Gita Ramjee: COVID-19 claims the life of SA scientist and HIV researcher

South African scientist and HIV researcher professor Gita Ramjee lost her life in Durban on Tuesday 31 March. According to the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) president and CEO Glenda Gray, she passed away after having COVID-19 related complications. 

“We are sincerely grateful for her contributions to HIV prevention and for the role she played in our lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family,” said Gray. 

Since her passing, many tributes have been pouring in to honour her life.

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. https://t.co/cQpAJIrrRR

— Winnie Byanyima (@Winnie_Byanyima) March 31, 2020

This is devastating news.
Gita Ramjee was a star Indian-origin South African global health leader in #HIV prevention. A virologist by training
She has done stellar work. What a loss!!
Renowned Virologist Gita Ramjee Dies Of COVID-19 In South Africahttps://t.co/Lo4Rba7taJ

— Anant Bhan (@AnantBhan) April 1, 2020

Tributes are pouring in for Prof Gita Ramjee, who died due to Covid-19 yesterday. Ramjee was a world-renowned and award-winning HIV prevention scientist, based in Durban. The community has been left devastated by the news of her death. #CoronavirusInSA pic.twitter.com/BtEhar689c pic.twitter.com/GhaQAbeRBU

— RIOT & ATTACK info South Africa (@RiotAndAttackSA) April 1, 2020

On Tuesday Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced that the total number of COVID-19 deaths in South Africa were at five. He also announced that the total number of COVID-19 cases had increased to 1 353.

Ramjee a shining star in HIV prevention 

According to the Aurum Institute, Ramjee was a world-renowned scientist who worked tirelessly to find HIV prevention solutions for women. 

“The Aurum Institute is deeply saddened by the passing of its chief scientific officer for HIV prevention,” it said.

“The world has lost a bold and compassionate leader in response to HIV. Gita 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.” 

Group CEO at the Aurum Institute Professor Gavin Churchyard

“The HIV epidemic has disproportionately affected women. I strongly believe that my calling in life is to find methods that empower women to take control of their HIV prevention and reproductive health rights through informed choices.” 

Gita Ramjee

An internationally acclaimed scientist

Prior to taking up her appointment at the Aurum Institute, Ramjee was chief specialist scientist and director of the HIV prevention research unit at the SAMRC. She held honorary professorships at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Washington in Seattle and the University of Cape Town. 

Ramjee was a critical player in the field of HIV prevention clinical trials and was acknowledged internationally for her expertise in the field of microbicide research, including a Lifetime Achievement Award for HIV prevention. In 2018, she was honoured with the “Outstanding Female Scientist” Award by the European Development Clinical Trials Partnerships (EDCTP) for her life’s work that has focused on finding new HIV prevention methods. 

Ramjee also published more than 200 research articles. She was a reviewer and editor of several scientific journals and a member of several local and international committees and advisory groups including the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).

“The Aurum Institute and the global HIV research community will mourn Gita Ramjee’s passing and celebrate the huge contribution to the response to HIV she made in her life,” said Churchyard.