Emeritus Professor Sam Mukaratirwa receives the Elsdon-Dew Medal from Professor Kerry Hadfield Malherbe, President of the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa.Life Sciences Professor Awarded the 2024 Elsdon-Dew Medal by the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is proud to announce that Emeritus Professor Samson Mukaratirwa, former Dean and Head of the School of Life Sciences and a distinguished academic, veterinarian, and researcher in the field of biomedical sciences, has been awarded the prestigious Elsdon-Dew Medal by the Parasitological Society of Southern Africa.
This honour recognises his outstanding contributions to the field of parasitology, particularly in the study and management of parasitic zoonoses and vector-borne diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mukaratirwa has dedicated much of his career to advancing knowledge on neglected parasitic diseases, which have significant public health and economic impacts in Africa. His research spans multiple areas, including the taxonomy, pathology, and epidemiology of helminth infections, as well as the vectors and vector-borne diseases affecting both animals and humans.
His work has had a profound influence on understanding the interplay between animal health, human health, and environmental factors in the context of Africa’s unique challenges.
An advocate for the One Health approach, Mukaratirwa integrates the importance of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in his research, ensuring that the cultural and social dynamics of affected communities are considered in disease prevention and control strategies. His work also addresses the impact of climate change on the livelihoods of resource-poor populations in sub-Saharan Africa, making his contributions both timely and crucial.
Beyond his research, Mukaratirwa is deeply committed to capacity building. He has mentored numerous postgraduate students throughout his career, fostering the next generation of veterinarians, academics and researchers.
His dedication to teaching is evident through his roles at institutions such as the University of Zimbabwe, UKZN, and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in the West Indies.
The Elsdon-Dew Medal is awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to parasitology in southern Africa.
Words: Sally Frost
Photograph: Supplied