Professor Melita Gordon has been appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in the King’s Birthday Honours list for services to global health.
Recognised for her outstanding contribution to gastroenterology and general medicine over the past three decades, Professor Gordon's clinical, research and teaching work has had a profound impact on global health, particularly in Africa. Based in Malawi, she is an NIHR Global Research Professor at the University’s Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences and Head of the Salmonella Research Group at the Malawi Liverpool Wellcome (MLW) Programme.
Professor Gordon first moved to MLW in 1997, dedicating her career to researching enteric diseases and seeking equitable health solutions for the people of Malawi and across Africa. Her groundbreaking research has been instrumental in developing and deploying critical Salmonella vaccines in Africa, protecting millions of vulnerable children from life-threatening disease.
Notably, she led a pivotal clinical trial in Malawi, demonstrating that the typhoid conjugate vaccine (TCV) is safe and effective in protecting against Salmonella Typhi, the bacterium responsible for typhoid fever. This trial, the culmination of two decades of Salmonella research in Malawi, led to over seven million children receiving the vaccine during one of the country’s largest immunisation campaigns in 2023. The vaccine is now part of Malawi's regular immunisation programme, ensuring lasting benefits for future generations.
Beyond her research, Professor Gordon has shown remarkable dedication to capacity building in Africa, particularly through the training of scientists and clinicians. She has spearheaded several equitable partnerships, including an international gastrointestinal endoscopy network, which has established sustainable training centres in Africa. Supported by UK Trust hospitals and professional organisations, this initiative has saved lives through the implementation of therapeutic interventions.
Professor Melita Gordon said: “I am both humbled and delighted to learn of this honour. The theme of Companionship feels very fitting—I am really grateful for the many students, colleagues, team members, and for my family, who have been alongside as my companions in this work.”
Also named in the King’s Birthday Honours is Emeritus Professor Callum Youngson, former Dean of the School of Dentistry and Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University.
Read more
- Tackling non-typhoidal Salmonella with humility – Professor Gordon reflects on her experiences in Africa as part of Nature Microbiology’s Microbe Matters series.
- University of Liverpool Professors recognised in King’s Birthday Honours