Prof. Doutchi Mahamadou | Infectiologie | Distinguished Scientist Award

Head of Infectious and Tropical Diseases Department at André Salifou University, Niger

Dr. Mahamadou Elh Mahamane Doutchi is a seasoned infectious disease specialist and public health expert from Niger, serving as Associate Professor at the University of Zinder since 2022. He is the Deputy Head of the Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties and leads the Infectious Diseases Department at Zinder National Hospital. With over two decades of experience, he has made significant contributions in clinical care, medical education, and epidemic response. Dr. Doutchi has actively participated in managing outbreaks such as Rift Valley Fever and COVID-19 and contributed to malaria chemoprevention initiatives in Niger and Mali. As President of the Nigerian Society of Infectious Pathology (SONIPI), he plays a crucial role in shaping national infectious disease policy. His academic contributions include over 44 publications, three book chapters, and the supervision of numerous theses. Passionate about health system strengthening, he continues to influence both practice and policy through his research and teaching.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Doutchi holds a Doctorate in General Medicine from the University Abdou Moumouni (2008), a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on Health Systems Engineering from the University of Marseille (2012), and multiple diplomas in infectious diseases. His specialized training includes a DFMS in Clinical and Biological Infectious Diseases from Marseille (2013), a DES in Infectious Diseases from Cheikh Anta Diop University (2014), and an inter-university diploma in Antibiology and Antibiotherapy from INSSA Burkina Faso. He also obtained his baccalaureate in Mathematics and Physical Sciences from Kouara High School in 1997. Between 2004 and 2024, he completed over 15 professional courses and internships to stay updated on emerging medical challenges. His multidisciplinary educational background, spanning medicine, public health, and microbiology, underpins his holistic approach to disease prevention, health promotion, and clinical management in both academic and field settings.

Work Experience

Dr. Doutchi’s extensive professional journey includes his ongoing role as a teaching-researcher at the University of Zinder since 2016, where he delivers over 170 hours of lectures and supervises 500 hours of clinical training yearly. His prior roles span multiple countries and organizations, including MSF and ALIMA, where he coordinated research and emergency responses in Niger, Mali, Nigeria, Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. He led projects on malaria chemoprevention, managed outbreaks (Rift Valley Fever, Lassa Fever), and supported malnutrition initiatives. He also interned at Hôpital La Conception in Marseille in 2013 and worked with MSF Switzerland (2008–2009). His work involves planning, implementation, training, supervision, and data analysis. He has demonstrated leadership in both crisis and stable environments, integrating research with real-time healthcare delivery. He remains a key figure in infectious disease management and public health intervention across Francophone Africa.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Doutchi has received wide recognition for his leadership in infectious disease management and health system strengthening. As President of the Nigerian Society of Infectious Pathology (SONIPI) since 2023, he has been instrumental in promoting research collaboration and policy formulation. He is also an active member of five prestigious medical societies, including the Société de Pathologie Infectieuse de Langue Française (SPILF) and the Société de Pathologie Exotique. His scientific presentations at key conferences such as the Journées Nationales d’Infectiologie (Saint-Malo) and CERMES (Niamey) have garnered attention for their relevance and rigor. Notably, his efforts in epidemic preparedness, malaria vaccine research, and community health programs have led to local and regional commendations, especially for his work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Rift Valley Fever outbreak. His prolific academic output, mentorship, and cross-border collaboration reinforce his standing as a respected leader in global health.

Research Focus

Dr. Doutchi’s research spans malaria control, antimicrobial resistance, viral outbreaks, and public health preparedness. As co-investigator on multiple studies, he has addressed pressing health issues in West Africa, particularly the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of malaria, Rift Valley Fever, Lassa Fever, and HIV/AIDS. His interests lie in the operationalization of health interventions, such as seasonal malaria chemoprevention, vaccine campaigns, and outbreak response strategies. He also investigates antimicrobial usage patterns, aiming to curb resistance through education and policy reforms. His commitment to translational research ensures that findings are implemented in real-world settings. With over 44 peer-reviewed publications and 25 conference communications, Dr. Doutchi advocates for evidence-based practices tailored to low-resource environments. His work bridges academia and field operations, enhancing health system responsiveness through scientific innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

Skills

Dr. Doutchi possesses a robust blend of clinical, academic, and public health skills. He excels in managing infectious disease cases, supervising clinical training, and designing university curricula. His capabilities include project planning and budget oversight, epidemiological and nutritional survey execution, and advanced data analysis using statistical software. A skilled communicator and educator, he has trained dozens of medical and paramedical staff and directed numerous health campaigns. His research expertise encompasses proposal writing, scientific publishing, and thesis supervision. His familiarity with international NGOs, such as ALIMA and MSF, has honed his ability to manage humanitarian crises and coordinate multidisciplinary teams. Notably, his ethical decision-making, cross-cultural sensitivity, and initiative-driven leadership have enabled him to navigate complex health emergencies effectively. He is also well-versed in inspection protocols, stakeholder engagement, and the development of innovative pedagogical tools for medical education.

Conclusion

Dr. Mahamadou Doutchi is highly suitable for the Research for Distinguished Scientist Award, particularly for his lifelong commitment to combating infectious diseases, developing public health infrastructure, and educating future medical professionals. His diverse experience across clinical, academic, and NGO sectors, combined with his leadership in handling health emergencies and mentoring junior researchers, exemplifies the criteria of a distinguished scientist with real-world impact.

Publications to Noted

First Cases of Dengue Fever Confirmed in the National Hospitals of Zinder and Niamey
Authors: Doutchi M., et al.
Journal: Case Reports in Infectious Diseases
Year: 2025 (Jan)

The resurgence of diphtheria in Zinder, Niger**
Authors: Doutchi M., Bara Abdoul‑Aziz A., Lamine M. M., Diongolé H., et al.
Journal: Infectious Diseases Now
Year: 2024 (Dec)

Circulation of Non‑falciparum Species in Niger: Implications for Malaria Diagnosis
Authors: Doutchi M., et al.
Journal: Open Forum Infectious Diseases
Year: 2024 (Aug 30)

Presentation and outcomes of Lassa fever in children in Nigeria: a prospective cohort study (LASCOPE)
Authors: Doutchi M., et al.
Journal: Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Year: 2024 (Aug)

Inducible clindamycin resistance among clinical Gram‑positive cocci in a tertiary hospital in Niger Republic
Authors: Doutchi M.
Preprint: 2024 (Jun)

Health transformation toward universal healthcare coverage amidst conflict: examining the impact of international cooperation in Niger
Authors: Doutchi M.
Journal: Frontiers in Public Health
Year: 2024 (Mar)

Urinary Schistosomiasis in the Urban Community of Zinder (Niger): The Permanent Pond of In’birgui, an Epidemic Focus
Authors: Doutchi M.
Journal: Iranian Journal of Parasitology
Year: 2024 (Jan)

Fractional dosing to improve vaccination coverage, vaccine hesitancy, and cost‑effectiveness in Africa: a systematic review
Authors: Doutchi M.
Preprint: 2023 (Aug)

Metagenomic Direct Diagnosis of Polymicrobial Community‑Acquired Meningoencephalitis in Niger: A Case Report
Authors: Doutchi M.
Preprint: 2023 (Aug)

Missed opportunities to develop childhood cancer programmes in Africa
Authors: Doutchi M.
Journal: The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health
Year: 2023 (Jul)

Doutchi Mahamadou | Infectiology | Distinguished Scientist Award