Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim named in Harvard's list of 25 standout voices in African public health
Congratulations! This is yet another accolade for Professors Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim has been named among Harvard Public Health Magazine’s top 25 public health leaders in Africa. These “standout voices” include scientists, public health advocates and policy experts on the continent. The main feature of the Harvard Public Health Spring 2022 issue carries a subheading: “Africa’s changing up public health. The world should take note”. It refers to the continent’s community-focused approach to public health. “Africa needs partnerships to increase investments in science, skills development and infrastructure to provide sustainable and scalable health solutions.”
Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim
Notable for: Developing HIV prevention solutions for women. Led South Africa’s first community-based HIV prevalence study in 1990, discovering disproportionately high rates of infection among adolescent girls. Helped establish and is associate scientific director of the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA). Developed several woman-controlled HIV prevention methods, including vaginal microbicides and rings infused with antiretrovirals. Co-chairs a UN expert group advising governments on using science and technology for sustainable development. Is a professor of epidemiology at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. — Linda Nordling
Professor Salim Abdool Karim
Notable for: Prevention and treatment of HIV and tuberculosis. Karim’s clinical research revealed that antiretrovirals can prevent sexually transmitted HIV infection and genital herpes in women. Co-invented patents used in HIV vaccine candidates. Leads the South African Ministerial Advisory Committee on COVID-19. Chairs the UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel and WHO’s HIV Strategic and Technical Advisory Committee, and is a member of the WHO TB-HIV Task Force. — Gilbert Nakweya
Please view the published article in the Harvard Public Health Magazine here
Photo (L-R) Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, CAPRISA Associate Scientific Director and Professor Salim Abdool Karim, CAPRISA Director