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Stellenbosch University (SU) has conferred an honorary doctorate on world-renowned epidemiologist and infectious disease expert Professor Salim Abdool Karim in recognition of his extensive contributions to public health research and policy development.
Abdool Karim was awarded the degree Doctor of Science (DSc) in Medicine and Health Sciences, honoris causa, during the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences graduation ceremony held last Thursday.
The university cited his influential research on HIV and Covid-19, his role in shaping health policy at local, continental and global levels, and his commitment to strengthening African scientific capacity through training and mentorship programmes.
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In his acceptance speech, Abdool Karim described the award as a great honour and said he was pleased to receive the doctorate from one of South Africa’s leading academic institutions.
“When I look at South Africa’s accomplishments and our universities, I am particularly pleased to be here at Stellenbosch University,” he said.
He added humourously that the qualification would help him “start catching up” with his wife, who already holds more honorary doctorates than he does.
Addressing the graduating students, Abdool Karim delivered what he described as a “PEP talk”, encouraging them to pursue passion, excellence and perseverance.
Explore the world. Take in as many experiences as you can and don’t narrow your options too quickly.
“Find the thing that excites you — find your passion in life,” he said.
He urged graduates to aim for excellence in all they do. “Always strive to be the best you can be. Don’t settle for second best. Life is not a straight line. It comes with obstacles and challenges, and perseverance is what enables you to succeed.”
Abdool Karim is internationally recognised for his work addressing two major barriers to ending Aids in Africa by 2030: reducing deaths from HIV and tuberculosis co-infection, and preventing new HIV infections among young women.
He played a key role in Africa’s Covid-19 response as a commissioner of the African Union’s Covid-19 Commission and as chair of South Africa’s Ministerial Advisory Committee on Covid-19.
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He serves as director of the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in South Africa (Caprisa), is a Caprisa Professor of Global Health at Columbia University, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
He has authored more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and is regarded as one of Africa’s most eminent scientists.
