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South Africans were left saddened by the untimely passing of world-renowned scientist Gita Ramjee, who passed away from Covid-19 complications on Tuesday

Ramjee, who worked tirelessly to find HIV-prevention solutions for women, was the chief scientific officer professor for the Aurum Institute.

The institute issued a statement on their website shortly after her demise, stating that they were deeply saddened by their death of one of their own.

Prof Gavin Churchyard, group CEO of the Aurum Institute, said: “The world has lost a bold and compassionate leader in the response to HIV. Gita Ramjee 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. Our thoughts during this difficult time are with her family, colleagues and the many people her life and work touched.”

The statement highlighted that prior to taking up her appointment as chief scientific officer in HIV prevention at the Aurum Institute, Prof Ramjee was the chief specialist scientist and director of the HIV Prevention Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council. 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.

Condolences have been pouring in on social media:

Deputy President David @DDMabuza conveys condolences on the passing of former Chief Specialist Scientist and Director of SAMRC HIV Prevention Research Unit, Prof Gita Ramjee, who succumbed to complications emanating from the novel #coronavirus, #COVID-19. https://t.co/xcqPiINkSK

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) April 1, 2020

 

We are deeply saddened by the death of Professor Gita Ramjee to #COVID19. We salute her efforts towards her research to help prevent HIV infection, especially among women. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family pic.twitter.com/zexpoZASds

— Board of Healthcare Funders (@BHFGLOBAL) April 1, 2020

 

What a loss at a time like this. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Prof #GitaRamjee who dedicated her life to turning the tide against HIV and AIDS. Now #Corona #COVID19 has taken her away. #RIPGitaRamjee pic.twitter.com/YO6Sa16VFw

— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) April 1, 2020

https://twitter.com/suntoshpillay/status/1245088614033305600

RIP Professor Gita Ramjee: a brilliant and world class HIV prevention scientist. This is a massive loss to us all. She died of COVID-19 related complications. [See statements below for more detail] pic.twitter.com/h9XmbNrp8M

— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) March 31, 2020

Aurum is deeply saddened by the death of its Chief Scientific Officer Prof Gita Ramjee, world renowned for her tireless work to find HIV prevention solutions for women. Group CEO Gavin Churchyard, described her as; "a bold & compassionate leader in the response to HIV." pic.twitter.com/9DvcjfInlh

— The Aurum Institute (@Auruminstitute) March 31, 2020

 

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