Prof. Hoosen Mohammed (Jerry) Coovadia has held various senior positions both locally and internationally including:

• Professor and Head of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Natal
• Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/AIDS Research
• Dirctor of Biomedical Science at the Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking(HIVAN)
• Scientific Director at the Doris Duke Medical Research Centre at the University of Natal
• Director of BioMed HIV/AIDS Research Centre for HIV/AIDS Networking(HIVAN)
• International Vice-Char of Paediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (IMPAACT)
• Deputy Chair of Transitional National Development Trus
• Co-Chair of the Advisory Board to the Artists for a New South Africa’s AMANDLA AIDS Fund
• Founder Member of the South African Academy of Science

Prof Coodova has published papers on the basic science and pathogenesis, clinical management, epidemiology, prevention and contextual factors causing morbidity, disability, and mortality among Africa’s childern. He has received severa awards including:

• the Silver Medal for Excellence in Research (Medical Research Council)
• the Star of Soouth Africa for Contributions to Democracy & Health(President Mandela) and
• Lifetime Achievement Award(HIV Congress – India)

Prof Coodova was involded in the leadership of United Democratic Front(UDF) in the 1970s
He was a vocal critic of the AIDS policies of Thabo Mbeki’s government and campaigned actively for the use of antiretroviral therapy.
In 2000, he served as the Chair of the International AIDS Conference in Durban and was the Chair of the inaugural 1sr SA aids conference in 2003.