DRC—The Director-General of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has presented Professor Jean Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum and Professor Peter Piot with the lifetime achievement award for their exceptional contributions to global health.

The two distinguished individuals were specifically acknowledged for their significant involvement in the discovery and management of Ebola Virus Disease (EBV).

Professor Muyembe-Tamfum, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), received recognition for his innovative leadership and groundbreaking contributions to the treatment and control of EBV.

WHO commended his critical role in improving health outcomes in the DRC, Africa, and globally, against this devastating hemorrhagic fever.

Professor Muyembe-Tamfum currently serves as the Director-General of the DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa.

He is also a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Kinshasa Medical School and the founding president of the Congolese Academy of Science.

His involvement in the discovery of the Zaïre Ebola virus during the first recorded outbreak in 1976, in Equateur Province, Central DRC, marked a significant milestone.

He later contributed to the development of one of the first effective treatments against the virus and played a crucial role in deploying experimental Ebola virus disease vaccines.

Furthermore, Professor Muyembe-Tamfum has been instrumental in building the DRC’s scientific capacity, establishing multiple research facilities in the country, and collaborating closely with WHO in the fight against infectious diseases.

In parallel, Professor Piot from Belgium was recognized for his exceptional leadership in responding to the HIV/AIDS epidemic and other significant global health challenges.

His instrumental role in launching major global health initiatives, including UNAIDS and the Global Fund, has significantly improved health outcomes worldwide.

Under his guidance, UNAIDS became a leading advocate for global action against AIDS, spearheaded UN reform by unifying 10 different UN organizations, and made valuable contributions during the initial discovery and containment of the Ebola virus outbreak through field epidemiological investigations.

Professor Piot has chaired several high-level initiatives, served in numerous advisory roles, including on COVID-19, and has received multiple prestigious awards.

He currently serves as the Special Advisor to the European Commission President and is a Professor of Global Health, as well as a former Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that “These outstanding individuals embody lifelong dedication, relentless advocacy, a commitment to equity, and selfless service of humanity and people’s health.”

Dr. Tedros praised them both for their contribution noting that in a time of multiple emergencies, health crises, and conflict, WHO recognizes that leadership in public health and science is more important than ever to advance global health.

“Their combined stories and successes show how much the world has progressed in terms of collaboration at the global, regional, and country levels to strengthen health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience. These outstanding scientists will continue to inspire us every day,” he added.

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