In Memoriam: Professor Jean Louis Abdourahim Ndiaye

Career and academic leadership

Professor Ndiaye was a physician, epidemiologist and public‑health specialist with a specific focus on malaria and parasitic diseases. During his long research career in Senegal, he served as an Associate Professor at Cheikh Anta Diop University, Dakar, before heading the Department of Parasitology as a full Professor at Iba Der Thiam University of Thiès (UIDT) in 2013.

Professor Ndiaye also headed the communication commission of the African Society of Parasitology and was the Vice President of the Senegalese Society of Parasitology-Mycology-Entomology, frequently working with Ministries of Health and partner research institutions across Africa.

Research and mentorship

Professor Ndiaye was deeply involved in malaria control efforts and operational research: he led the EDCTP-funded OPT‑SMC project to strengthen national malaria control capacity in 14 West and Central African countries. His work on malaria prevention in pregnant women, scaling up community artemisinin-combination therapies and rapid diagnostic tests, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention, has helped protect millions of women and children at risk from malaria, and shaped the future of malaria prevention across Africa. 

He was also well known for his role as mentor and collaborator, with a strong focus on personal development of young researchers: he was part of the MARCAD programme student career development group, and several early career researchers continue to benefit from collaborations he set up. Professor Ndiaye was passionate about building capacity in rural areas – he was instrumental in the erection and development of the Keur Socé Research and Training Center and other important research sites in Senegal, which have been instrumental in empowering rural communities. His commitment was the key factor in the inclusion of these sites into major global networks of surveillance sites that produce data that inform national and international public health policies. 

A lasting legacy

Professor Ndiaye’s scientific leadership, educational commitment and operational focus bridged laboratory research, field intervention and national health systems. He leaves behind a strong foundation of multidisciplinary partnerships, trained researchers and strengthened national capacities for tackling malaria and other parasitic diseases.

“Professor Ndiaye was an endearing and humble colleague, deeply committed to others and generous with his time,” said IDDO Board member Professor Oumar Gaye, Director of the Malaria Research and Capacity Development consortium in West and Central Africa.  “A true humanist, he brought together teams with diverse approaches and created an environment in which young researchers could thrive.

“This is reflected in the many theses he supervised, the grants he secured and the careers he helped to launch. His quiet dedication to community work and his constant support for others were enduring marks of his humanity.”

“Jean‑Louis was a rare combination of intellectual brilliance and profound humanity,” said Professor Philippe Guérin, Director of Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) and WWARN. “His contributions to malaria research, including his collaboration with WWARN, and his tireless commitment to building scientific capacity in Africa, have left a legacy that will endure for a long time.”

Professor Jean Louis Abdourahim Ndiaye will be long remembered by colleagues, students and the global health community alike.