Statement on Noguchi Africa Prize Recipients

The Government of Japan announced today that Dr. Brian Greenwood and Dr. Miriam Were are recipients of the inaugural Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prizes. Dr. Tachi Yamada, president of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation's Global Health Program, made the following statement on the awards:

The 2008 Hideyo Noguchi Africa Prizes recognize two extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to improving health in Africa.

I congratulate Dr. Greenwood and Dr. Were on these well-deserved honors.

Their work has had an enormous impact on addressing the inequity in healthcare throughout the world, one of the greatest challenges faced by humanity today.

I also commend the Government of Japan for establishing this important award. It is a testament to Japan's long-term commitment to the development of African nations.