Stanley George Browne

Stanley George Browne (8 December 1907 – 20 January 1986), also called "Bonganga" by the community members with whom he worked, was a British medical missionary and leprologist known for his work and his many research achievements throughout the 20th century in the Belgian Congo, Nigeria, and India including his early use of Dapsone. He received numerous awards throughout his academic and professional career. He is also known as an academic for his early publications surrounding his findings of leprosy of which he published about 150 articles and five books.

Early life and education Browne was born on 8 December 1907 in New Cross London. His father was the local post office clerk and Baptist church secretary. Browne attended Brockley Central School where he excelled and won many awards highlighting his academic achievements; however, he left at age 15 in order earn his living working as clerk at the Deptford Town Hall. He took evening classes in order to pass matriculation. He then attended King's College London with scholarships for both his studies of medicine as well as theology. As a student at King's College, he received awards for his academic achievements such as the Barry, Leathes and Warneford prizes, the Warneford Gold Metal, the Jeff Medal, and later: distinctions in surgery, forensic medicine, and hygiene. He received the Murchison Scholarship for most outstanding medical graduate. After graduating with high medical honors, he went to Antwerp for another year of study to obtain a diploma in tropical medicine. During this time, he also became fluent in French. He became a member of the Royal College of Physicians in 1934 and the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1935. Despite their geographical separation, Browne and Williamson continued their relations until she was able to join him permanently in the Congo late in 1940. His work at Yalisombo attracted the attention of a prominent leprologist, Dr. Robert Cochrane, who encouraged him focus his studies on leprosy. During his time at Yakusu, he served as principal of the School of Medical Auxiliaries, developing a model rural health service. and a Companion of the Order of Saint Michael and Saint George (CMG) for his work as a foreign servant in 1975. In addition, he received three major awards from King Baudouin of Belgium, the most notable being Commander of the Order of Leopold. This is the highest honour a civilian can receive in Belgium.