The South African health sector is mourning the loss of leading scientist Professor Hoosen “Jerry” Coovadia.
The health policy innovator and activist died on Wednesday at the age of 83.
The Rural Health Advocacy Project (RHAP), a body that advocates for access to quality and comprehensive rural health care in South Africa, issued a statement saying Coovadia stood as a towering figure, a beacon of integrity, and a relentless advocate for those in need.
RHAP said, Coovadia who was an anti-apartheid veteran, knew all about the perils of oppressive systems.
“His life’s work was a testament to his unwavering commitment to scientific truth, compassionate patient care, and the pursuit of justice in healthcare.
“It was in the realm of HIV/Aids that he truly made an indelible mark, becoming an international authority on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission. When the HIV epidemic was sweeping across the country, Coovadia fearlessly championed scientific integrity and campaigned for access to life-saving antiretrovirals,” said RHAP.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has since sent a message of condolences to Coovadia’s family.
“On behalf of government and the nation, I would like to offer my deepest condolences to Professor Coovadia’s wife, Dr Zubeida Hamed, his son, Professor Imraan Coovadia, and daughter Dr Anuschka Coovadia,” said Ramaphosa.
He further expressed that Coovadia was the pride of the country because of his pioneering spirit and globally acclaimed research on the mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
“He has rendered an immeasurable legacy to humanity in terms of which persons living with HIV are able to live long and healthy lives subject to early detection and access to treatment.
“Our nation’s loss will be felt globally, but we can take pride at and comfort from the emergence of a giant of science and an icon of compassion and resilience from our country,” he added.
He leaves behind his wife and two children, a son and a daughter.
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