The Director of the Centre for the AIDS Program of Research at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Prof. Salim Abdool Karim and the Vice Chair for research Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Prof. Sheila West have emerged joint winners of this year’s Al-Sumait prize.

The award which recognizes and honours individuals or institutions that help advance economic and social development, human resources development and infrastructure in Africa was on Thursday awarded to the winners by the Amir of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The prize comprises a million dollars, a gold medal and a shield.

Professor Abdool Karim, who happens to be the first African scientist to receive the award expressed his joy at been honoured with such award, he said, “I am deeply humbled and honoured by the award as it is recognition not just for me, but for the thousands of researchers in Africa and around the world making a difference to those most in need.

“Our work however, is far from done as nearly 5000 new HIV infections continue to occur around the world each and every day.”

On her part, Professor West thanked the Amir and the Al-Sumait Prize Board of Trustees for the award and according to her, “158 million people live in trachoma endemic areas and the impact of the blindness it causes is both socially and economically disastrous this award will help us to build on the work we have done and raise awareness so families and communities don’t have to live under this threat in the future”

Speaking on behalf of the Rakai Health Sciences Program, which she co-founded, Professor Wawer said, “We are very grateful for the recognition this award gives to our teams both in Uganda and at John Hopkins University for the impactful work we are doing to combat the HIV epidemic in Uganda.”

Initiated in 2013 by His Highness the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Sabah, the Al-Sumait Prize for AfricanDevelopment is designed to reward innovative and inspiring initiatives and research by individuals and organizations that address the challenges facing the African continent. The award recognizes and honours individuals or institutions that help advance economic and social development, human resources development and infrastructure in Africa.