Giants in History: Azar Andami

Iranian physician and bacteriologist Azar Andami (8 December 1926 – 19 August 1984) developed a cholera vaccine to combat an outbreak that swept through the Middle East, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa in 1937. Andami’s vaccine halted the spread of the disease by helping people develop immunity to cholera. While working as a teacher, Andami had developed an interest in the natural sciences. This led her to embark on a new career as a medical doctor specialising in gynaecology and bacteriology. For her contributions to bacteriology, the International Astronomical Union named a crater on Venus “Andami” in her honour.