“Dr. Djimde is a hero and pioneer in malaria research, particularly research on anti-malarial drug resistance, and a highly valued member of the ASTMH Board,” said ASTMH President Chandy C. John, MD, MS, FASTMH. “The video shows really well how dedicated he is to building up the next generation of African malaria researchers.”

Dr. Djimde returned to his native Mali in Africa after completing his PhD in genetics in the United States. He works with his team at the Molecular Epidemiology and Drug Resistance Unit at the Malaria Research and Training Centre studying the genetics of drug resistance and searching for tools to more effectively kill the malaria parasite. He also is active in attracting funding, training young Africans, and developing infrastructure and research capacity so that African scientists can be better equipped to play their part in the global effort to eliminate malaria.