President mourns passing of pre-eminent scientist and veteran activist Prof Hoosen "Jerry" Coovadia

President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his deep sadness at the passing of leading scientist, health policy innovator and longstanding activist, Prof Hoosen Mahomed “Jerry” Coovadia, who has passed away at the age of 83.
 
On behalf of Government and the Nation, the President offers his deepest condolences to Prof Coovadia’s wife, Dr Zubeida Hamed, his son, Prof Imraan Coovadia, and daughter Dr Anuschka Coovadia.
 
President Ramaphosa said: “Jerry Coovadia was an outstanding scientist and committed anti-apartheid campaigner who dedicated himself to our liberation struggle. He also dedicated himself to the physical wellbeing and social inclusion of people all over the world through his enterprising mission as a scientist and architect of public health policies.
 
“His pioneering, globally acclaimed research into mother-to-child transmission of HIV has 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.”
 

Media enquiries: Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President – media@presidency.gov.za

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria