Inside Education Correspondent
“It is with great sadness that we received the news of the passing of Professor Hoosen (Jerry) Coovadia,” said Professor Nana Poku, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
The internationally acclaimed South African doctor who led the fight against HIV in children passed away on 4 October.
“An intellectual giant, he has left an indelible mark on this institution and the many medical students who passed through his tutelage. In fact, the impact of his contribution has been felt for generations.”
Poku described Professor Coovadia as an exceptional academic, researcher and activist. “He will be remembered for his contributions to global health policies and ground-breaking research in HIV/AIDS transmission from mother to child.
Not one to balk at speaking truth to power, he is well-known for insisting on scientific integrity and campaigning for the rollout of antiretroviral therapy.”
He added that the University is grateful for his contribution to academia and mourns the loss of a legend and scientist. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May his legacy live on through the many lives he has touched.”
