From left: Dr Wafaa El-Sadr, Dr Myron Cohen, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Dr Anthony Fauci, at the National Institutes of Health in the US.
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The prestigious 2018 Ward Cates Spirit award was presented to Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, honorary professor at UKZN and Associate Scientific Director of CAPRISA, at the Annual HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) meeting held in Washington, by Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); as well as Dr Myron Cohen and Dr Wafaa El-Sadr, co-Chairs of the HPTN.
Prof Abdool Karim, the first female recipient of the award, was recognised for her 'outstanding commitment and leadership to health as a right, internationally and domestically; scientific excellence and her magnanimity in mentorship and support.'
The Ward Cates Spirit award honours the rich scientific legacy of the late Ward Cates, distinguished scientist and President Emeritus of FHI 360, that spanned over 40 years. During his distinguished career, Cates served in senior positions at the CDC and FHI 360. Significantly, Ward Cates, as President of FHI360 and previous Chair of HIVNET and HPTN, was a long-time collaborator, colleague and dear friend of Professors Salim and Quarraisha Abdool Karim and played a pivotal role in the CAPRISA 004 trial.
The HPTN leadership established the Ward Cates Spirit Award in recognition of Cate's commitment and numerous contributions to the field of HIV/AIDS prevention, international family planning and women's health. The award is presented annually to a Network member who has similarly exhibited outstanding contributions towards HPTN's mission through his or her leadership, mentoring, cheerleading and public health advocacy.
Prof Abdool Karim is the third recipient of the award and joins eminent scientists, Dr Ken Mayer, Director of the Fenway Institute and Dr Sten Vermund Dean, of the Yale School of Public Health who received the award in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Words: Smita Maharaj