A world-renowned and accomplished scientist, Professor Sir Alimuddin Zumla, has been awarded the Mahathir Science Award (MSA) in Tropical Medicine in recognition of his outstanding contributions to global health, particularly in tropical infectious diseases.
Sir Alimuddin, who was born and raised in Zambia, and currently a Professor of Infectious Diseases and International Health at University College London and Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, received the award from Zahid Rastam, charge d' affaires of the High Commission of Malaysia in London, on behalf of MSA during a ceremony that was streamed live yesterday morning.
In his acceptance speech on what was the International Day of the Tropics (on Tuesday), Sir Alimuddin said that individual efforts do not win prizes and medals.
"Throughout my career, I've been fortunate enough to work with thousands of wonderful people worldwide.
"Thus, the award of the very prestigious Mahathir Science Award to me, reflects the commitment, dedication and hard work of my research teams, collaborators and friends across the world," he said.
"I am absolutely delighted, honoured and humbled by this award. It is so exciting. It is the first time I have received recognition from a Muslim country.
"My team is all over Africa and Europe, and they are deserving of this award and so is my family, " said Sir Alimuddin who was accompanied by his wife, Lady Farzana, during the meaningful event marking yet another milestone in the illustrious career of the 66-year-old scientist, whose research and capacity development work across multiple countries have allowed for improved health policy and outcomes for people suffering from tuberculosis, TB/HIV co-infections and infectious diseases with epidemic potential.
Mindful of the standard operating procedures during this time of the pandemic, the event was physically attended by only a handful of Malaysian High Commission officers but joined virtually by others such as former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, MSA chairman Tan Sri Shamsuddin Osman, and the Academy of Sciences Malaysia president Professor Datuk Dr Asma Ismail.
The MSA, established to be the world's most prestigious international science award for tropical sciences, was launched in honour of Dr Mahathir in 2004.
Award winners receive US$100,000, a gold medallion and a certificate.
Sir Alimuddin stressed on the importance of empowering younger generation scientists who can continue the work that has been done.
"For us to control zoonotic infections from becoming pandemic infections like Covid-19, we need to empower the younger generation scientists and healthcare workers, and take leadership so that they can take forward what have been built and sustained.
"I think in Malaysia, the former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir had his vision correct. I think he focused more on investing into science and health services so the younger generation can take leadership," said Sir Alimuddin after receiving his award.
Dr Mahathir, in his speech, congratulated Sir Alimuddin and said he was in no doubt that the brilliant scientist will continue with his contribution in helping solve the problems of the tropics.
He added: "I believe that plans for developments and sustainability of the tropics will be in the hands of those from here.
"Solutions, action plans and developments for the tropics are uniquely for the region and cannot be transplanted in other regions.
"Malaysia cannot do this alone and neither can any other nations in the tropics, but we believe there is strength in unity. If we can channel our efforts, we can achieve our objectives sooner rather than later."
Dr Mahathir added that it was important for mutual benefit that countries pool resources and share data, and stressed that there must be political will and commitments of all countries in the tropics.
Nominees for the Mahathir Science Award go through a rigorous selection process modelled after the Nobel Prize (scientific) selection procedures to ensure that the award is presented to the best candidate.
The evaluation is performed by the fellows of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia and by an International Advisory Panel.
This year, the panel consisted of Nobel Laureate Professor Barry Marshall, previous MSA laureates Emeritus Professor John Sheppard Mackenzie and Professor Alan Cowman, and former director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Professor Sir Andrew Haines.
They unanimously recommended Sir Alimuddin as the 2020 MSA Laureate.
Sir Alimuddin joins the ranks of other MSA laureates which include the late Prof Yuan Longping, world-renowned agronomist known as the "The Father of Hybrid Rice"; Prof Malik Peiris, the scientist who first isolated the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus; and Prof Rita Colwell, globally recognised environmental microbiologist and the first ever female director of former United States' National Science Foundation.