A Ghanaian scientist and Professor at the University of Ghana, Lydia Mosi, has received international recognition for decades of research into Buruli ulcer and other neglected tropical diseases, earning a prestigious lifetime achievement award from the Anesvad Foundation in Spain.
Prof. Mosi, an Associate Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at the university’s Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, was honoured during the foundation’s 11th annual awards ceremony held on Thursday.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations contributing to the fight against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which continue to affect more than one billion people globally, according to the World Health Organisation.
The Ghanaian researcher was recognised for her long-standing contribution to scientific research on neglected tropical diseases, particularly Buruli ulcer, a debilitating skin disease that remains prevalent in parts of West Africa.
According to organisers, Prof. Mosi has authored more than 50 high-impact scientific publications, influenced health policy discussions and helped secure more than $20 million in research funding over the course of her career.
The award also includes a €15,000 grant to support ongoing research and project activities.
Speaking after receiving the honour, Prof. Mosi reflected on how her scientific journey began as a young undergraduate student after encountering her first Buruli ulcer patient.
“I started this journey out of curiosity as an undergraduate student when I saw my first Buruli ulcer patient with a huge lesion that was painless,” she said.
“To be recognised for work in neglected tropical skin diseases and my work in Buruli ulcer, is especially meaningful because these conditions have, for far too long, reflected a deeper neglect, not only of diseases, but of the people who live with them.”
She dedicated the award to her late mother, whom she credited for believing in her potential and encouraging her academic journey.
Prof. Mosi also used the platform to draw global attention to the wider social and economic impact of neglected tropical diseases, stressing that the consequences often extend beyond physical illness.
“Neglected tropical skin diseases are more than medical conditions. They affect education, livelihoods, mental health, and social inclusion. Behind every statistic is a child excluded from school, a parent unable to work, or an individual facing stigma and isolation,” she said.
She further challenged young African scientists and researchers to confront indifference surrounding neglected diseases and strengthen local scientific leadership on the continent.
“The next generation of scientists must challenge indifference, strengthen local leadership, and ensure that no disease and no person is considered too neglected to matter,” she added.
Ghana also received further recognition at the ceremony after Ark Development Organisation won an award for its work addressing environmental, social and economic factors linked to neglected tropical diseases with skin manifestations.
The organisation was commended for incorporating mental health support and stigma reduction into its healthcare interventions. Its director, Emmanuel Kwafo Mintah, received the award on behalf of the organisation.
Another award went to Ethiopia’s National Podoconiosis Action Network for its advocacy and communication efforts aimed at influencing public policy on skin-related neglected tropical diseases.
The Anesvad Foundation said this year’s awards also marked the recent establishment of the Spanish Coalition against Neglected Tropical Diseases, which brings together institutions involved in research, healthcare and international development cooperation.
Since launching the awards in 2015, the foundation has supported 48 projects and professional careers across more than 12 African countries, providing cumulative funding of about €865,000.
