Congratulations to past Board member Abdoulaye Djimde, PharmD, PhD, FAAS, our 2021 Joseph Augustin LePrince Medalist, who received a proud reception in his native Mali. Dr. Djimde is the first African to receive the LePrince Medal, awarded every three years by ASTMH in recognition of outstanding work in the field of malariology.
“This LePrince Medal has been so well received everywhere but more so, here in Mali by the scientific community, the press, the lay public,” Dr. Djimde said.
The U.S. Ambassador in Mali organized a ceremony for Dr. Djimde at the Embassy, a rare honor, and Mali’s national TV hosted a live interview with him in their studio during prime time hours. The medal also was presented to the deans and rector of the University of Sciences, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako (USTTB), where Dr. Djimde is Director of the Malaria Research and Training Center (MRTC), and the Minister of High Education and Scientific Research in Mali. In addition, Dr. Djimde’s Rotary Club organized a large party to celebrate his medal.
“Ordinary Malians write, call and email me to express their pride,” Dr. Djimde said. “To see a Malian being the first African to be awarded this. I was blown away!”
U.S. Ambassador to Mali Dennis B. Hankins, left, with Dr. Djimde.
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“His Excellency rightfully congratulating my wife,” Dr. Djimde said. “He told her that I am where I am because of her, which she really appreciated.” |
At the U.S. Embassy in Mali
Dr. Djimde with the Rector of USTTB, Prof. Ouateni Diallo; the Minister of High Education and
Scientific Research, Prof. Amadou Keita; and a colleague, Prof. Mahamadou A. Thera
Dr. Djimde with the Dean (Prof. Seydou Soumbia) and Vice Dean
(Prof. Mariam Sylla) of the School of Medicine and Dentistry.