People in global health news

Abdool Karims receive Lasker Award

Quarraisha and Salim Abdool Karim have received the prestigious 2024 Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award. The Abdool Karims were honored for illuminating key drivers of heterosexual HIV transmission; introducing life-saving approaches to prevent and treat HIV; and statesmanship in public health policy and advocacy

The couple helped build South Africa’s scientific infrastructure and cultivated the next generation of infectious disease experts via CAPRISA (Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa), which they founded with Fogarty funding in 2002.

NIH names new AIDS research director

Dr. Geri Donenberg has been named the NIH associate director for AIDS research and director of the NIH Office of AIDS Research (OAR). She brings over 25 years of experience with a focus on factors that influence HIV transmission. In this role, she will lead efforts to coordinate and advance HIV/AIDS research across NIH.

Hotez to receive Winslow Award

Dr. Peter Hotez, a renowned vaccine researcher, will receive the 2024 Winslow Medal from the Yale School of Public Health for his leadership in global health, particularly his work in developing vaccines for neglected tropical diseases and codeveloping a low-cost COVID-19 vaccine, and his fight against vaccine misinformation and promoting scientific literacy.

Remembering Kawango Agot

Former Fogarty trainee and long-time grant recipient Dr. Kawango Agot has passed away. As the founder of Impact Research and Development Organization and the Nyanza Initiative for Girls' Education and Empowerment, she led nearly 60 studies and programs that shaped HIV policies in Kenya focused on women and girls living with HIV.

Tengiz Tsertsvadze dies at age 76

Dr. Tengiz Tsertsvadze, founder of the HIV/AIDS service in Georgia and general director of the Center for Infectious Pathology, AIDS, and Clinical Immunology, has died at the age of 76. Tsertsvadze, a former Fogarty trainee, was one of the main initiators of Georgia’s hepatitis C elimination program.

Shaffer accepts appointment at IVI

A former associate director in the Office of Global Policy and Strategy of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, Dr. Doug Shaffer has accepted the role of deputy director general of global affairs & communications at the International Vaccine Institute. Shaffer will brings his expertise in clinical research, medical education, regulatory strengthening, capacity building, and global health diplomacy to IVI.

UCT head to lead WHO Collaborating Center

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) head of the Division of Global Surgery, Professor Salome Maswime, has been selected to lead a new WHO Collaborating Center which will be crucial in supporting countries in moving their health systems towards universal health coverage.  The center’s work will prioritize effective organization, planning, and patient movement across the health system.