Jean Hamon (doctor)

Jean Hamon (born August 20, 1929, in Brest, France; died March 14, 2024, in Paris, France) was a French physician, biologist, and professor specializing in virology and tropical medicine. He was a leading figure in the fight against infectious diseases, particularly in Africa, and made significant contributions to the understanding and control of diseases like malaria and onchocerciasis (river blindness).

Hamon earned his medical degree and later specialized in virology at the Pasteur Institute in Paris. He dedicated a large part of his career to research and fieldwork in various African countries, including Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. His work focused on understanding the epidemiology, transmission, and control of vector-borne diseases.

Hamon served as Director of Research at the Organisation de Recherche Scientifique et Technique Outre-Mer (ORSTOM), later known as the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), and held professorships at several universities. He was actively involved in numerous international health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO), where he contributed to the development of disease control strategies and training programs for healthcare professionals.

His research and practical experience in the field led to the development of innovative methods for vector control, contributing to improved public health outcomes in endemic regions. Hamon published extensively on topics related to tropical medicine, virology, and disease control. He was widely recognized for his dedication to improving the health and well-being of populations in developing countries, and his work had a lasting impact on the fight against infectious diseases.