Al-Qalam 
As a world-renowned scientist in the field of paediatric HIV/Aids, Professor Hoosen “Jerry” Coovadia’s contribution has saved the lives of millions of children, writes Ismail Suder.
Tributes have poured in from across the spectrum following the passing of struggle hero and renowned medical scientist, Professor Hoosen ‘Jerry’ Coovadia in Durban on Wednesday.
Professor Coovadia (83), who was one of the world’s leading paediatric immunologists in the field of paediatric HIV/Aids, passed away peacefully at his La Lucia home.
His janaza was at the Soofie Masjid in Riverside, Durban. He was buried at the Soofie Bhaijaan Cemetery.
Many paid tribute to him as a person and to his sterling contribution to science and humanity.
Dr Shakira Cassim, Specialist Paediatrician, and past vice president of the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) told Al-Qalam that she knew Professor Coovadia as a medical student at the Durban Medical School.
“Much has been said about this courageous humanitarian, visionary, mentor, personality par excellent, and his unwavering commitment to social justice. I knew Prof, first as a medical student, then as a registrar whilst training in the paediatric department.
“Many will recall the watershed Aids 2000 conference, in Durban. He was the main convener, and with others, stood up against the government stance on antiretroviral therapy. “It was at this point where he actually encouraged us to get the Islamic Medical Association of South Africa (IMASA) involved in the NGO sector of the conference.
“Over the years he got to see the sterling work of the IMASA. His initial scientism and opposition to its formation in the early years (1980) changed to admiration and acknowledgement. We shared many platforms in interfaith work dealing with HIV and Aids.
“For me, the memories that stand out the most, is that of his near fatal illness in 2005. I visited him daily, read Surah Yaseen and made dua at his hospital bedside in the early hours of the morning.
“I was convinced that it was the power of prayer that pulled him out of this, and he was well enough to go for Hajj the next year. May Allah grant him magfirah and the highest abode in Jannah. Our duas also go out to Zubie (his pillar of strength) and to his children.
“The giant tree has fallen but the fruits of his labour live on to continue his legacy. Ameen.
Underground
In a message to Al-Qalam, Pravin Gordhan, Minister of Public Enterprises, said he had worked with Prof Coovadia for almost 50 years.
“First as a student activist in the early 1970s and then as a fellow executive member of the Natal Indian Congress in the mobilization of civic organizations; the UDF; in an NGO (Community Research Centre); in the ANC underground; during the CODESA negotiations as reps of the NIC / TIC. And above all he was a friend, a brave comrade, and a formidable mentor and intellectual.
“He made forthright statements on public platforms against the apartheid government and its collaborators; he was thoughtful and strategic as we rebuilt organizations both political and civic; he was a visionary in the kind of health system he propounded through NAMDA. He was a foremost paediatrician – both clinical and research. He trained a large number of doctors at the Durban Medical School, who fondly remember him. His prowess extended well beyond our borders: he became world renowned for his HIV/AIDS research; received accolades as recently as last year for his groundbreaking research – even here his principled pro-people stance against AIDS-denialists was an example of his courage and faithfulness to what is right as opposed to what is expedient.
“He leaves future generations with a National Development Plan to aspire to implement; with the meaning of academic and scientific excellence; what it means to be a passionate humanist; to be not just a theoretician but an activist for change and transformation, who walked the streets of our townships, graced the platforms of academic institutions, a brave voice that stood against injustice and oppression and promoted democratic values.
“Please do not allow the memories of future generations to fail to remember this rich and powerful life!’
Professor Salim Karim, head of CAPRISA said Professor Coovadia was “our mentor, close friend and comrade.”
“He was one of South Africa’s foremost intellectuals; he accepted nothing short of excellence. He brought to science, not just innovation, but a commitment to social justice and equity. He fought tirelessly against apartheid and was just as forthright in his criticism of corruption. His everlasting legacy will be his global stature as an AIDS scientist focusing on mother-to-child transmission of HIV, leader of the AIDS 2000 conference, fierce fighter against AIDS denialism and astute activist in the cause of freedom and justice.”
In his tribute, Dr Ahmed Manjra, a Durban paediatrician and former MYM member told Al-Qalam: “Prof Coovadia’s contribution to medicine and human rights is monumental. His contribution has saved millions of lives of children, who otherwise have succumbed to the ravages of HIV. He has trained an entire generation of doctors, who now hold the mantle of his legacy.
“I was particularly privileged and honoured to know him professionally and personally, as he was one of my father’s closest childhood friends. He was also my mentor in paediatrics when I worked under him at King Edward Hospital. I owe him a debt of gratitude for his mentorship.
His contribution to the struggle for liberation is also iconic. He is gone but never forgotten. May Allah grant him the highest stages in Paradise and grant solace to his family. His legacy lives on”.
