Glenwood’s pioneering HIV/Aids expert awarded an honorary doctoral degree

GLENWOOD’s Qarraisha Abdool Karim  has been honoured with a honorary doctoral degree by the University of Johannesburg.  Prof Abdool Karim is known as one of the world’s leading HIV and AIDS researchers, with pioneering contributions in understanding the evolving HIV epidemic, while also fighting for the rights of those affected by HIV and AIDS.

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Professor Abdool Karim is the Scientific Director of Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). She holds a professorship in Clinical Epidemiology from the Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, USA, and  is also an honorary professor  in Public Health at the Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal.

“With extensive research contributions that spans over 25 years, Prof Abdool Karim’s commitment to create a deeper understanding on the growing HIV epidemic in South Africa and the factors influencing acquisition of HIV infection in adolescent girls, is evident with worldwide acknowledgements of her work,” says Prof Andre Swart, the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UJ.

“Prof Abdool Karim is the embodiment of a true South African ambassador, in the context of both traditional and modern Africa. Her work has had a profound impact on HIV treatment and prevention policies at a national and global level. The conferral of the honorary doctoral degree is in recognition of her work that has contributed greatly towards improving the quality of life of women in Africa,” says Prof Swart.

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“I am deeply humbled and honoured and accept the honorary doctorate on behalf of women in Africa who are unwavering in their hope that HIV will be controlled and eradicated through innovative research and the development of effective medical technologies and who are contributing to knowledge generation either by leading research teams, participating in research and advocating for the betterment of women’s lives. They continue to inspire me to persist with my scientific endeavours. While some progress has been made, much more remains to be done to ensure a non-sexist and just society.” she said.

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For her contributions to the domain of HIV prevention and treatment, Prof Abdool Karim was also awarded the 2016 L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Award, naming her as one of five “exceptional laureates” for her remarkable activities and contributions related to HIV in South Africa and the African continent. For this award, nominations were received from 2 600 leading scientists across the globe.