Dr. Adel Mahmoud, Sanaria Board member, passes away

It is with great sadness that Sanaria shares the news of the passing of long standing Sanaria Board member, Dr. Adel Mahmoud. Dr. Mahmoud was a giant in the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases around the world. He died Monday, June 11, in New York City, age 76, from a brain hemorrhage. It is hard to comprehend the scale and breadth of his contributions, many of which are detailed on the Princeton University website.

For Sanaria, Adel provided a unique portfolio of expertise. From his time (1998-2006) as President of Vaccines at Merck, where he was responsible for the development and commercialization of vaccines against gastroenteritis, papillomavirus (HPV), shingles, and the quadrivalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine, Adel brought to Sanaria a wealth of experience that helped to guide Sanaria through critical junctures in the PfSPZ Vaccine pathway.

Adel made major contributions to global health policy, serving on advisory boards and panels for the World Health Organization, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control, the National Academies, the Rockefeller Foundation, and universities and research institutions around the world. As an academic, holding senior positions before and after his tenure at Merck, Adel’s critical and straight forward advice, encouragement and cheer leading provided gratis to Sanaria has been treasured immensely.

We are proud and will be forever grateful to have Sanaria as one of the important developments with which Adel was associated. We will miss his thoughtful contributions, guidance, his intellect and great character. Sanaria’s thoughts are extended to his family, friends and colleagues.