Kolkata, 23 May (H.S.) — Kolkata-born and US-based physician Dr. Anand Bandopadhyay, who played a pivotal role in India’s polio eradication and measles surveillance programmes, has been awarded the prestigious IVI–SK Bioscience Park MahnHoon Award for his outstanding contributions to global public health.
The 45-year-old doctor, associated with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, received the honour jointly with Professor Pierre Van Damme of the University of Antwerp, Belgium. The duo was recognised especially for their work in developing and implementing a novel oral polio vaccine, which has significantly impacted global immunisation efforts.
The award is presented by the International Vaccine Institute (IVI), the world’s only international organisation solely dedicated to the discovery, development, and delivery of vaccines for global public health. The 2025 award ceremony took place on April 30.
Reacting to the honour, Dr. Bandopadhyay said, “Receiving such a prestigious award is deeply inspiring. It brings renewed energy to future research. This recognition symbolises the power of global partnerships and collective commitment to the complete eradication of polio.”
The Indian medical fraternity has hailed Dr. Bandopadhyay’s recognition as a major achievement, not just for India but for the entire global public health community. His contributions have given a new direction to health initiatives worldwide.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
