Dr Fitsum Tadesse has won the 2025 Greenwood Africa Award, one of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine’s highest honours, for his outstanding contributions to malaria research and public health in Africa. 

The Greenwood Africa Award is awarded every three years to a mid-career scientist who shows exceptional promise as an African research leader, recognising their research achievements and future potential in contributing to the control of infectious disease in sub-Saharan Africa.

It was set up in 2018 to honour Professor Sir Brian Greenwood, whose career has been devoted to improving health outcomes across Africa.

Dr Tadesse, a Wellcome Fellow at LSHTM, has been instrumental in advancing understanding of malaria drug resistance and diagnostics as well as the role and distribution of the invasive urban malaria mosquito – Anopheles stephensi. His research focuses on Plasmodium parasite transmission and its regulation, with a strong emphasis on translational research to inform malaria elimination strategies. 

Notably, his team uncovered the key characteristics of Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes, an invasive species in the Horn of Africa. 

This groundbreaking work garnered international attention and directly influenced policy by shaping Ethiopia’s five-year malaria action plan, which he led. He has also supported similar initiatives in neighbouring countries in the Horn of Africa.

Dr Tadesse’s achievements reflect the spirit of this award, demonstrating both scientific excellence and a commitment to improving public health.

He said: “I am humbled to accept the Brian Greenwood Africa Award. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a tribute to the countless researchers who worked with me, healthcare workers, and colleagues striving to improve healthcare. The result of my work is a collective effort, and I received the Award because of mentors who guided me, colleagues who inspired me, funders who put their trust on me and communities who entrusted us with their health. This award strengthens my resolve to push the boundaries of research so that decision is made based on locally generated quality and timely evidence.  

“Thank you to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine for recognizing my work, my mentors who supported and nominated me, my team, and my family (my wife Sarina and my children - Barkot and Rodas who were in London among the guests for inspiration). This is our shared achievement, and the journey continues.” 

Professor Greenwood said: "I am delighted that  Dr. Tadesse's  contributions to malaria has been recognised by LSHTM through the award of this prize and I hope that he will continue to maintain his strong links with the School.”   

As part of the award, Dr Tadesse received a medal and spent a week in residence at LSHTM, where he delivered the Greenwood Lecture, engaged with researchers, and shared insights from his work.