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South Africa: Professor Gita Ramjee, world-renowned HIV scientist, dies of Covid-19 complications

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By Anso Thom

Professor Gita Ramjee, who recently returned from a trip to London, had been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. She was Chief Scientific Officer at the Aurum Institute and former chief specialist scientist and director of the South African Medical Research Council’s (SAMRC) HIV Prevention Research Unit.  She died in an Umhlanga hospital on Tuesday from Covid-19 related complications.

Professor Glenda Gray, president and CEO of the SAMRC, informed staff in an email of Ramjee’s “tragic passing” due to “Covid-19 related complications”.

Contacted last night, Gray said “We are still reeling. What to say?”

“Gita was fundamental and inextricably linked to the endeavour to find solutions to prevent HIV in women in South Africa. She was tireless in this pursuit. Her tenacity will never be forgotten. I have tremendous respect for her contribution and her passion to find solutions for women in our country. All of us have worked so hard in this country to find solutions to prevent HIV and it so sad to have to part with someone so soon in this journey. I am devastated and my thoughts go out to her family and friends,” said Gray.

The Aurum Institute said it was deeply saddened by the death of Ramjee whom they described as a “world-renowned scientist, who worked tirelessly to find HIV prevention solutions for women”.

“The world has lost a bold and compassionate leader in the response to HIV,” said Professor Gavin Churchyard, Group CEO of the Aurum Institute. “Gita Ramjee firmly believed in health as a fundamental human right. Her ground-breaking research in HIV prevention contributed to the global response to HIV and AIDS. Our thoughts during this difficult time are with her family, colleagues and the many people her life and work touched,” he added.

Many also expressed their sadness and paid their respects on social media.

UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima: “Deeply saddened at the news of the passing of Gita Ramjee. An eminent scientist who dedicated her life to #HIV prevention for women & girls in #Africa & #EndingAIDS. A huge loss at a time when the world needs her most. My condolences to her family, friends & colleagues at @MRCza

Meg Doherty, Director, Global HIV, Hepatitis, STI Programmes at World Health Organisation: “WHO and all the HIV department sends its deepest condolences to Prof Gita Ramjee’s family and all of S Africa. This is a terrible loss. In solidarity.” Read more via Daily Maverick