A Visionary In Medical Research and Global Health Leadership
By Jessie Taylor
Renowned South African medical researcher Professor Glenda Gray has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving public health and combating infectious diseases. From carrying out research in mother-to-child transmission of HIV and AIDS to sourcing Covid-19 vaccination for healthcare workers on the frontline of the pandemic, and now in her latest role as the Chair of the Global Antibiotic Research & Development Partnership (GARDP), Prof Gray has put her passion for medicine and people to work in saving lives.
A Trailblazer In Global Health
Prof Gray was recently appointed as the Chair of GARDP, a Geneva-based not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She Gray has served on the GARDP board for a decade, contributing her expertise and leadership to its mission of developing and making antibiotic treatments accessible to those in need. Her appointment as Chair underscores her commitment to tackling one of the most pressing public health threats of our time: the rise and spread of drug-resistant infections.
Through public and private partnerships, GARDP plays a crucial role in ensuring that effective antibiotics are not only developed but also made accessible and affordable, particularly in lower-income countries. According to estimates, nearly 1.3 million people died as a direct result of antibiotic-resistant infections in 2019, with Sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest death rates. A 2024 report by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) highlighted a 50% annual increase in antibiotic use between 2020 and 2022.
This surge, coupled with growing resistance among certain bacterial strains, underscores the urgent need for interventions like those championed by GARDP. South Africa has been at the forefront of efforts to address this challenge, playing a key role in GARDP’s global phase-three clinical trial of a potential novel oral treatment for drug-resistant gonorrhoea. GARDP is involved in a global clinical trial evaluating much-needed antibiotic combinations for newborns with sepsis at Baragwanath and Tygerberg hospitals.
Prof Gray’s appointment aligns seamlessly with her broader vision. Her work has highlighted the urgent need for vaccine production facilities across Africa, as well as the critical gaps in antibiotic development and manufacturing on the continent. As she steps into this prestigious role, she aims to drive forward initiatives that bridge these gaps and strengthen Africa’s healthcare infrastructure.
The Relentless Pursuit of Scientific Integrity
Professor Gray recently completed two five-year terms as President and CEO of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), during which she spearheaded transformative initiatives that reshaped the landscape of medical research in South Africa. Her tenure was marked by significant advancements in grant funding, with a strong focus on supporting young scientists, black African researchers, and women in science.
Under her leadership, SAMRC established key partnerships and collaborations that have significantly advanced scientific research in the country. Her extensive experience in HIV vaccine research is now being channelled into developing new vaccines to address other pressing health challenges in Africa, reinforcing her unwavering dedication to medical innovation and public health.
Her scientific integrity and fearless advocacy for evidence-based policymaking have defined her career. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she played a pivotal role in securing 500 000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for South African healthcare workers, navigating regulatory challenges and global vaccine politics with tenacity and strategic acumen. Her leadership in HIV/AIDS research dates back to the 1990s when she co-founded the Perinatal HIV Research Unit at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital with Professor James McIntyre. Their groundbreaking work contributed significantly to the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ultimately saving countless lives.
This commitment to public health and social justice has earned Gray multiple international accolades, including being named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in 2017 and one of Forbes’ 50 Most Powerful Women in 2023. She has also been awarded the prestigious Order of Mapungubwe for her contributions to medical science in South Africa. Professor Glenda Gray’s journey to a globally recognised medical leader is a testament to her resilience and visionary leadership. As she takes on the mantle of GARDP Chair, she remains steadfast in her commitment to global health. She envisions a future where Africa is not only a consumer of medical innovations but also a hub for vaccine and antibiotic development. Her leadership at GARDP will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of antimicrobial resistance efforts worldwide, ensuring that life-saving treatments reach those who need them most.
Sources: News24 | UFS | SAMRC | Presidency
