Nyakallo Tefu
Deputy President David Mabuza has paid tribute to Professor Gita Ramjee, who died after suffering COVID-19-related complications.
Ramjee was the former Chief Specialist Scientist and Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s HIV Prevention Research Unit.
She was also renowned for her work on finding HIV prevention methods that were conducive to the lifestyles, circumstances and perceived risk factors that South African.
She was also involved in attempts to find an effective HIV vaccine.
“The passing of Professor Ramjee comes as a huge blow to the entirety of the healthcare sector and the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In her, we have indeed lost a champion in the fight against the HIV epidemic, ironically at the hands of this global pandemic,” said Mabuza.
“In her honour, we should heed the call to flatten the curve by strengthening our responses to this global pandemic as well as continue the fight to achieve zero new HIV infections. We would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Professor Ramjee as well as to the medical research community. May her soul rest in peace.”
Mabuza said the passing of Ramjee comes as a huge blow to the entire healthcare sector and the global fight against HIV and AIDS.
Ramjee’s work was recognized internationally.
She received a Lifetime Achievement Award for HIV Prevention and was honoured with the “Outstanding Female Scientist” Award by the European Development Clinical Trials Partnerships for her life’s work that has focused on finding new HIV prevention methods.
Mabuza further urged South Africans to adhere to the restrictions of the lockdown in order for the country to win the fight against COVID-19.
