LEMMA, AKLILU

PHOTO CAPTION: Aklilu Lemma.

Aklilu Lemma (March 18, 1934 – April 5, 1997), an esteemed Ethiopian scientist and public health expert, is best known for his groundbreaking discovery of the molluscicidal properties of the endod plant, which significantly advanced efforts to combat schistosomiasis in Africa.

An Ethiopian scientist born in 1934 in Jijiga, Ethiopia, Aklilu Lemma was the son of Lemma Hailu, a teacher, and Kebedech Hailu, a homemaker who supported the family’s educational aspirations. His early years in this diverse and historically rich region influenced his future scientific endeavours. Lemma attended primary and secondary schools in Ethiopia before securing a scholarship to study abroad. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Addis Ababa University and later obtained a Ph.D. in Parasitology from Johns Hopkins University in the United States. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to understanding and addressing public health challenges in Ethiopia and beyond.

Upon completing his education, Aklilu Lemma returned to Ethiopia and embarked on a distinguished career in public health and scientific research. He served as a professor and researcher at Addis Ababa University, where he made his landmark discovery of the molluscicidal properties of the endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) plant. This discovery provided a sustainable and locally available method for controlling schistosomiasis, a debilitating parasitic disease. Lemma’s work earned him international recognition, including the Right Livelihood Award in 1989. Throughout his career, he remained dedicated to improving public health and advancing scientific knowledge in Ethiopia and across the African continent.

Aklilu Lemma passed away on April 5, 1997, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His death was due to complications from a chronic illness. His contributions to public health and scientific research continue to inspire and impact efforts to combat parasitic diseases in Africa.