FOUR researchers from the University of KwaZulu-Natal were recognised by the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) for their outstanding contributions to health sciences.
Professors Quarraisha Abdool Karim, Rubeshan Perumal, Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana, and Andile Khathi received this honour for their research excellence, mentorship, and transformative impact.
Professor Abdool Karim, the Pro Vice-Chancellor from the College of Health Sciences, received the SAMRC Platinum Lifetime Scientific Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions to health sciences.
A trailblazing infectious diseases epidemiologist, Abdool Karim’s research on HIV transmission among young women has influenced global HIV prevention strategies, including UNAIDS’ "Life Cycle Approach to HIV" and PEPFAR’s DREAMS initiative.
In the 1990s, she conducted landmark studies that identified the vulnerability of young women in age-disparate relationships, a major driver of the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite initial resistance, her findings became integral to global HIV prevention strategies.
Her pioneering CAPRISA 004 trial, co-led with her husband and research partner, Salim Abdool Karim, provided the first conclusive evidence that the antiretroviral drug tenofovir prevented sexual transmission of HIV. This research laid the foundation for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a vital component of HIV prevention. Her research also demonstrated that tenofovir gel protects against genital herpes, marking a major biomedical breakthrough.
Abdool Karim has played a key role in global health crises, including Covid-19, serving on South Africa’s Ministerial Advisory Committee and WHO’s Solidarity Trial Platform. She co-founded the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), where she has trained over 600 scientists and fostered research excellence.
She has received over 40 prestigious awards, including the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award and South Africa’s highest honour, the Order of Mapungubwe. Abdool Karim is the first female President of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and serves as an advisor to the UN Secretary-General on science and technology.
Professor Rubeshan Perumal received the SAMRC Bronze Award for his contributions to TB and HIV research.
At 37, he is an emerging leader in pulmonary medicine, holding multiple degrees, including a PhD in Medicine. He has published over 70 high-impact articles and played a key role in national advisory groups like the National TB Think Tank. His research at CAPRISA has significantly shaped TB/HIV treatment strategies.
Professor Zilungile Mkhize-Kwitshana received the SAMRC Research Capacity Development and Transformation Award for her dedication to mentorship and supporting historically disadvantaged institutions.
An Honorary Associate Professor at UKZN and Distinguished Professor at UNISA, she specialises in immunology and co-infections, with a focus on HIV, HPV, TB, and neglected tropical diseases. With over 76 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters, she has played a pivotal role in developing South African health research capacity.
Professor Andile Khathi received the SAMRC Bronze Award for his research in prediabetes and its link to Type 2 diabetes.
An Associate Professor at UKZN, he has developed an innovative animal model for prediabetes research, earning international recognition, including from WHO. With over 120 peer-reviewed publications and leadership roles in diabetes research, he has significantly contributed to capacity building and transformation in the health sciences field.
UKZN Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Busisiwe Ncama, lauded their achievements.
“These SAMRC awards highlight UKZN’s commitment to producing world-class researchers who drive innovation and improve public health outcomes. Their dedication ensures a lasting legacy for future generations of South African health scientists. Congratulations on your ground-breaking contributions.”