On 18 February 2004, Merck & Co., Inc.* presented a special Mectizan Award to Dr. Ebrahim M. Samba, World Health Organization (WHO) regional director for Africa, for his efforts in combating onchocerciasis in Africa. The award was given in conjunction with the opening ceremony for “Health in Africa Day”, an event co-sponsored by WHO and Merck at Grand Central Terminal in New York City, USA.
“I am delighted to recognize Dr. Samba for his commitment to eliminating river blindness as a public health problem for millions of people around the world” said Mr. Jeffrey L. Sturchio, vice president of external affairs for Merck’s Europe, Middle East and Africa division. “His vision, hard work and initiative over the last three decades have inspired everyone in the effort against river blindness. His determination and tireless advocacy are a model for all involved in bringing medicines to those in need.”
Dr. Samba has been with WHO since 1974, serving first as director of WHO’s Onchocerciasis Control Program (OCP) in West Africa and, since 1995, as director of WHO/AFRO. Dr. Samba was instrumental during the launch and subsequent success of OCP and remained committed to the program throughout its 28-year duration from 1974-2002. OCP’s vector control strategy combined with mass treatment with Mectizan in West Africa has nearly eliminated onchocerciasis as a public health problem in much of the region with the exception of Sierra Leone where, until recently, civil war prevented control efforts. Dr. Samba also played a key role in bringing Merck and WHO together to conduct the clinical trials that led to the approval of Mectizan as a treatment for river blindness.
The Mectizan Donation Program wishes to congratulate Dr. Samba on his award and on his remarkable contributions to the control of onchocerciasis. ❖
*Merck & Co., Inc. is known as MSD outside Canada and the United States.