CBM's Adrian Hopkins awarded MBE for sight-saving work in Africa

“CBM UK is delighted to congratulate our Trustee Dr Adrian Hopkins, who was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Dr Hopkins, an opthalmologist and expert in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), worked for CBM for over a decade in Central African Republic and Democratic Republic of Congo, delivering sight-saving eyecare programmes. Since January 2008, he has been Director for the Mectizan Donation Programme (MDP), which oversees the donation of the drug Mectizan for River Blindness (onchocerciasis) and Mectizan and albendazole for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Africa.

CBM UK Chief Executive Kirsty Smith said: “”On behalf of all at CBM UK, I’d like to share our warmest congratulations with Adrian on his MBE. He has been a leading figure in eye health and Neglected Tropical Diseases for many years, and we are incredibly lucky to benefit from his wisdom and expertise on the CBM UK Trustee Board””.

More than 1 billion people are affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) such as River Blindness, Trachoma and Lymphatic Filariasis, with a further 2 billion people at risk. These diseases flourish in conditions of poverty – poor housing, unsafe water and lack of healthcare – causing pain, misery and disability and resulting in about half a million deaths each year.

“”The conferment of MBE to Dr Adrian Hopkins is a tribute to his immense contributions in the field of prevention of blindness and specially to Neglected Tropical Diseases””, said Babar Quereshi, CBM’s Director of Neglected Tropical Diseases.””He has touched the lives of millions of people in his service to humanity. We are extremely delighted and congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition.””

Adrian was appointed a Trustee of CBM UK in 2014. He is also Chair of the Global Alliance for the Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis.

Read more about CBM’s work on NTDs (open link in new tab)