Leon Mutesa is a Rwandan health researcher and geneticist, who has served as Director of Centre for Human Genetics at University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences since 2016.[1][2] Before his appointment, he had been continuously serving at the institution since 2004, starting as assistant lecturer and rose to professor since 2019.[3]
Leon Mutesa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Leon Mutesa Rwanda |
| Nationality | Rwandan |
| Alma mater | University of Rwanda (BSc, M.D.) University of Liège (PhD) |
| Awards | Lifetime Contribution by HUGO |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Human Genetics |
| Institutions | University of Rwanda, CHUK and RBC |
Since 2009, Leon has worked at Rwanda Military Hospital as a clinical genetic specialist. In 2011, he was appointed by the government of Rwanda as a head of the Medical Research Division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, he served until 2013.[4] As a geneticist, during COVID-19, Leon was a member of COVID-19 task force in Rwanda, he led the laboratory testing under WHO consultancy.[5][6] Leon serves as president of the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization which supports people with Down syndrome in Rwanda.[7] In April 2024, he was awarded the African Prize for Lifetime Contribution in human genetics by HUGO-Human Genome Organization.[8]
Education edit
Leon Mutesa attended the University of Rwanda, Kigali, where he graduated with a BA in Human biology in 1998. Subsequently, Leon continued his enrolment at the institution to pursue a medical and surgical degree, he graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2003. Since 2009, Leon holds a PhD degree in Human genetics from University of Liège, Belgium.[4]
Activities edit
In 2016, Leon, along with Edwige Musabe, created the Rwanda Down Syndrome Organization, which trains family members and teachers in Rwanda to support the development of children with Down syndrome. In 2021, it was following over 1,000 patients, and Leon serves as president of the organization since its founding.[9][10] As a geneticist, during COVID-19, Mutesa was among the Rwanda government's COVID-19 task force where he was coordinating COVID-19 laboratory testing under WHO consultancy.[11][12][13] Leon Mutesa and his research group implemented various research projects aiming at building human capacity for SARS-CoV-2 laboratory diagnostic and management in Rwanda.[14][15]
Academic career edit
After graduating with Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, in 2004, Leon started working at University of Rwanda, College of Medicine and Health Sciences as an assistant lecturer. In 2010, he became senior lecturer. In 2015, Leon rose to associate Professor of Human Genetics, subsequently, he founded the Centre for Human Genetics at the institution and became its director.[16] He has been a visiting professor of Human Genetics at various institutions, including University of Liège in Belgium, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Senegal, and he was promoted to the Professor title in 2019.[3]
Additional career edit
Between 2009 and 2011, Leon was a Director of the Department of Clinical Biology at the University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), the largest referral hospital in Rwanda. Subsequently, he was appointed by the government of Rwanda as a head of the Medical Research Division at Rwanda Biomedical Centre, Rwanda's national health implementation agency established by Ministry of Health, he served until 2013.[17] Between 2013 and 2021, Leon worked with the Rwanda National Police as consultant for the implementation of the Kigali Forensic Science Laboratory, a laboratory that supports the justice system with evidence based on science and technology for use in courts of laws and other justice bodies in Rwanda.[18][4]
Awards edit
- 2024: African Prize for Lifetime Contribution in human genetics by HUGO-Human Genome Organization.[19]
References edit
- ^ "UR to open Biotechnology Master's Programme by next year – Rwanda inspirer". 14 June 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ "Leon Mutesa | University of Rwanda in Kigali". berlinscienceweek.com. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ a b "Two academic staff promoted to Professor - University of Rwanda". ur.ac.rw. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ a b c Reporter, Times (5 November 2016). "Meet Dr Leon Mutesa, Rwanda's first medical geneticist". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ "Rwanda Turns to Mathematical Approach to Enhance Coronavirus Testing". Voice of America. 13 August 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ ADF (10 November 2020). "Rwanda Earns Praise for Multifaceted Virus Response". Africa Defense Forum. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Courtney (9 November 2017). "Down Syndrome Advocacy in Rwanda". Inclusion Evolution. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Uwamariya, Yanditswe na Nadia. "Umunyarwanda yahembewe kuvumbura ko ihungabana ryatewe na Jenoside yakorewe Abatutsi rihererekanywa mu muryango". Kigali Today. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Mutesa, Léon (1 March 2022). "A genetic research story of giving back and returning to the country of a thousand hills". Nature Genetics. 54 (3): 216–218. doi:10.1038/s41588-022-01028-9. ISSN 1546-1718. PMID 35241827.
- ^ Mwiza, Shallon (22 March 2024). "Rwanda: Advocates and supporters gather to 'end stereotypes' on World Down Syndrome Day". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ https://www.courthousenews.com/leon-mutesa/
- ^ "Rwanda opts for pool testing in response to COVID-19 – Africa Science Magazine". sciafmag.com. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ Mutesa, Leon (2 July 2020). "Rwanda's COVID-19 pool testing: a savvy option where there's low viral prevalence". The Conversation. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ "Dr. Leon Mutesa – H3Africa". Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ Sebasaza, Yanditswe na Emmanuel Gasana. "Virusi ya Corona yo mu Buhinde ntiragera mu Rwanda - Prof. Mutesa". Kigali Today. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ Sabiiti, Daniel (21 September 2018). "New Research Shows Traumatic Disorder Among Children Conceived During Genocide". KT PRESS. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Reporter, Times (24 November 2011). "Regional experts discuss anti-malaria drug". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
- ^ Buningwire, Williams (7 March 2023). "ASFM 2023 Kicks Off With Call For More Investment In Forensic Science To Deliver Quality Justice". KT PRESS. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
- ^ Kuteesa, Hudson (12 April 2024). "Rwandan doctor wins award for lifetime contribution in human genetics". The New Times. Retrieved 22 April 2024.