Tributes continue to pour in for renowned South African scientist Professor Gita Ramjee after she passed away from COVID-19 related complications.

It’s understood Ramjee who worked at the Aurum Institute had complications arising from asthma and pneumonia.

Ramjee a vaccine scientist and an HIV prevention researcher returned from London last week but reportedly showed no symptoms of the coronavirus.

The institute shared the news of Ramjee’s death in a Twitter post on Tuesday night.

“Aurum is deeply saddened by the death of its Chief Scientific Officer Prof Gita Ramjee, world renowned for her tireless work to find HIV prevention solutions for women.”

CEO Gavin Churchyard, described Ramjee as; “a bold and compassionate leader in the response to HIV.”

Ramjee’s death was mourned by many of her former colleagues including Professor Glenda Gray at the SA Medical Research Council, where she worked as chief specialist scientist and director of the HIV Prevention Research Unit.

Faizel Patel

(Twitter: @FaizelPatel143)