Sir Professor Alimuddin (Ali) Zumla GCDS, FRCP(Lond), FRCP(Edin), FRCPath(UK), PhD(Lond), FRSB(UK), FAAS was born in Fort Jameson, Zambia. He is dually qualified in medicine and science. Sir Zumla holds the positions of Professor of Infectious Diseases and International Health in the Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, UK, and Consultant Infectious Diseases Physician at UCLHospitals NHS Foundation Trust. He serves as honorary Professor at several institutions in Africa and Europe. Sir Zumla has made unique and very significant contributions to the fields of TB, TB/HIV co-infection and infectious diseases with epidemic potential. He is also renowned for his leadership of capacity development, training, advocacy and charity activities focused on improving the lives and health of disadvantaged populations globally. Sir Zumla is also renowned for championing ‘equitable north-south partnerships’ model of research. Sir Zumla has over 650 publications, and is Editor of 20 medical textbooks, including the classics: Manson’s Tropical Diseases, Tuberculosis: A Comprehensive Clinical Reference) and Granulomatous Disorders. Professor Zumla is well known for his motto which states: ‘everyone should hold hands together and move forward in the fight against infectious diseases’. Sir Zumla is recipient of numerous prestigious awards, prizes and medals including the WHO STOP TB Partnership Kochon Prize, The Times Higher Education Award, Albert Chalmers Medal and the Donald Mackay Medal of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and The Order of Grand Commander Of Distinguished Services from the President of Zambia in recognition of ‘Exceptional contributions to Medicine, Science & Health Services in Africa’. In June 2017, Sir Alimuddin was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen for exceptional ‘Services to Public Health and Protection from Infectious Diseases’.
