Andrew Balfour

Sir Andrew Balfour 1913

== Andrew Balfour ==

Andrew Balfour (21 March 1873 – 1 January 1931) was a Scottish medical officer, pathologist, and entomologist. He is best known for his contributions to tropical medicine and public health, particularly in the Sudan.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Balfour was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended the University of Edinburgh, where he studied medicine and graduated with an MBChB in 1894. He later obtained his MD in 1898 with a thesis on the pathology of malaria.

Career

Balfour began his career as a medical officer in the British Army, serving in various locations including India and South Africa. His work in these regions sparked his interest in tropical diseases.

In 1903, Balfour was appointed as the first Director of the Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratories in Khartoum, Sudan. During his tenure, he conducted extensive research on tropical diseases such as malaria, sleeping sickness, and yellow fever. His work significantly improved the understanding and treatment of these diseases.

Balfour was also instrumental in establishing public health measures in Sudan, including sanitation and vector control programs. His efforts helped reduce the incidence of many tropical diseases in the region.

Contributions to Entomology

In addition to his medical work, Balfour made significant contributions to the field of entomology. He conducted research on the role of insects in the transmission of diseases and identified several species of mosquitoes responsible for spreading malaria and yellow fever.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving Sudan, Balfour continued his work in public health and tropical medicine in various capacities. He served as the Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and was a founding member of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

Balfour's contributions to medicine and public health were widely recognized. He was awarded several honors, including being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1913.

Andrew Balfour passed away on 1 January 1931, leaving behind a legacy of significant advancements in tropical medicine and public health.

Related Pages

• Tropical medicine
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• Entomology
• Wellcome Tropical Research Laboratories
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
• Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

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