London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine

Professor Sir Brian Greenwood, a pioneering figure in global health and infectious disease research at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the World Health Organization (WHO).  

The award recognises more than 60 years of transformative work in malaria research and public health, particularly across sub-Saharan Africa. 

The WHO Director-General’s Award for Global Health, established in 2019, was conferred this year to both Professor Greenwood and Professor Awa Marie Coll Seck, former Minister of Health of Senegal, acknowledging their lifelong dedication to improving health worldwide. 

Presenting the award at the 78th World Health Assembly, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO  Director-General and LSHTM alumnus, said: “Over the last five decades, Professor Sir Brian Greenwood performed pioneering research and made major contributions to infectious disease control.

“His work on malaria has been instrumental in shaping modern approaches to control this devastating disease.

“His contributions range from the introduction of insecticide-treated bed nets to groundbreaking trials for the RTS,S malaria vaccine, the first vaccine to be recommended for widespread use.”

Professor Greenwood began his career in the early 1960s, researching infectious diseases in Nigeria and later The Gambia, where he led multidisciplinary efforts to combat malaria, pneumonia, measles, and HIV.

Among other achievements, his studies were instrumental in demonstrating the impact of insecticide-treated nets in reducing child mortality and in advancing the use of seasonal antimalarial drug administration.

In 1996, he returned to the UK to continue his work at LSHTM, where he contributed to the rollout of the MenAfriVac vaccine in Africa and promoted integrated strategies for malaria prevention.

He is also renowned for his mentorship, having supported and guided generations of scientists and public health professionals including Dr Tedros who credits him as a formative influence in his career.

Professor Greenwood said: “It’s a big honour to receive this award. I really appreciate it. I’ve had a very interesting career, over 60 years since I went to work as a young doctor in Nigeria.

“The paediatric wards were full of measles, meningitis, malaria, polio, and even smallpox. My first research job involved visiting rural villages around Ibadan to study autoimmune diseases and the impact of malaria.

“As a young researcher in Africa, it was difficult to stay connected with the wider global health community. A 1975 WHO meeting was a turning point for me. Since then, I’ve learned a great deal through WHO committees and task forces and seen first-hand the vital role WHO plays.

“Finally, I want to thank the many colleagues I’ve worked with—especially those in Africa—as well as my wife and two daughters. Without their support, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Professor Liam Smeeth, the Director of LSHTM, said: “Brian Greenwood’s unwavering commitment to combating infectious diseases has transformed global health landscapes and saved countless lives. His pioneering research and tireless advocacy serve as an enduring inspiration to all of us striving for a healthier world.

“This recognition by the WHO is truly well-deserved. Congratulations to Brian on this remarkable achievement.”

Professor Umberto D’Alessandro, Director of the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM, said: “Brian Greenwood’s extraordinary contributions to malaria research and public health in Africa have reshaped the fight against infectious diseases, saving countless lives and strengthening health systems across the continent.

“His commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists has left a lasting legacy, inspiring innovation and leadership in global health. This recognition is a well-deserved tribute to a lifetime of impactful work.

“On a personal note, I am deeply grateful for Brian’s guidance and mentorship throughout my career. His passion for global health has been a constant source of inspiration.”

Professor Greenwood is the second LSHTM researcher to receive the award, after Professor Peter Piot in 2023.