PHOTOS: Tamlyn Jolly
IT was a double celebration for the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies when newly appointed Director, Professor Deenan Pillay was welcomed and the Centre’s 15th anniversary was commemorated.
Addressing staff during a luncheon on Friday 6 December, Prof Pillay recognised that ‘field work is the core of what the Africa Centre is’ and said he aspires to make it the best HIV research centre in the world.
He added that his number one scientific priority is finding out whether or not HIV can be eliminated.
Professor Deenan Pillay is a leading clinical virologist, Professor of Virology, and previously the Co-Director of the Division of Infection and Immunity at University College London (UCL).
He was appointed as the new Director of the Africa Centre for Health and Population Studies in Somkhele in September this year.
According to a media statement issued by the Wellcome Trust, Professor Deenan Pillay ‘trained in London, Newcastle and San Diego and has a long-standing research and clinical interest in HIV virology, particularly related to the study of global HIV drug resistance and transmission.
‘He helped establish the Bloomsbury Research Institute, a partnership between infectious disease research groups from UCL and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine’. The Professor takes over from former Director of Africa Centre, Professor Marie-Louise Newell, who returned to the UK to take up a post at the University of Southampton.
Queen Thandi Zulu, whose husband King Goodwill Zwelethini is the Africa Centre’s first patron, attended the dinner to honour Professor Deenan Pillay and said some words of welcome.
The Queen assured Professor Pillay of her faith that he would provide strong leadership for the Africa Centre and under him the centre would achieve great things in HIV research.
‘Support from staff makes a director’s success,’ said Queen Thandi Zulu.
Mac Maharaj, spokesperson to President Jacob Zuma, attended Professor Pillay’s welcome dinner in a personal capacity due to long-standing close family ties.
‘We want our talent to come back,’ remarked Maharaj upon recognising South African-born Professor Pillay’s talent, outstanding achievements and dedication to HIV research.
Maharaj noted that the Africa Centre is undertaking ‘significant work in the epicenter of HIV/AIDS. [Professor Deenan Pillay’s] vision to be the foremost research centre in the world is a vision to inspire all of us. The Africa Centre has great potential and is making a good contribution to the world.’
Mayor Robert Ntuli of Mtubatuba attended the dinner function and, in a short speech, emulated Maharaj’s support of Professor Pillay’s appointment.
He noted too that the Mtubatuba Municipality is working closely with the Africa Centre to try to overcome the economic hardship that’s so rife in Mtubatuba.
In early 2014 the Governors of the Wellcome Trust, including their newly appointed Director, Jeremy Farrar, will visit the Africa Centre.
