Ramjee’s death ‘a huge loss’ – Mabuza
Condolences are pouring in for the late Professor Gita Ramjee, one of the country’s five coronavirus casualties.
The world-renowned researcher and virologist died on Tuesday of complications related to Covid-19.
Ramjee was a trailblazer in her field – leading research in HIV prevention and treatment.
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Ramjee passed away in a KwaZulu-Natal hospital on Tuesday. The South African Medical Research Council's Alfred Thutloa, where Ramjee worked, says the organisation is still processing her death. She was a world-renowned HIV prevention and treatment scientist "Professor Ramjee firmly believed in health as a fundamental human right and her groundbreaking research in HIV prevention contributed so much in the global response to HIV and Aids.
Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as chair of the South African National AIDS Council, says Ramjee’s death is huge loss to the healthcare sector.
“Deputy President David Mabuza…wishes to convey condolences on the passing of former Chief Specialist Scientist and Director of the South African Medical Research Council’s HIV Prevention Research Unit, Professor Gita Ramjee,” says Mabuza's spokesperson, Matshepo Seedat.
“The passing of Professor Ramjee comes as a huge blow to the entirety of the healthcare sector and the global fight against HIV/AIDS. In her, we have indeed lost a champion in the fight against the HIV epidemic, ironically at the hands of this global pandemic.”
Mabuza has again appealed to all South Africans to adhere to the lockdown regulations and ensure the battle against the virus is won.
The virus has led to the deaths of five people and infected 1 353 in South Africa.