Kenneth Warren was a powerful figure in twentieth century medicine whose work transformed
public health policy and tropical medicine and who left a profound legacy in global health
thinking. A prolific writer and researcher Warren was respected for his scientific research
winning awards and accolades while his later role as activist agitator innovator and
connoisseur of science brought him international recognition. His career in medicine is
remembered for three enduring achievements: · His efforts to introduce modern biomedical
science to the study of infectious diseases in the developing world · The proselytising energy
he brought to the ethical challenge of how to provide the most cost-effective health care to
the world's poorest people · His tenure as Director of Health Sciences at the Rockefeller
Foundation during which time he inaugurated the Great Neglected Diseases of Mankind Programme
Toldthrough personal interviews with both Warren's supporters and detractors the story of
Warren's career inexorably interwoven with the GND programme is a compelling narrative that
has not only enduring implications for current medical research funding and healthcare across
the globe but also a long-standing legacy for the future ways in which we combat disease in
the developing world.
