Professor Salim Abdool Karim

Professor Salim Abdool Karim is an award-winning epidemiologist who is internationally renowned for his research into HIV and AIDS. The scientist has worked extensively in eradicating infectious diseases, particularly in third world countries, and is now leading South Africa’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. A public health expert, and committed researcher, Professor Karim is sought after for speaking engagements, with audiences benefiting from his vast knowledge across international affairs, global health and crisis response. Equally popular with corporate clients, Professor Karim relates such topics to their impacts on a business setting.

At the forefront of global research into HIV and Aids, Professor Karim is the scientist credited with the success of the CAPRISA 004 project, which found a topical gel could reduce the risk of contracting both diseases. Dedicating his career to exploring solutions, Professor Karim is the Chair of the UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel, a member of the WHO HIV-TB Task Force and Chair’s the WHO’s HIV & Hepatitis Advisory Board. Backed by his education, spanning five universities over 16 years, Professor Karim is passionately teaching the next generation, through his role as a Caprisa Professor for Global Health.

Most recently, Professor Karim has expanded his research to combat the Covid-19 pandemic. With a focus on South Africa’s response, he has led the Ministerial Advisory Committee, a group of 45 experts that are responsible for supporting the country’s government with scientific evidence. This role has not only seen him become a highly regarded advisor to South Africa, but to the entire world, with Professor Karim being featured as an expert on media outlets internationally.

For his dedication to the eradication of infectious disease, Professor Karim has been the recipient of several awards. In 2008, he was honoured with the most prestigious accolade available for science in South Africa, The World Academy of Sciences Prize. In admiration of his earliest work, Professor Karim received the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1988 followed by the Olusegun Obasanjo Prize. In 2020, having pioneered the Covid-19 battle, Professor Karim was named the winner of the John Maddox Prize, a testament to his global influence.