In a major win for African medical science, Professor Keertan Dheda has been awarded the prestigious Princess Chichibu Memorial TB Global Award. The announcement was made at the conclusion of the 2025 World Conference on Lung Health in Copenhagen, Denmark—the world’s most significant annual summit for respiratory health.
Presented by the Japan Anti-Tuberculosis Association (JATA), the award recognizes Professor Dheda’s decades of “exceptional scientific contributions” and his role as a global vanguard in the fight to eradicate tuberculosis (TB).
A Legacy of Global Impact
Established in memory of Princess Chichibu of Japan, this award is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to reducing the global TB burden. For Prof Dheda, this recognition is a culmination of a career spent bridging the gap between high-level laboratory research and frontline patient care.
The Power of Partnership Despite the individual accolade, Prof Dheda remained characteristically humble, dedicating the award to his colleagues at the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity (CLII).
“I feel immensely grateful and humbled. Science is never a solo endeavour – it is shaped by teams, partnerships, and communities. I accept this award as a figurehead of the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity in recognition of our collective effort.” — Prof Keertan Dheda
The “Dheda Effect” on Global Health
As a highly cited clinician-scientist, Dheda’s work has fundamentally changed how TB is diagnosed and treated in high-burden regions across Africa and Asia. His influence is felt through several key leadership roles:
- UCT & Groote Schuur: Serving as the Head of the Division of Pulmonology.
- UCT Lung Institute: Director of the Centre for Lung Infection and Immunity.
- International Ties: Holding a joint appointment as Professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
Translating Science into Policy
Beyond the clinic, Prof Dheda has been instrumental in drafting the blueprints for global TB control. His research has directly informed World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and strengthened national TB strategies. By aligning scientific innovation with the realities of low-resource settings, he has ensured that medical breakthroughs translate into saved lives on the ground.
