The Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize (ELBO) has established itself as one of the most prestigious scientific awards dedicated to promoting African research on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Created in homage to Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba, an emblematic figure of African commitment to the fight against AIDS, this prize embodies the continent's desire to stimulate local scientific innovation, value academic excellence, and strengthen endogenous research capacities.

Initiated by the African AIDS Society (ICASA), this award pays particular attention to supporting young African researchers, especially women scientists, who are often underrepresented in biomedical fields. Through the ELBO Prize, Africa affirms its ambition to produce scientific responses tailored to its epidemiological realities and to sustainably address the persistent challenges related to pandemics on the continent.

More than four decades after the emergence of HIV/AIDS, Africa remains one of the regions most affected by the epidemic. Despite significant progress in prevention and treatment, local scientific research continues to face structural challenges, including funding and the recognition of African talent. It is in this context that the Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize was established, with the aim of fostering scientific excellence and homegrown innovation.

Origin and scope of the Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize

The ELBO Prize was created in homage to Édith Lucie Bongo Ondimba, the first President of the Organization of African First Ladies against AIDS (OAFLA). Her unwavering commitment to prevention, access to care, and pan-African solidarity in the fight against HIV/AIDS profoundly influenced public health policies across the continent. Through this prize, its founders sought to perpetuate a vision: that of an Africa actively engaged in its own scientific response to pandemics, capable of producing knowledge tailored to its epidemiological and social realities.

A launch within a strong scientific and institutional framework

The official presentation of the Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize took place on March 9, 2024, in Oyo, Republic of Congo, during the International Forum on AIDS and Emerging Diseases. The event was held under the high patronage of the President of the Republic of Congo, His Excellency Mr. Denis Sassou N'Guesso, in the presence of Mr. Denis Omar Junior Bongo Ondimba, at a solemn and moving ceremony. This high-level scientific forum was chaired by Professor Prosper Alain Bouya, President of the Congolese Society of Surgery and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Hospital, alongside Colonel (ret.) Pierre M'Pélé, Honorary President of the African Society Against AIDS (SAA) and member of the French National Academy of Medicine.

The ELBO Prize 2025: Promoting African scientific innovation

Continuing this momentum, the 2025 Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize was awarded to a young African researcher, recognized for her innovative scientific work in the fight against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections. The prize, worth US$5,000, was presented on December 4, 2025, during the plenary session of the 23rd International Conference on AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Africa (CISMA), held in Accra, Ghana, from December 3 to 8, 2025. This international recognition highlighted the quality and relevance of the biomedical research produced by African scientists.

A lever for research and women's leadership

Beyond the financial reward, the ELBO Prize plays a strategic role in promoting women's scientific leadership in Africa. It helps encourage young female researchers to pursue long-term careers in biomedicine, while also increasing the visibility of research conducted on the continent. This approach addresses a dual challenge: reducing scientific dependence on external research centers and strengthening Africa's capacity to develop solutions tailored to its own health challenges.

The Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba Prize stands as a powerful symbol of African scientific maturity and the political will to support public health research. By honoring the memory of Edith Lucie Bongo Ondimba, it perpetuates a visionary commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, scientific excellence, and the empowerment of African talent. On a continent still heavily impacted by pandemics, this prize serves as a reminder that African science is not only a necessity, but also a force for the future.