Known for his groundbreaking work and leadership in Rotavirus research in Africa, Professor George Armah of the Department of Electron Microscopy and Histopathology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research has been elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS). This prestigious recognition is a testament to his decades-long contributions to public health and vaccine research across the continent.
Prof. Armah studied at the University in Ghana and after obtaining an MSc in Physics, went on to complete a PhD in Biophysical Chemistry and Immunology from Osaka University in Japan. In 1998, he co-founded the African Rotavirus Network (ARN), which has significantly advanced rotavirus surveillance and contributed to the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in Africa.
At Noguchi, his leadership in major vaccine trials, including the multi-country RotaTeq vaccine study, has influenced WHO’s global immunization policies.
Professor Armah demonstrating to participants attending the annual WHO rotavirus training workshop in Regional Rotavirus Reference Lab, Accra, Ghana
As Director of the RRL and Chair of Ghana’s National Immunization Technical Advisory Group, Prof. Armah has played a key role in the rollout and monitoring of rotavirus vaccines in Ghana. He is also actively involved in the evaluation of novel vaccines, including the parenteral rotavirus vaccine P2-VP8.
Beyond research, Prof. Armah is deeply committed to mentorship and capacity building. As an adjunct professor at the University of Ghana’s School of Public Health, he has trained over 140 graduate students and health professionals from Ghana and the wider West African region. He is also a founding member of the International Rotavirus Organization of Technical Advisers (ROTA) Council and was recently honoured by the Gates Foundation as a “Vaccine Hero”.
Professor Armah with stakeholders at a dissemination workshop on Rotavirus Vaccine Impact and Intussusception surveillance in Ghana
Prof. Armah’s election to the AAS marks a significant milestone and brings honor to the Institute and Ghana at large.