Indian origin HIV scientist Gita Ramjee dies of COVID-19

Virologist Gita Ramjee has become the first Indian-origin South African to have died after contracting the novel coronavirus. She was the Clinical Trials Unit Principal Investigator and Unit Director of the HIV Prevention Research Unit of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) offices in Durban. Ms Ramjee, a vaccine scientist and an HIV prevention research leader, returned from London a week ago but reportedly showed no symptoms of COVID-19.

In 2018, Ms Ramjee was presented with the Outstanding Female Scientist Award in Lisbon by the European Development Clinical Trials Partnerships (EDCTP) for her lifetime commitment to finding new HIV prevention methods, which are conducive to the lifestyles, circumstances and perceived risk factors that South African women are faced with. 

SAMRC President and CEO Glenda Gray confirmed her death. "We are deeply saddened to inform you of the tragic passing of Prof Gita Ramjee in hospital today," said a statement issued by SAMRC President.Ms Ramjee was married to pharmacist Pravin Ramjee, a South African of Indian descent. Five South Africans have died from COVID-19 since Sunday, the third day of the lockdown. Over 13,50 cases have been reported in the country so far.