Professor Rose Leke

Professor Rose Leke, an esteemed immunologist, shares insights into her recent L'Oréal-UNESCO international award for women in science and discusses significant advancements in the field.

A part of the interview with African Journalists focuses on Cameroon's recent launch of a systematic malaria vaccination campaign. Despite initial skepticism, the campaign has seen encouraging participation and no adverse side effects, signaling a positive reception among the populace.

Addressing the concerns of parents about the malaria vaccine's partial effectiveness, Professor Leke urges trust in the vaccine, citing successful pilot programs in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi.

She reassures that the vaccine significantly reduces the severity of malaria in children, ultimately saving lives.

Professor Rose Leke is a renowned Cameroonian malariologist and Emeritus Professor of Immunology and Parasitology at the University of Yaounde

She has made significant contributions to the field of global health, particularly in the areas of immunology, parasitology, and malaria research

Photo credit: TDR

Professor Leke developed an interest in medicine after receiving treatment for a lung abscess when she was six years old

She pursued her undergraduate studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Indiana, USA, and obtained her master's degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana

Professor Leke completed her PhD at the Université de Montréal in Canada, focusing on murine plasmodia infections

Professor Leke's research has primarily focused on pregnancy-associated malaria, a condition where even women with immunity to severe forms of malaria can be affected by a life-threatening form of the disease, with implications for the health of the baby

She has collaborated with researchers from the University of Hawaii at Manoa to investigate this condition and has published studies on the topic

Professor Leke has been a leader and role model in the global health community for nearly three decades

She has made significant contributions to polio eradication efforts across the African continent

In 2011, she received the African Union Kwame Nkrumah Scientific Award for Women, which recognizes female excellence in scientific research

She has also received the 2012 award for Excellence in Science from the Cameroon Professional Society

Photo Credit: WHO

Professor Leke has shown tremendous leadership in advancing gender equality and empowering women in the field of public health, science, and research

Professor is a beacon of hope to the African woman,

Letting them know they have a very important role to play in Africa