Professor Makhtar Camara: Seven things to know about the Senegalese man who gave his name to a bacterium

From an orphaned child raised by a vegetable vendor to a researcher whose name is now etched in the history of microbiology, Professor Makhtar Camara's journey is one of exceptional success. In its Saturday edition, L'Observateur retraces the path of this UCAD professor and researcher, recently honored by the discovery of a new bacterial species named Neobacillus Camarae, while also revisiting the personal trials that have marked his life.

1. A historical imprint on Senegalese science

Professor Makhtar Camara, a lecturer and researcher at the Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Odonto-Stomatology of UCAD, contributed to the discovery of a new bacterial species isolated from the breast milk microbiota in Senegal. In recognition of his contribution, this bacterium was officially named Neobacillus Camarae, thus entering its place in scientific nomenclature.

2. A sudden loss at the time of consecration

Behind this scientific breakthrough lies a profound personal tragedy. On January 18, 2026, a few months before this achievement, his wife, Diamilatou Bâ, died suddenly. "She always supported me, understood me, and encouraged me to go further," the researcher confides. Since her passing, he has chosen to reduce his international travel in order to dedicate more time to his two sons, aged 13 and 9.

3. A childhood marked by the absence of his father

Born in the HLM housing project in Rufisque, before growing up in Sicap Liberté 1, Makhtar Camara lost his father in 1973 when he was only three years old. Raised by his mother and older brothers, he developed a strong determination to succeed at a very young age. "I told myself that I didn't have the right to fail, because my father wasn't there," he confides.

4. From music to laboratories

Before developing a passion for research, Makhtar Camara dreamed of becoming a musician. An admirer of bassist El Hadji Bob Sène (Super Diamono), he wanted to learn electric bass during his university years. But family difficulties forced him to abandon this plan. His first university scholarship, worth 160,000 CFA francs, was used to support his family, definitively steering his destiny towards science.

5. A path of excellence

Guided by Professors Souleymane Mboup, Cheikh Saad-Bouh Boye, and Alioune Dièye, he distinguished himself early on through his diligence. During his fourth year of pharmacy studies, he served as an intern at Aristide Le Dantec Hospital. He then pursued a Ph.D. at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Belgium, between 2005 and 2010, became a lecturer in 2009, and then a full professor in 2018.

6. Research geared towards public health

For Professor Makhtar Camara, the discovery of Neobacillus Camarae goes beyond a mere scientific distinction. His research aims to contribute to the fight against severe acute malnutrition and antibiotic resistance. Known for his rigorous approach, he instills this same high standard in his students, many of whom now praise the training he received, which has enabled them to succeed in the most demanding scientific fields.

7. A scientist known for his humility

Despite the notoriety he has gained, particularly through his public interventions during the Covid-19 pandemic, Makhtar Camara remains remarkably discreet. For a long time, his neighbors in the Mixta housing complex were unaware that they lived alongside one of Senegal's most distinguished researchers. To those close to him, he remains first and foremost "the professor," appreciated for his simplicity, modesty, and humility.