Amar Prasad Ray obtained PhD (1956) from University of Patna. He worked as Deputy Director, Malaria Research Centre, Delhi (1956-59); Director, National Malaria Eradication Programme (1959-67); Deputy Director-General, Public Health (1962-66); Senior Regional Malaria Adviser, WHO (1967-70); Director, Malaria Research Unit, RAAMC, Sydney, Australia (1973-77); and Chief Coordinator, PFCP, WHO/SIDA (1978).

Academic and Research Achievements: Dr Ray published more than 125 scientific papers mostly on therapeutic and prophylactic effect of antimalarial drugs and the development of drug resistance in animal models. He worked with antimalarial drugs such as Acridines (Mepacrine), Pyremethamine (Daraprim), 4-aminoquinolines (Chloroquine and Rasochine), antifolate compounds (Proguanil), Amodiaquine (Camaquine), Pamaquine, Stabrin, Bromoquanide and used experimental models of Plasmodium knowlesi, P. inui, P. gallinaceum, P. cynomolgi, P. berghei. He pioneered the work on parasite resistance and cross-resistance against Paludrine in P. knowlesi. He again reported his work on two fold resistance to chloroquine in P. gallinaceum. The same year he discovered the synergistic action of quinine and pyrimethamine in P. cynomolgi. His work on chemotherapy of malaria and drug resistance was acclaimed internationally. His studies on human malaria infections of P. vivax and P. falciparum helped in formulating Anti Malarial Drug Policy in India.

Other Contributions: Dr Ray served as a member of the Indian Public Health Association. His book entitled Administrative and technical Guidelines of NMEP is still followed by all workers concerned with the eradication of malaria.

Awards and Honours: Dr Ray was conferred many awards, notably WHO-Darling Foundation Award by RAAMC, Australia (1974); Geoffery Harkness Award (1977); BC Das Gupta Oration Award (1981); and Padma Shri (1967). He was elected Fellow of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India), Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London, and National Society for Malaria and Communicable Diseases. The Indian Society of Malaria and other Communicable Diseases has instituted Dr AP Ray Memorial Oration Award in his honour.