د.هبة محمد تفوز بجائزة ابحاثSudanese Scientist Wins Award For Pioneering Leishmaniasis Research

Sudanese Scientist Wins Award For Pioneering Leishmaniasis Research, UK
05 Nov 2007

Sudanese scientist Dr Hiba Mohamed has been awarded the Royal Society Pfizer Award for her pioneering research into genetic susceptibility to leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand fly bites, today.

The award was established last year by the Royal Society (1) - the UK national academy of science - and Pfizer with the aim of helping to expand scientific research capacity in developing countries.

Dr Mohamed, from the Institute of Endemic Diseases in Sudan, has won the award for her research on the genetic basis of differences in human susceptibility to leishmaniasis. Her discoveries have increased the understanding of how the disease develops in humans and may help in the design of therapies which will stimulate the immune system to develop defences against the disease.

Leishmaniasis - like malaria - is caused by a parasite that is transferred to humans through insect bites. Infection leads to disfigurement and is fatal if left untreated. Leishmaniasis exists throughout the tropics and currently over 12 million people worldwide are infected with the disease and a further 350 million are at risk. Outbreaks have claimed thousands of lives in South Sudan as well as among tribes who have migrated to highly infected areas in eastern Sudan because of the 1984 drought in Darfur. However, although a great deal is known about leishmaniasis, a vaccine or effective treatment is yet to be discovered.

Dr Mohamed said: "By studying the movements of ethnic groups and tribes across eastern Sudan we have discovered that there is a clear difference in people's susceptibility to leishmaniasis disease. This indicates that there are specific genes which act as a defence mechanism against leishmaniasis. By understanding which genes are responsible, therapies could be developed to prevent this infectious disease.

"I am delighted to have won this award as it has enabled me to help people in the very remote and rural areas of Sudan who would otherwise not be able to receive treatment. Despite leishmaniasis being one of the major health diseases in Sudan, in some ways it still remains 'hidden'. This is because it mainly affects people in the isolated areas and does not reach the larger cities. It is also hard for those infected with leishmaniasis to reach the hospitals for treatment because they are so ill. For these reasons, without our research, it would still remain untreated in the remote areas of Africa. As I grew up in a small town that had severe outbreaks of leishmaniasis, it is a disease that is really important to me."

Dr Mohamed intends to use the £60,000 award grant to further her research into this neglected area with the aim of developing a preventative treatment

Sir David Read, Vice President and Biological Secretary of the Royal Society said: "Hiba is an inspirational figure for women working in developing countries and proof that it is possible to establish an internationally recognised research career while working in a country such as Sudan. Her work really touches the heart of the community. Without her passion to help people in the remote and rural areas of Africa many would die from this tropical disease simply because they cannot travel to the hospitals.

"This is the second year we have worked with Pfizer to present this award. It aims to recognise and reward excellent scientists in the developing world and help them expand their resources and expertise to benefit the needs of their countries."

Robert Mallett, senior vice president of Worldwide Alliance Development, Philanthropy and Corporate Responsibility for Pfizer Inc. and president of the Pfizer Foundation said: "This prestigious award recognizes the best and brightest scientists who are conducting groundbreaking research in Africa, and we are proud to partner with the Royal Society on this honour. Dr. Mohamed is a very worthy recipient. Her pioneering research on leishmaniasis, which infects approximately 12 million people throughout the world, has led to greater understanding into the genetic factors that determine susceptibility or resistance to this deadly disease."

"At Pfizer, our main contribution is discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines to prevent and treat disease. But equally important are improving access to medicine and strengthening health care systems for underserved people. This is why we will continue to work in partnership with national governments, international agencies and NGOs to tackle our common goal of improving patient health," he added.

The award grant and a £5,000 personal prize will be presented to Dr Mohamed at a ceremony at the Royal Society in London on Monday 5 November 2007.

The Royal Society is an independent academy promoting the natural and applied sciences. Founded in 1660, the Society has three roles, as the UK academy of science, as a learned Society, and as a funding agency. It responds to individual demand with selection by merit, not by field. As we prepare for our 350th anniversary in 2010, we are working to achieve five strategic priorities to:

- Invest in future scientific leaders and in innovation
- Influence policymaking with the best scientific advice
- Invigorate science and mathematics education
- Increase access to the best science internationally
- Inspire an interest in the joy, wonder and fulfilment of scientific discovery

http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk
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Main News Category: Tropical Diseases