denny Ethnic & National book

Sudanese scientist Dr Hiba Mohamed has been awarded the Royal Society Pfizer Award for her pioneering research into genetic susceptibility to leishmaniasis, a parasitic disease transmitted by sand fly bites, today. The award was established last year by the Royal Society (1) - the UK national academy of science - and Pfizer with the aim of helping to expand scientific research capacity in developing countries. Dr Mohamed, from the Institute of Endemic Diseases in Sudan, has won the award for her research on the genetic basis of differences in human susceptibility to leishmaniasis. Her discoveries have increased the understanding of how the disease develops in humans and may help in the design of therapies which will stimulate the immune system to develop defences against the disease. Leishmaniasis - like malaria - is caused by a parasite that is transferred to humans through insect bites. Infection leads to disfigurement and is fatal if left untreated. Leishmaniasis exists throughout the tropics and currently over 12 million people worldwide are infected with the disease and a further 350 million are at risk. Outbreaks have claimed thousands of lives in South Sudan as well as among tribes who have migrated to highly infected areas in eastern Sudan because of the 1984 drought in Darfur. However, although a great deal is known about leishmaniasis, a vaccine or effective treatment is yet to be discovered. Dr Mohamed said: "By studying the movements of ethnic groups and ...