Science, Medicine & Engineering
Landmark
Salim Abdool Karim
born 1960
Proved antiretrovirals could prevent HIV infection
Landmark is level 2 of 4 in the South Africa Hall of Fame: a first that opened a door, or the pre-eminent figure of their generation in this country. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
The CAPRISA 004 trial he led showed for the first time that an antiretroviral could stop HIV being transmitted — a proof of concept that reshaped prevention worldwide.
Salim S. Abdool Karim is a South African clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist recognised for his work on HIV and on COVID-19.
He directs the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa in Durban and is CAPRISA Professor of Global Health at Columbia University. Two decades of work on microbicides culminated in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial, which proved that antiretroviral drugs can prevent sexually transmitted HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 in women.
He directs the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa in Durban and is CAPRISA Professor of Global Health at Columbia University. Two decades of work on microbicides culminated in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial, which proved that antiretroviral drugs can prevent sexually transmitted HIV and herpes simplex virus type 2 in women.
- Royal Society — Professor Salim Safurdeen Abdool Karim FRS
- World Health Organization — Salim Abdool Karim
- Lasker Foundation — Innovations in HIV prevention, treatment and advocacy
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