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BHU Prof Shyam Sundar Agrawal Wins Padma Shri for Kala-azar Breakthroughs

Professor Shyam Sundar Agrawal of Banaras Hindu University has been awarded the Padma Shri for his groundbreaking work against Kala-azar (visceral leishmaniasis). His research led to a simplified, single-dose treatment regimen that was adopted by the WHO and India's national elimination program. He also contributed to developing effective oral drugs and a rapid diagnostic test, enabling faster and more accurate field diagnosis. His work is credited with helping bring India to the brink of eliminating the once-deadly disease.

Key Points: Padma Shri for BHU Prof Who Revolutionised Kala-azar Treatment

  • Single-dose treatment revolution
  • WHO-endorsed regimen
  • Faster field diagnosis
  • National elimination program
  • Oral drug development
2 min read

BHU Prof Shyam Sundar Agrawal honoured with Padma Shri for pioneering Kala-azar treatment breakthroughs

BHU's Prof Shyam Sundar Agrawal honoured with Padma Shri for pioneering single-dose Kala-azar treatment & diagnostic tools, aiding India's elimination drive.

"This award is not just for me, but for the countless patients who suffered from Kala-azar - Prof. Shyam Sundar Agrawal"

Varanasi, Jan 25

Banaras Hindu University is celebrating a moment of immense pride as Professor Shyam Sundar Agrawal, a distinguished faculty member at the Institute of Medical Sciences, has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award in the 2026 Republic Day honours list.

The recognition honours his groundbreaking contributions to combating visceral leishmaniasis, commonly known as Kala-azar, a deadly neglected tropical disease that has long plagued India's poorest regions. Prof. Agrawal, a leading expert in infectious diseases, revolutionised Kala-azar treatment through decades of dedicated research.

He developed and championed a single-dose, lipid-based liposomal amphotericin B regimen, which dramatically simplified and improved cure rates for Indian visceral leishmaniasis. This innovation was endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and integrated into India's national Kala-azar elimination program, marking a turning point in disease management.

He also played a pivotal role in validating multi-drug therapy combinations, including the WHO-approved pairing of "paromomycin and miltefosine." This oral regimen is now administered at primary health centres, reducing treatment duration, costs, and the risk of resistance.

Additionally, Prof. Agrawal told IANS that he contributed to the development of miltefosine as an effective oral drug and conducted the first successful trials of the RK-39 rapid diagnostic strip test, enabling faster and more accurate field diagnosis.

Speaking on the honour, Prof. Shyam Sundar Agrawal expressed deep humility and gratitude. "This award is not just for me, but for the countless patients who suffered from Kala-azar and the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to find solutions," he said.

"Kala-azar once claimed thousands of lives annually in Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Seeing the disease brought to the brink of elimination through evidence-based treatments fills me with immense satisfaction. I dedicate this to the resilience of affected communities and hope it inspires continued efforts toward complete eradication."

The announcement of two BHU professors among this year's Padma awardees has sparked widespread joy in Varanasi. Colleagues, students, and local leaders have hailed it as a testament to the university's excellence in medical research.

Prof. Agrawal's work has not only saved lives but also strengthened India's public health infrastructure against vector-borne diseases.

As India edges closer to eliminating Kala-azar - achieving zero indigenous cases in many blocks - Prof. Agrawal's legacy stands as a beacon of scientific innovation for global health.

The Padma Shri underscores his enduring impact on transforming a once-fatal illness into a controllable condition.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked in public health, I know how devastating Kala-azar can be. Prof. Agrawal's work on simplifying treatment to a single dose and developing rapid diagnostics is a game-changer. This is science in service of humanity.
V
Vikram M
My uncle was from a village in Bihar and suffered from this. The old treatments were long and painful. To hear that an oral drug and faster diagnosis exists now because of this professor's work... it brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, sir.
P
Priya S
Wonderful achievement! 🙏 But a small note: while we celebrate the award, we must ensure these life-saving treatments and tests reach every last PHC in the endemic states. The gap between lab and field is still real.
R
Rohit P
BHU producing yet another gem! This is what our institutions are capable of when given support and freedom. His humility in dedicating the award to the patients says everything about his character. More power to our scientists!
M
Michael C
Incredible impact. Taking a disease from "thousands of lives annually" to the "brink of elimination" is a monumental public health victory. The WHO endorsement shows this is world-class research. Congratulations, Professor.

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