Dr. Herbert Harold Babatunde Malamah-Thomas: A Life Dedicated to Infant Nutrition
Dr. Herbert Harold Babatunde Malamah-Thomas (1934-1996) was a Sierra Leonean scientist who dedicated his life to improving infant nutrition in his home country and beyond.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1934, Malamah-Thomas received his primary education at the Holy Trinity Boys School in Kissy Road, following the path of many in the Malamah-Thomas family. He then attended the prestigious Prince of Wales School in Kingtom, where he completed his O and A Levels. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Malamah-Thomas pursued higher education abroad. He earned a string of impressive degrees:
- BA (Biology) from Lincoln University, Pennsylvania (1958)
- MS (Zoology) from Howard University, Washington D.C. (1960)
- Diploma in Cellular Physiology and Nutrition from Sorbonne University, Paris (1963)
- PhD in Human Nutrition from the University of Dijon, France (1966)
Malamah-Thomas was a strong believer in the importance of proper infant nutrition, particularly breastfeeding. He held the biblical verse from Proverbs 4:7-9 close to his heart, emphasizing the value of wisdom and understanding. This philosophy guided his professional pursuits.
Career Highlights
- Academic and Government Roles (1968-1975): Malamah-Thomas began his career as a lecturer in the Departments of Zoology and Home Economics at Njala University College (1968-1971). He then transitioned to the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rural Development, serving as a Social Development Officer from 1971 to 1975.
- Bennimix Baby Food Project (1975-1990): For 15 years, Malamah-Thomas spearheaded the Bennimix Baby Food Project in Bo. His success in managing this project earned him the nickname "Mr. Bennimix."
- SLIFAG President and International Advocacy (1990-1996): Malamah-Thomas became the President of the Sierra Leone Infant Feeding Action Group (SLIFAG) in 1990, a role he held until his passing. He was a vocal advocate for breastfeeding and proper infant feeding practices, both nationally and internationally. His expertise was sought after by organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and UNDP. He provided crucial consultancies on human lactation management in various African countries.
Malamah-Thomas's passion for his work was evident. He was a fellow of the Zoological Society of London and an associate member of Sigma Xi, a U.S. scientific research society. He also held leadership positions in the Sierra Leonean Nutrition Society and the National Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative committee. Despite his international acclaim, recognition in his home country was limited. He received only one national award, the Senior Citizen National Heroes Day Award in 1994.PublicationsMalamah-Thomas left a significant legacy through his publications. He authored 6 research papers, 5 review papers in international journals, 10 conference papers, and 1 research abstract.
A Lasting Legacy
Dr. Herbert Harold Babatunde Malamah-Thomas is best remembered as "Mr. Bennimix" and "Mr. Code" in Sierra Leone. He tirelessly promoted breastfeeding and proper infant feeding practices, leaving a lasting impact on child health in his home country and across Africa.