Tributes are being paid to world-renowned South African scientist Gita Ramjee, who has died from Covid-19-related complications.
"She dedicated many years of her life to finding HIV prevention solutions for women," her colleague and friend Gavin Churchyard told the BBC.
Head of UNAids Winnie Byanyima said Prof Ramjee's death was a huge loss at a time when the world needed her most.
South Africa has the largest number of people living with HIV in the world.
The country has begun a three-week lockdown as part of efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus.
"The passing of Prof Ramjee comes as a huge blow to the entirety of the healthcare sector and the global fight against HIV/Aids," the country's Deputy President David Mabuza said in a statement.
"In her, we have indeed lost a champion in the fight against the HIV epidemic, ironically at the hands of this global pandemic. In her honour, we should heed the call to flatten the curve by strengthening our responses to this global pandemic as well as continue the fight to achieve zero new HIV infections."
'I now stand among female giants'
Prof Ramjee, who died in hospital near the coastal city of Durban on Tuesday, had been working as the chief scientific officer at the Aurum Institute, a leading authority in the fight against HIV and TB.
"Gita was a vibrant person, a real fighter. If she sets her mind on something, nobody better stand in her way," Aurum head Prof Churchyard, who knew her for many years, told the BBC's Pumza Fihlani.
"That will be my lasting memory of her - how she fought with everything to advance access to healthcare for women in disadvantaged communities."
The HIV researcher was acknowledged internationally for her work and held honorary professorships at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the University of Washington and the University of Cape Town.
Two years ago she was given the Outstanding Female Scientist Award by the European Development Clinical Trials Partnerships.
Afterwards she told the HIV Trials Network: "I was absolutely thrilled by this award, as it recognises decades of my commitment to clinical research activities in HIV prevention. What makes it more rewarding is that I now stand among the female giants."
Latest Stories
-
I’m doing well – Amerado assures fans after stage mishap
25 mins -
EC asks police to start criminal investigation into Ejisu by-election ‘white envelope’ bribery allegation
1 hour -
LPG Marketers Association kicks against NPA’s $80 per metric ton levy on LPG
2 hours -
We need a comprehensive review of Ghana’s financial regulations – Dr Alhassan Andani
2 hours -
Court dismisses injunction against NBA for approving registration of 14 new GM crops
2 hours -
Penalty for companies not filing returns increased to GH¢1k from May 1
2 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: Results so far
3 hours -
Ejisu By-Election: And the winner is…
3 hours -
Dumsor: Businesses could collapse if situation is not resolved – Ghali
3 hours -
Ejisu by-election: NPP will do everything possible to win – Kingsley Nyarko
4 hours -
‘White envelope’ incident was unfortunate – Political Science lecturer
4 hours -
NPP will always win Ejisu elections – Paul Yandoh
4 hours -
Manhyia Palace Museum comes alive in May by showcasing restored Asante treasures
4 hours -
NPP win in Ejisu by-election will signal Bawumia’s triumphant victory in 2024 polls – Richard Ahiagbah
4 hours -
Presidents must respect Chiefs, says historian
4 hours