Salim Abdool Karim’s book: “Standing up for Science” is launched
“His work is a reminder of the enduring value of science in the service of global health”- DG WHO
In his foreword of Standing up for Science: A Voice of Reason, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization wrote: “His work is a reminder of the enduring value of science in the service of global health. His strong sense of social justice is tempered by a commitment to remain true to the science. As this book illustrates, Slim does not shy away from highlighting the injustices that often attend those inequalities, including those inequities that emerged so starkly, particularly in the early phases of the global distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine.”
Standing up for Science: A Voice of Reason authored by Prof Salim Abdool Karim, South Africa’s Chief Covid-19 Science Adviser was launched by publishing house Pan Macmillan South Africa on 26 June at the Durban ICC. All royalties from Standing up for Science are being provided to medical research. The author is not receiving any financial benefit from sales of the book.
Leading international scientists, government officials and collaborators listened intently to Abdool Karim’s brief account of his personal, behind-the-scenes experience of the first three years of the pandemic, the ground-breaking and globally recognized achievements made through science in a battle against an unprecedented time in our history.
Ambassador John Nkengasong, Prof Jeremy Farrar and Peter Piot participated in a panel discussion, moderated by Prof Cate Hankins, (McGill University & member of the Canadian Covid-19 committee) and shared valuable insights and lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic. Prof Peter Piot, EU Chief Scientific Adviser on Epidemics said Standing up for Science was ‘A must-read to understand the complex and vital interaction between science and politics by one of the world’s thought leaders in science and health, sharing precious, first-hand experience during the Covid pandemic.’
“This is more than just a personal and captivating narrative about the events that transpired during and after the pandemic – the intricacies of translating science into policy; the international linkages and coordination of effective Covid response plans, and the important lessons learnt that will better prepare leaders and nations for future epidemics,” explained Andrea Nattrass, Publisher at Pan Macmillan. “Standing Up for Science is a stimulating read and ode to science from one of the world’s leading epidemiologists.”
Standing up for Science is available at Exclusive Books in South Africa and online at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Blackwell's UK
Photos above, left: Pan Macmillan Publisher, Ms Andrea Nattrass delivers an address at the book launch. Seated (L-R): Prof Cate Hankins, McGill University & Member of the Canadian Covid-19 committee; Prof Salim Abdool Karim; Ambassador John Nkengasong, Professors Jeremy Farrar & Peter Piot. Photo right: Prof Salim Abdool Karim signs copies of his books for guests following the launch