Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim: Pioneers in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS and Public Health Advocates

The Lasker Foundation has recently announced the winners of its prestigious 2024 Lasker Awards, and this year, the spotlight shines brightly on Quarraisha Abdool Karim and Salim S. Abdool Karim. The Abdool Karims, renowned for their groundbreaking work in AIDS research, have been honored with the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award. This recognition is a testament to their relentless efforts in understanding and combating the HIV epidemic in South Africa, a country that has been significantly impacted by the virus. Their work has not only saved countless lives but also paved the way for new prevention strategies and treatments that are now being used worldwide.

Professor Salim Abdool Karim serves as the director of the Centre for the AIDS Program of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), an institution at the forefront of HIV research. His wife, Professor Quarraisha Abdool Karim, holds professorships at multiple universities and is a visiting scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital. Together, they have faced numerous challenges, from AIDS denialism to the development of life-saving treatments and prevention strategies specifically tailored for women. Their journey as spouse-scientists has been marked by a shared commitment to public health and social justice, making their partnership both unique and profoundly impactful.

One of the most significant contributions of the Abdool Karims has been their research on the antiretroviral drug tenofovir. Their work led to the creation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a groundbreaking HIV prevention strategy that has been widely adopted. Additionally, their efforts in improving treatment for HIV and tuberculosis co-infections have resulted in a substantial decrease in deaths related to these diseases. The couple’s research has not only provided immediate solutions but has also laid the groundwork for future innovations in the field of infectious diseases.

In recent years, the Abdool Karims have extended their expertise to the fight against COVID-19. They have been involved in various aspects of the pandemic response, including surveillance, prevention, and combating misinformation. Their established research infrastructure allowed them to quickly set up diagnostics and conduct clinical trials, contributing significantly to South Africa’s response to COVID-19. Their work in identifying the emergence of the Omicron variant and developing potential treatments and preventive measures has been crucial in the global effort to manage the pandemic.

The Abdool Karims’ dedication to science and public health extends beyond their research. They have been instrumental in training and mentoring over 600 African researchers, fostering a new generation of scientists equipped to tackle public health challenges. Their commitment to capacity building in Africa is a reflection of their belief in the transformative power of science and the importance of local talent in addressing global health issues. Their efforts have not only advanced scientific knowledge but have also empowered communities to take charge of their health and well-being.

Throughout their careers, the Abdool Karims have been vocal advocates for evidence-based policymaking and have consistently challenged unscientific viewpoints. Their work has been recognized by various prestigious scientific societies, and they have served as advisors for numerous organizations. Earlier this year, Salim Abdool Karim received the Royal Society’s Michael Faraday Prize and Lecture, further cementing his status as a leading figure in the field of epidemiology. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, currently the Vice President of the African Academy of Sciences, is set to become the 7th President of the World Academy of Sciences in 2022, highlighting her significant contributions to global science.

The Lasker Foundation, in awarding the Abdool Karims, described them as ‘true visionaries for the prevention of HIV.’ This accolade is a fitting recognition of their decades-long commitment to fighting the HIV epidemic and their broader contributions to public health. The couple expressed their honor and gratitude for receiving the Lasker Award, viewing it as a validation of their life’s work and a reminder of the importance of continued research and advocacy in the field of infectious diseases.

The journey of the Abdool Karims into epidemiology and public health began in the late 1980s when they worked together to address social injustices through scientific inquiry. Their early work focused on tracking the HIV epidemic in South Africa and identifying the disproportionate burden of infection among vulnerable young women. This initial research laid the foundation for their subsequent contributions to HIV prevention technologies and their advisory roles to international leaders on addressing the global HIV epidemic. One of their major breakthroughs was demonstrating the effectiveness of tenofovir vaginal gel in preventing HIV and HSV-2 infection, a finding that has had a profound impact on HIV prevention strategies.

Their experience with apartheid resistance and activism played a significant role in shaping their career paths. During their time at Columbia University in the late 1970s, they were actively involved in fighting against apartheid. Upon returning to South Africa in 1989, they anticipated that HIV would become a major issue in the country and focused their research efforts accordingly. Their findings revealed that, contrary to global trends, HIV was primarily affecting women in South Africa, with young women aged 15-24 being particularly vulnerable. This insight drove their efforts to develop microbicides and other prevention methods tailored to the needs of women in these communities.

Despite initial setbacks in developing effective microbicides, the Abdool Karims persevered and eventually demonstrated in 2010 that tenofovir gel could prevent HIV in young women. This breakthrough provided a much-needed solution to the problem of HIV transmission and led to the incorporation of tenofovir gel into HIV prevention policies. Their research also uncovered the role of the vaginal microbiome in young women’s susceptibility to HIV, adding another layer of understanding to the complex dynamics of HIV transmission. These findings have been instrumental in shaping current HIV prevention strategies and have provided hope for future advancements in the field.

The Abdool Karims’ work on HIV has also intersected with their efforts to combat tuberculosis, another major public health challenge in South Africa. Their research on the co-infection of HIV and tuberculosis has led to improved treatment protocols and a significant reduction in deaths from these diseases. Their holistic approach to public health, which considers the interplay between different infectious diseases, has been a key factor in their success. This comprehensive perspective has enabled them to develop integrated strategies that address multiple health issues simultaneously, thereby maximizing the impact of their interventions.

As the world continues to grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Abdool Karims’ expertise has proven invaluable. Their ability to quickly adapt their research infrastructure to address the new threat has been a testament to their flexibility and foresight. By leveraging their extensive experience in infectious disease research, they have contributed to the global understanding of COVID-19 and have helped develop effective responses to the pandemic. Their work on identifying the Omicron variant and developing potential treatments and preventive measures has been particularly noteworthy, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to public health and scientific excellence.