Cape Town – Professor Hoosen “Jerry” Coovadia, a renowned HIV/AIDS expert and struggle icon, has passed away at the age of 83.
He was a leading pediatric immunologist and an authority in pediatric HIV/AIDS.
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised him as a leading scientist, health policy innovator, and longtime activist.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of leading scientist, health policy innovator and longstanding activist, Prof Hoosen Mahomed “Jerry” Coovadia, who has passed away at the age of 83. https://t.co/aXIpA5ZZ96 pic.twitter.com/en8ACi5qgA
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) October 4, 2023
“Jerry Coovadia was an outstanding scientist and committed anti-apartheid campaigner who dedicated himself to our liberation struggle. He also dedicated himself to the physical wellbeing and social inclusion of people all over the world through his enterprising mission as a scientist and architect of public health policies.
“His pioneering, globally acclaimed research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV has has rendered an immeasurable legacy to humanity in terms of which persons living with HIV are able to live long and healthy lives subject to early detection and access to treatment.
“Our Nation’s loss will be felt globally but we can take pride at and comfort from the emergence of a giant of science and an icon of compassion and resilience from our country,” said Ramaphosa.
According to IOL, the family said they were “deeply saddened by his passing”.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
