The Ministry of Health in Mali has honoured the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s Professor Brian Greenwood by naming a new community health and research centre after him.

The Brian Greenwood Centre for the Promotion of Primary Healthcare and Research is in the town of Koumantou, in Koumantou district in the region of Bougouni, Mali.

The centre, which was officially inaugurated in August 2024 by the  Ministry  of Health and Social Development, recognises his extensive contributions to combating infectious diseases in Mali and  marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between LSHTM, the Centre for Vaccine Research (CVD-Mali), and the Malaria Research and Training Centre (MRTC). These institutions have played key roles in reducing the burden of meningitis and malaria, which have long afflicted the region. Over the past 15 years, LSHTM and its Malian counterparts have made remarkable progress, significantly reducing the incidence of malaria in young children and the risk of epidemic meningitis in Bougouni region and across Mali.

Professor Greenwood said: "I am deeply honoured to have my name linked to this centre. I have dedicated much of my career to research against infections like malaria and meningitis which in the past have posed severe challenges to communities like Koumantou. It is pleasing to see the recent success of vaccines and prevention strategies against these infections, research to which the collaboration between  CVD-Mali, MRTC, and LSHTM has made important contributions."

Professor Samba Sow, Director of CVD-Mali, said: ” In the heart of underserved communities, the true measure of a resilient healthcare system lies not just in its ability to provide services, but in its power to touch lives with compassion and understanding. Picture the remote village of Koumantou, where hope blossoms because of the tireless work of the teams at the Prof. Brian Greenwood Centre Here, healthcare isn't merely a service—it's a lifeline that bridges huge gaps, bringing light to those who have long lived in the shadows of healthcare neglect. Through the unwavering dedication of Prof Brian Greenwood, this Centre will be able to provide accessible care that will transform the most challenging landscapes, weaving a tapestry of health, dignity, and opportunity for those who need it most. In places like Koumantou, we see the profound impact of reaching out to the hardest-to-reach, reminding us that true resilience in healthcare means leaving no one behind.”

Alassane Dicko, professor of epidemiology and public health at MRTC-University of Science Techniques and Technologies of Bamako, said: “Professor Greenwood has committed his life to addressing major health problems in Africa through research, training and capacity building. This has resulted in the saving of millions of lives and major improvements in the health and well-being of the populations in Africa. We have been privileged to be among the numerous scientists around the world that he has trained and mentored. We are  thrilled that the Mali health authorities and the populations of Koumantou have named this health and research centre in recognition of Prof Greenwood’s inestimable contribution.  With the support of the health authorities, we are committed to ensuring that the Centre named in his honour truly reflects the remarkable impact and legacy of Prof Greenwood.”

The Brian Greenwood Centre will serve as a cornerstone for healthcare and research in Koumantou, continuing a legacy of scientific collaboration and research.