Aklilu Lemma†

Introduction: A Pioneer of Natural Medicine

Dr. Aklilu Lemma† (1934–1997) stands as one of Ethiopia's most distinguished and impactful scientists, a visionary whose work brilliantly bridged the worlds of entertainment and medicine. While the term "entertainment" may seem unconventional for a scientist, Aklilu Lemma† mastered the art of communicating complex medical discoveries to the world, educating and captivating global audiences. His most notable achievement was the discovery of a natural, plant-based preventative for schistosomiasis (bilharzia), a debilitating parasitic disease affecting hundreds of millions in the tropics. For this life-saving, low-cost innovation, he was awarded the prestigious Right Livelihood Award Winner in 1989, often called the "Alternative Nobel Prize." Dr. Lemma's legacy is a testament to the power of indigenous knowledge, sustainable science, and dedicated public health advocacy in Ethiopia and beyond.

Early Life & Education: The Foundations of a Scientific Mind

Aklilu Lemma was born in 1934 in the small town of Jijiga, in the Hararghe region of Ethiopia. From a young age, he exhibited a profound curiosity about the natural world, an inclination that was nurtured by the rich biodiversity of his homeland. His early education in Ethiopia set him on a path of academic excellence, leading him to pursue higher studies abroad. He earned his first degree in biology from Addis Ababa University, then continued his education in the United States.

In the early 1960s, Aklilu Lemma† obtained a Doctor of Science degree in pathobiology from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. This formative period exposed him to advanced Western scientific methodologies. However, it was his deep connection to Ethiopian environmental and health challenges that truly shaped his research direction. Returning to Ethiopia, he took up a position as a professor at the then Haile Selassie I University (now Addis Ababa University). It was here, while conducting field research, that he made the initial observation that would define his career: noticing that people who washed clothes in streams where the Endod plant (African soapberry, Phytolacca dodecandra) grew seemed to suffer less from schistosomiasis. This moment of intuitive connection between local practice and scientific inquiry became the cornerstone of his life's work.

Career & Major Achievements: The Endod Breakthrough

Dr. Aklilu Lemma's career was dedicated to validating and promoting his discovery for the benefit of public health. Schistosomiasis, a disease caused by parasitic flatworms (schistosomes) living in freshwater snails, was a massive, neglected health crisis. Conventional control methods relied on expensive and environmentally harmful chemical molluscicides (snail killers). Lemma's pioneering research offered a sustainable alternative.

The Discovery and Research

In 1964, at the age of 30, Dr. Lemma and his colleague, Dr. Legesse Wolde-Yohannes, began systematic research on the Endod berry. They confirmed that the berry's natural saponins were highly effective at killing the snail hosts of the schistosome parasite, while being biodegradable and non-toxic to humans and other mammals at controlled doses. He established the Institute of Pathobiology at Addis Ababa University as a central hub for this research, fostering a new generation of Ethiopian scientists.

Global Advocacy and Recognition

Facing skepticism from the international pharmaceutical and public health establishment, which favored chemical solutions, Aklilu Lemma† embarked on a decades-long campaign of evidence-based advocacy. He presented his findings to the World Health Organization (WHO) and numerous international forums, tirelessly arguing for the merits of this appropriate technology. His work was a masterclass in science communication—translating complex research into compelling narratives for policymakers and communities, an effort that truly placed him in a unique category of scientific entertainment and education.

His perseverance paid off. In 1989, the Right Livelihood Award Foundation honored him "for discovering and campaigning relentlessly for an affordable preventative against bilharzia." The award citation highlighted not just the discovery, but his holistic approach that empowered local communities. This recognition as a Right Livelihood Award Winner catapulted his work to wider global attention and validated the importance of indigenous scientific knowledge.

Impact and Later Work

Following the award, Dr. Lemma continued his mission. He served as the Deputy Director of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in New York, where he advocated for child-focused health initiatives grounded in sustainable practices. His work on Endod also showed promise for other applications, including:

• As a natural detergent.
• As a potential agent for controlling other disease vectors.
• As a model for biodiscovery research in developing countries.

His career demonstrated that a scientist from Ethiopia could lead world-class, impactful research that challenged conventional paradigms in medicine.

Personal Life & Legacy: The Man Behind the Science

Beyond the laboratory, Aklilu Lemma was described as a man of immense integrity, patience, and dedication. He was a devoted mentor, inspiring countless students in Ethiopia to pursue careers in science and public health. His personal drive stemmed from a deep-seated commitment to alleviating the suffering of the poor and marginalized, particularly in rural African communities where preventable diseases like bilharzia were rampant.

His legacy is profound and multifaceted. Scientifically, he left a blueprint for using ethnobotany—the study of regional plants—as a source of modern medical solutions. Ecologically, his promotion of Endod championed the principles of environmental sustainability long before they became mainstream. In terms of global health equity, he argued powerfully for the democratization of scientific research and the value of solutions originating from the Global South. The Aklilu Lemma† Institute of Pathobiology at Addis Ababa University continues his mission, ensuring that his spirit of inquiry endures. He passed away in 1997, but his work remains a beacon of innovation and hope.

Net Worth & Business: A Legacy Measured in Impact

Discussing the net worth of Dr. Aklilu Lemma† in traditional financial terms misses the essence of his contribution. He was not a businessman seeking profit, but a public health scientist and advocate dedicated to open, accessible knowledge. His "venture" was one of social good, not financial gain. The economic value of his work is incalculable, measured instead in its potential to save billions of dollars in healthcare costs and, more importantly, millions of lives and improved life trajectories.

He deliberately did not patent the Endod discovery for personal profit, viewing it as a public good for humanity, especially for the impoverished communities most affected by schistosomiasis. Any funding he secured, including the Right Livelihood Award prize money, was funneled back into research and advocacy. Therefore, while Dr. Lemma may not have accumulated significant personal wealth, the value he created—through sustainable health solutions, empowered scientific communities in Ethiopia, and a powerful model for alternative research—constitutes a priceless global asset. His life underscores that the greatest "business" can be the business of saving lives and stewarding knowledge for the common good.

Sources & Further Reading: Information for this biography is drawn from the official archives of the Right Livelihood Award Foundation, historical records from Addis Ababa University, and obituaries and profiles published in scientific journals such as The Lancet. His seminal work is documented in research papers including "Studies on the molluscicidal properties of Endod (Phytolacca dodecandra)" and various UNICEF publications.