Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim, FRS to be awarded the Order of Mapungubwe: Gold

The Chancellor of National Orders announced today that CAPRISA Director and clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist Professor Salim S. Abdool Karim has been awarded the Order of Mapungubwe: Gold by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa. National Orders are the highest awards bestowed by the President. The Order of Mapungubwe recognises South Africans who have accomplished excellence and exceptional achievement to the benefit of South Africa and beyond.

CAPRISA now has three recipients of the Order of Mapungubwe. Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim received the Order of Mapungubwe: Bronze in 2013 and CAPRISA Research Associate and close collaborator, Professor Tulio De Oliveira has been bestowed with the Order of Mapungubwe: Gold this year as well. Professors Salim Abdool Karim & Tulio De Oliveira join about a dozen others including South African Nobel laureates in medicine, Sydney Brenner, Aaron Klug and Allan MacLeod Cormack in receiving the Order of Mapungubwe: Gold.

Professor Abdool Karim’s citation reads: “For your contribution to medical science and public health, particularly in respect of HIV/Aids and tuberculosis research, and health policy development which is placing South Africa on the international stage. Your tireless leadership and swift response during the COVID-19 pandemic was outstanding and commendable.”

Enquiries:

Minoshni Pillay
Mobile: +27 (0) 76 451 4434
Email: minoshni.pillay@caprisa.org