In an achievement that cemented her status as a leading figure in global public health as well as put South Africa on the healthcare map, infectious diseases epidemiologist Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society.
In Abdool Karim’s career that spans three decades, she has contributed ground-breaking research in the field of HIV prevention.
Additionally, she played a vital role in shaping the global HIV prevention landscape, particularly for adolescent girls and young women—a demographic disproportionately affected by the disease.
Why This Induction Matters
As an Associate Scientific Director at the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in Durban, South Africa (CAPRISA), Abdool Karim will join an elite cadre of scientists that includes luminaries such as Stephen Hawking, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and Albert Einstein.
Her induction into this esteemed institution, which has fostered scientific excellence since its establishment in 1660, is a source of immense pride not only for her but also for the African scientific community.
“Creating a platform for emerging young scientists in Africa – that’s our continent’s treasure chest,” Abdool Karim stated, pointing to her dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists.
Abdool Karim’s Contributions and Achievements
Among her most notable contributions is the CAPRISA 004 trial, which demonstrated that antiretroviral drugs could effectively prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.
This is a huge deal as this pioneering work laid the groundwork for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a game-changing strategy in global HIV prevention efforts.
“Who bears the greatest burden of AIDS? It is the poorest of the poor where we face a multiplicity of challenges. The burden of infectious diseases and social inequality go hand-in-hand,” Abdool Karim passionately articulated, highlighting the intersection of public health and social justice.
Abdool Karim’s impact extends beyond her research. With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and her mentorship of more than 600 African scientists, she is devoted to empowering women in science.
She currently serves as a Professor of Clinical Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University in New York, while also holding the John C. Martin Chair in Global Health at CAPRISA and the role of Pro Vice-Chancellor (African Health) at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
In her capacity as President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Abdool Karim epitomises global science leadership. Furthermore, as the UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV, she remains steadfast in supporting the global AIDS response. “Healthy nations are wealthy nations, I see it every day. We remain committed to ending AIDS as a public health threat,” she reaffirmed, underscoring her relentless pursuit to mitigate the HIV epidemic.
Professor Abdool Karim will officially be inducted as a Fellow of the Royal Society in a ceremony scheduled for July in London, marking another significant milestone in a career defined by innovation and a commitment to the betterment of public health.
