SA’s top Covid-19 adviser, Professor Abdool Karim, steps down

Prof Abdool Karim says he is stepping down from the MAC to refocus his attention on his HIV research and academic work.

Professor Salim Abdool Karim.

South Africa’s top coronavirus adviser, Professor Salim Abdool Karim, on Thursday announced he resigned as chairperson of the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Covid-19.

Abdool Karim, who has been leading the Department of Health’s Covid-19 response for the past year, confirmed to The Citizen he is stepping down to re-focus his attention on HIV research and academic work from April. Professor Koleka Mlisana will succeed Abdool Karim as co-chair of the MAC with Professor Marian Jacobs.

Abdool Karim is an internationally renowned clinical infectious diseases epidemiologist who is widely recognised for his research contributions to HIV prevention and treatment. He heads the Centre for the Aids Programme of Research in SA at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

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In a statement, he said it had been his singular honour and privilege to have served as the chairperson of the MAC on Covid-19 since March last year and subsequently as co-chair of a revised MAC, established in September. His last day on the job was on Tuesday.

“When I accepted the appointment on 23 March 2020, little did I realise how important science would be in helping our country navigate the complexities of the coronavirus pandemic. It has been most rewarding to work alongside many of our country’s leading scientists from a range of disciplines. South Africa is indeed very fortunate to have so many accomplished scientists in the MAC,” Abdool Karim said.

“As the one-year anniversary of my term nears, the time has come for me to return to my HIV research and my academic commitments. I am therefore stepping down from the MAC on Covid-19 (and consequently from the MAC Vaccines as well).”

‘Labour of love’

Abdool Karim said the MAC was well set to continue its good work and rise to the challenges of dealing with Covid-19.

“I have been thoroughly impressed with the skills, dedication and commitment of the MAC members and so I leave knowing full well that advice on our Covid-19 response is in safe hands.

“I wish to pay tribute to my colleagues who served and who continue to serve on the MAC – it is a labour of love, grappling with an avalanche of new information daily – sifting through fact, fiction, conspiracy theories, assumptions and projections to provide science-based advice in the midst of substantial uncertainty.

“I also wish to acknowledge the significant contributions and expertise of the MAC secretariat who worked tirelessly behind the scenes providing invaluable support.”

He said the pandemic had posed many challenges and hardships, but also provided an opportunity to develop the country’s capacity to deal with future pandemics.

“I am humbled to have had the opportunity to make some small contribution to this process,” Abdool Karim said.

At the same time, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize accepted his resignation. He said Abdool Karim presided over the MAC that has positioned SA as one of the leading nations in the emergency response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“He has become a trusted figure for so many South Africans, who have grown accustomed to his singular ability of explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms that all of us can understand.

“The Minister is sure all South Africans will join us as we convey our deep appreciation to Professor Abdool Karim for his exceptional stewardship during one of the greatest crises faced by humanity. Throughout, he has remained focused, level-headed, calm and compassionate. Even under enormous pressure, Professor Abdool Karim always received everyone with his warm smile and reassuring presence,” Mkhize said in a statement.

It has been a singular honour to serve on the MAC alongside exceptional colleagues. After exactly 1 year, the time has come for me to return to my academic commitments. As I leave to refocus on HIV research, I know full well that advice on our Covid-19 response is in safe hands pic.twitter.com/XcnewEYrI3

— Salim & Quarraisha Abdool Karim (@ProfAbdoolKarim) March 25, 2021