Tu Youyou grew up in Ningbo but left for Beijing to study in a university in the 1950s. (Photo : Reuters)
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang congratulated pharmacologist Tu Youyou on Monday for winning the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, becoming the first Chinese woman to win a Nobel Prize in science.
"Tu's winning the prize signifies China's prosperity and progress in scientific and technological field, marks a great contribution of traditional Chinese medicine to the cause of human health, and showcases China's growing strengths and rising international standing," Li said in his letter of congratulations.
Li also praised Chinese scientists, especially medical researchers, for their dedication in their fields, as well as their numerous achievements.
Li also encouraged Chinese scientists to become instrumental in implementing the national strategy of an innovation-driven economy, seeking progress in scientific and technological projects.
Tu was visited on Monday by the China Association for Science and Technology and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, entrusted by Vice Premier Liu Yandong.
Tu won half of the total prize grant for her discoveries concerning a treatment for malaria. The other half was shared by Ireland's William Campbell and Japan's Satoshi Omura.
The pharmacologist utilized artemisinin, a drug extracted from sweet wormwood, which has reduced mortality rates for malaria patients.
According to Juleen R. Zierath, chairperson of the Nobel Committee for Physiology or Medicine, Tu's "inspiration from traditional Chinese medicine" was important.
"But what was really critical was that Tu Youyou identified the active agent in that plant extract," said Zierath. He added that "there was a lot of modern chemistry, bio-chemistry attached to this to bring forward this new drug."
The drug has reportedly saved numerous lives, especially in Africa, where malaria is common.
