South Africa (Commonwealth Union)_ In a remarkable acknowledgment of their contributions to global health, South African Indian-origin scientists Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim have been awarded the 2024 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award by the esteemed Lasker Foundation in the United States. This accolade, which includes a monetary prize of $250,000, celebrates their extensive work in HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 research, illuminating the vital factors behind heterosexual HIV transmission and introducing innovative strategies for prevention and treatment.
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Married 36 years after their initial meeting at Columbia University, the Abdool Karims have been at the forefront of public health initiatives, significantly influencing AIDS programs around the world. The Lasker Foundation recognized their remarkable efforts in building scientific capacity in South Africa and advocating for policies that improve health outcomes. Their steadfast commitment to leveraging scientific research for societal benefit has made them key figures in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The couple’s journey began during the oppressive apartheid era in South Africa, a time characterized by stark inequalities and limited access to healthcare for the majority Black population. Fueled by the injustices they witnessed, Salim and Quarraisha dedicated themselves to research and activism, seeking to address the health disparities exacerbated by systemic discrimination.
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Upon their return to South Africa in 1988, the Abdool Karims chose to focus their research on HIV, an area that had not yet garnered significant attention. Over the next 18 years, they conducted extensive clinical trials, testing numerous candidate products on thousands of participants. Their groundbreaking research revealed critical insights, including the effectiveness of integrating tuberculosis (TB) and HIV therapies, which led to a significant reduction in one-year mortality rates among patients. Additionally, beyond their research, the Abdool Karims have also been instrumental in establishing South Africa’s scientific infrastructure.
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With substantial support from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH), they founded the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), a hub of innovation and training for the next generation of infectious disease specialists. Their work has not only advanced scientific knowledge but also fostered a thriving community of researchers committed to addressing public health challenges. Furthermore, when the Covid-19 pandemic emerged, CAPRISA’s scientists turned their efforts to studying the virus, utilizing their expertise in HIV research. They published the first scientific article on the omicron variant shortly after its discovery in November 2021, providing crucial insights that helped shape the global response to the pandemic.
Salim has also played a significant role in the establishment of four major research centers in South Africa, serving as the first director for each. Meanwhile, Quarraisha’s contributions extend to high-level advisory positions: she co-chairs a 10-member panel advising the UN Secretary-General on the role of science in achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, Salim serves as a Special Advisor on pandemics to the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, their involvement with UNAIDS, Africa’s CDC, and PEPFAR underscores their commitment to addressing the AIDS epidemic. Quarraisha was elected president of The World Academy of Sciences in 2022, marking her as the first woman to hold this position. She has also been designated the UNAIDS Special Ambassador for Adolescents and HIV, reflecting her dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.
Additionally, the Abdool Karims’ advocacy extends beyond scientific research. They have provided guidance to legislative bodies such as the US Congress and the UK Parliament, ensuring that health policies have information from evidence-based research. Their dedication to public health and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS have also established them as leading figures in the global health community. Furthermore, in recognition of their extraordinary contributions, the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award not only honors Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim but also emphasizes the critical role of research and advocacy in combating global health crises. Their legacy continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and public health advocates committed to ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic and improving health equity worldwide.
