Gita Ramjee

Gita Ramjee

Born	8 April 1956
Birth place	Kampala, Uganda
Died	31 March 2020
Place of death	Durban, South Africa
Nationality	South African
Known for	HIV prevention research, microbicide development

Gita Ramjee (8 April 1956 – 31 March 2020) was a renowned South African scientist and researcher known for her pioneering work in the field of HIV prevention. Her research focused on the development of microbicides and other preventive measures to combat the spread of HIV, particularly among women in sub-Saharan Africa.

Early Life and Education

Gita Ramjee was born in Kampala, Uganda, and later moved to India with her family. She completed her undergraduate studies in chemistry and physiology at the University of Sunderland in the United Kingdom. She then pursued a master's degree in chemistry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Career

Ramjee began her career as a researcher at the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), where she eventually became the Chief Specialist Scientist and Director of the HIV Prevention Research Unit. Her work primarily focused on the development and clinical testing of microbicides, which are substances designed to reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.

Contributions to HIV Research

Gita Ramjee was instrumental in leading several large-scale clinical trials aimed at evaluating the efficacy of microbicides and other HIV prevention strategies. Her research provided critical insights into the challenges and potential solutions for reducing HIV transmission among women, who are disproportionately affected by the epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ramjee's work extended beyond scientific research; she was also a passionate advocate for women's health and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of providing women with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves against HIV.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her career, Gita Ramjee received numerous accolades for her contributions to HIV research. She was awarded the "Outstanding Female Scientist" award by the European Development Clinical Trials Partnerships in 2018. Her work was widely recognized by the global scientific community, and she was a frequent speaker at international conferences on HIV/AIDS.

Death

Gita Ramjee passed away on 31 March 2020 in Durban, South Africa, due to complications related to COVID-19. Her death was a significant loss to the scientific community, and she was remembered for her dedication to improving the lives of women and her relentless pursuit of scientific excellence.

Legacy

Gita Ramjee's legacy continues to inspire researchers and advocates in the field of HIV prevention. Her work laid the foundation for ongoing research into microbicides and other preventive measures, and her advocacy for women's health remains a guiding principle for many in the field.

Also see

• HIV/AIDS in South Africa
• Microbicides
• South African Medical Research Council
• Women in science