding Research Team Prize for its longstanding excellence in public health research. Established over 35 years ago in partnership with the University of Zambia and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Zambart has been at the forefront of research on TB/HIV and neglected tropical diseases. With extensive contributions to national and global policy, the team has conducted influential multi-country trials and mentored dozens of PhD candidates. Its commitment to capacity building, community engagement and cross-sectoral collaboration exemplifies the ethos of EDCTP.
Scientific Leadership Prize European woman Dr Katharina Kranzer
Dr Katharina Kranzer is honoured for her exceptional leadership in TB diagnostics, health systems strengthening and research capacity building. Based at Ludwig Maximilian University in Germany and LSHTM, she has played a critical role in developing The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU-Zim) and leading consortia such as ERASE-TB and SOFAR. Her work has directly influenced WHO guidelines and policy, while fostering equitable mentorship and collaboration across sub-Saharan Africa.
Scientific Leadership Prize Sub-Saharan Africa woman: Professor Marieke M. van der Zalm
Professor Marieke M van der Zalm, from Stellenbosch University, is celebrated for her leadership in paediatric TB and post-TB lung health. Her research has brought international attention to long-term health outcomes for children affected by TB and contributed to WHO operational guidance. Through the Umoya and INHALE studies and the International Post-TB Symposium, she has mentored young African researchers and driven forward regional and global advocacy for lung health in children.
Scientific Leadership Prize Sub-Saharan Africa man: Professor Tulio de Oliveira
Professor Tulio de Oliveira, of Stellenbosch University, is internationally renowned for his work in viral genomics. He led the identification of the Beta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants and has been instrumental in advancing genomics capacity across Africa. Through networks such as NGS-SA and CLIMADE, and training over 600 fellows across 48 countries, he has shaped policy and built scientific infrastructure critical for epidemic preparedness.
Scientific Leadership Prize European man: Dr Ahmed Abd El Wahed
Dr Ahmed Abd El Wahed, from Leipzig University, is recognised for his innovation in mobile diagnostics and One Health approaches. His development of the “suitcase laboratory” has enabled rapid detection of infectious diseases in remote settings across Africa and Asia. Through initiatives such as ADAPT and PREPARE-TID, he has strengthened surveillance, outbreak response and capacity building. His leadership integrates research, training and policy to improve global health preparedness.
The EDCTP Prizes are a prestigious celebration of outstanding individuals and institutions advancing global health research in sub-Saharan Africa. Through innovation, leadership and deep commitment to capacity building, the 2025 prize winners exemplify the vision of the Global Health EDCTP3 programme: fostering equitable partnerships and delivering high-impact research in poverty-related diseases.
Check the the Forum highlights
Details
- Publication date
- 27 June 2025
- Author
- Global Health EDCTP3 Joint Undertaking