DOCTOR Arthi Ramkissoon, CEO of the KZN Children’s Hospital Trust, and a committed medical professional, died on Monday.
Ramkissoon made a significant impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS in her capacity as founder and executive director of MatCH (Maternal, Adolescent & Child Health).
She has more than 20 years’ experience in supporting the delivery of South African public sector HIV, TB, maternal, child and women’s health programmes, improving access to health services, quality of care and health systems strengthening interventions.
Her leadership in MatCH has initiated more than 330 000 people on antiretroviral treatment and completed more than 100 000 medical male circumcisions for HIV prevention to date.
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In recent years the KZN Children’s Hospital became her passion project. Dr Ramkissoon founded the KZN Children’s Hospital Trust and became the CEO of the Trust.
She almost single-handedly drove the project and raised much-needed funds to ensure that the dream of resurrecting the hospital came to fruition.
One of the coups she scored was the support of Sir Elton John and the Elton John AIDS Foundation through which R50 million was raised for the hospital.
She also secured a significant donation of R6 million from the Victor Daitz Foundation for the establishment of a psychiatric ward at the hospital.
Commenting in the wake of her death, Durban film producer Anant Singh said he was fortunate to have experienced her steadfast commitment to the Children’s Hospital.
“I was in awe of her passion and tenacity in making the dream of the new KZN Children’s Hospital a reality. Thousands of children will benefit from the services that the hospital provides and the KZN Children’s Hospital will stand as her legacy and a reminder of the sterling work she did,” he said.
She is survived by her husband, Dr Prakash Jugnundan, and daughters, Mischka and Jachna.
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