We are thrilled to announce that Linda-Gail Bekker, a leading figure in the fight against HIV and Tuberculosis, has joined our Committee of Recommendation!
This exciting development comes after our Initiative Lead, Eric Klaver, had the chance to connect with her at the AIDS 2024 conference this week.
Linda-Gail is the Chief Operating Officer of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation and Director of the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the University of Cape Town. She also served as the former president of the IAS, the International AIDS Society.
Her research and dedication to community engagement looks to overcome the stigma surrounding HIV and TB. She has been a pioneer in initiating peer-led education programs that support the well-being of communities in South Africa.
Born in Zimbabwe, Linda-Gail’s journey in medicine began at the University of Cape Town. Her passion for HIV and TB research was ignited during a clinical rotation in KwaZulu-Natal, where she witnessed the devastating impact of these diseases. Her commitment to this cause led her to a PhD funded by the John E. Fogarty International Center and work at Rockefeller University.
Linda-Gail’s remarkable contributions have been recognized globally, including the Royal Society Pfizer Award for her research into tuberculosis epidemiology. Her community initiatives, like the Tutu tester mobile health van, have created vital healthcare access in South Africa’s poorest communities.
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Linda-Gail Bekker
We are honored to have Linda-Gail Bekker on our Committee of Recommendation. Stay tuned for more updates and join us in welcoming Linda-Gail to our committee!