BY Emma Black
Washington, D.C. – April 19, 2024 In a prestigious ceremony held at the National Academy of Sciences, the Sabin Vaccine Institute honored two outstanding physician-researchers, Dr. Keith Paul Klugman and Dr. Shabir Ahmed Madhi, with the esteemed Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal. The event also recognized Dr. Nicole Elaine Basta with the Rising Star Award, celebrating her impactful work in infectious diseases epidemiology.
The Sabin Gold Medal is one of the highest accolades for vaccinologists worldwide, awarded to Klugman and Madhi for their groundbreaking contributions to vaccines combating pneumonia and diarrheal diseases—leading causes of childhood mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The duo’s collaborative journey began at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits University) in South Africa, where Klugman established a leading infectious diseases research institute, and Madhi significantly expanded its reach.
Their research has not only influenced the World Health Organization’s vaccine recommendations but has also played a critical role in the introduction of lifesaving vaccines in public immunization programs across various LMICs. Their pivotal findings on the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine have directly impacted vaccination policies, paving the way for wider access to these essential health interventions.
“I am honored to award the Sabin Gold Medal to Dr. Klugman and Dr. Madhi for their extraordinary work on vaccines that have saved lives in communities most in need of these interventions,” said Amy Finan, CEO of the Sabin Vaccine Institute. “Their pneumonia research has been particularly transformative in shaping our understanding of the disease and strengthening global health strategies to protect children from this vaccine-preventable disease.”
Dr. Klugman, a pioneer in the field of infectious diseases, has dedicated nearly five decades to research, starting with the typhoid vaccine. He currently serves as the director of the pneumonia program at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, leading initiatives aimed at reducing deaths from pneumonia and related diseases. His remarkable body of work includes hundreds of publications cited over 50,000 times, earning him a place in the National Academy of Medicine and recognition as professor emeritus of global health at Emory University.
A proponent of equitable vaccine access, Klugman has actively fought for educational opportunities at Wits University, advocating for inclusivity within the academic community. “It is absolutely wonderful to be receiving this award, especially together with Shabir,” he remarked, acknowledging the significance of joining the ranks of previous awardees.
Dr. Madhi, a trained pediatrician with over 25 years of experience, has also made substantial contributions to vaccine research and public health policy. His leadership at Wits University has been instrumental in clinical trials focusing on respiratory and meningeal pathogens. Notably, he spearheaded the first study demonstrating the effectiveness of the rotavirus vaccine in preventing severe diarrhea in African infants, which was pivotal in the WHO’s recommendation for universal rotavirus vaccination.
“It is really humbling for me to be acknowledged for my contributions in the field of vaccinology along with those who have received the Gold Medal award,” said Madhi. “Most significantly, we contributed to protecting lives in those settings where a majority of death and suffering occurs, and that is in LMICs.”
The 2024 Rising Star Award was presented to Dr. Nicole Basta, an associate professor at McGill University and Canada Research Chair in Infectious Disease Prevention. Basta has made significant strides in evaluating vaccine impact and increasing public awareness about vaccination. Her innovative work includes developing an interactive online tracker for COVID-19 vaccine development, which provided real-time updates to millions globally.
Basta, a first-generation college graduate, credits her parents for instilling in her the value of education. “It’s truly an honor to receive the 2024 Rising Star Award from the Sabin Vaccine Institute,” she expressed. “This recognition is also a testament to the outstanding collaborators and trainees I have had the privilege to work with and it motivates us to continue to make a difference in the years ahead.”
The Sabin Vaccine Institute, a leading advocate for vaccine access and research, has awarded the Gold Medal for over 30 years to those making exceptional contributions to global health. Past recipients include renowned leaders in vaccinology, such as Drs. Barney Graham and Carol Baker.
As the global health community continues to face challenges posed by preventable diseases, the recognition of these extraordinary individuals emphasizes the ongoing need for innovative vaccine research and equitable access to immunization.
For more information about the Sabin Vaccine Institute and its initiatives, visit [www.sabin.org](http://www.sabin.org) and follow them on Twitter @SabinVaccine.
Media Contact:
Monika Guttman
Senior Media Relations Specialist
Sabin Vaccine Institute
+1 (202) 662-1841
press@sabin.org