UG Pro-Vice Chancellor receives international medal

The Pro-Vice Chancellor for Academic and Students Affairs of the University of Ghana, Professor Gordon Awandare, has received an international medal from the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) for his outstanding and sustained contributions to tropical medicine, infectious disease research and scientific capacity development in Africa.

The 2025 Bailey K. Ashford Medal was presented to him at a colourful ceremony at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada, last Sunday as part of the society’s annual meeting.

Four other scientists from other parts of the world were honoured during the programme, with Professor Awandare standing out as the only African awardee.

Award

Named after Dr Bailey K. Ashford, a pioneering figure in tropical medicine known for identifying the connection between hookworm infection and anaemia at just 26 years old, the Bailey K. Ashford Medal, one of the world’s most prestigious distinctions in tropical medicine, is conferred annually on exceptional early-to-mid career scientists who have demonstrated distinguished achievements in the field.

A letter notifying Professor Awandare of the award said the ASTMH Medals Committee commended him for his “important contributions to the understanding and control of tropical diseases” and his “continuing work on behalf of people in need throughout the world”.

A trailblazer in malaria research and African scientific leadership, Professor Awandare’s groundbreaking work has focused on understanding the biology and immune response mechanisms of malaria, one of the continent’s most devastating diseases.

For a scientist who is also the founding Director of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) at the University of Ghana, his research has significantly advanced global understanding of malaria pathogenesis, paving the way for improved diagnostics, treatments and vaccine development.

Leadership

Beyond his scientific contributions, Professor Awandare is celebrated for his visionary leadership in building research infrastructure and nurturing scientific talent across Africa.

Through WACCBIP, which he founded in 2014 with support from the World Bank’s African Centres of Excellence programme, he has transformed the landscape of biomedical research and postgraduate training on the continent.

Under his stewardship, WACCBIP has trained and mentored hundreds of young African scientists, many of whom now occupy influential positions in academia, research institutions, and public health agencies across Africa and beyond.

The centre’s research portfolio has expanded beyond malaria to include viral, bacterial and genetic diseases, contributing vital evidence for disease surveillance, control and prevention in the region.

Receiving the medal presented by ASTMH President, Professor David Fidock, Professor Awandare expressed gratitude to the body for the honour and reaffirmed his commitment to advance Africa’s role in global health research.

“This award is not just a personal achievement; it is a recognition of the incredible work being done by my colleagues and students at WACCBIP and across Africa.

It shows that excellence in science knows no geographical boundaries. When given the right environment and support, African scientists can make discoveries that change the world,” he said.

Reacting to the recognition, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, described it as “a proud moment for the university and for Ghanaian science.”