H. A. Willis

H. A. Willis

Born	(1889-05-15)May 15, 1889
Birth place	London, England
Died	November 23, 1962(1962-11-23) (aged 73)
Death place	New York City, United States
Occupation	Physician, Professor

H. A. Willis (15 May 1889 – 23 November 1962) was a renowned British physician and professor known for his pioneering work in the field of tropical medicine. His research significantly advanced the understanding of diseases prevalent in tropical regions, particularly malaria and yellow fever.

Early Life and Education

H. A. Willis was born in London, England, in 1889. He attended the University of Oxford, where he studied medicine and developed an interest in infectious diseases. After completing his medical degree, Willis pursued further studies in tropical medicine at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.

Career

Willis began his career as a physician in the British colonial medical service, where he was stationed in various parts of Africa and Asia. His experiences in these regions fueled his interest in tropical diseases, leading him to focus on research and teaching.

In 1925, Willis joined the faculty of the University of London as a professor of tropical medicine. He was instrumental in establishing the university's tropical medicine program, which became a leading center for research and education in the field.

Contributions to Tropical Medicine

Willis's research on malaria led to significant advancements in the understanding of the disease's transmission and treatment. He was among the first to advocate for the use of quinine as a preventive measure for malaria, a practice that became standard in many tropical regions.

In addition to his work on malaria, Willis conducted extensive research on yellow fever, contributing to the development of the first effective vaccine against the disease. His efforts in public health campaigns helped reduce the incidence of yellow fever in several African countries.

Legacy

H. A. Willis's contributions to tropical medicine have had a lasting impact on the field. His work laid the foundation for modern research and treatment of tropical diseases, and his teachings inspired a generation of physicians and researchers.

Also see

• Tropical medicine
• Malaria
• Yellow fever
• London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine