"Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.”
- Dato’ Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman -
One Woman's Battle Against a Disease Affecting Thousands
Dato’ Professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman, an Academy of Sciences Malaysia fellow speciliaising in HIV/AIDS, has dedicated over 30 years to the prevention, treatment, and research of infectious diseases. She serves on various organisations, including the UNAIDS Scientific Expert Panel, WHO Science Council, and in 2020, became the first Asian president of the International AIDS Society.
In 1996, Dr Adeeba founded the University of Malaya Medical Centre’s Infectious Disorders Unit, and under her direction, it has grown to become one of the nation’s top tertiary referral centres for HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases. As the first female dean of University of Malaya's Faculty of Medicine, she also played a pivotal role in revising the curriculum to produce skilled professionals.
With Tun Dr Siti Hasmah at the Malaysian AIDS Foundation Red Ribbon Gala
Dr Adeeba played a pivotal role in reshaping Malaysia’s response to drug use, which resulted in programmes to prevent HIV transmission among drug users.
In 2008, she founded the Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) at the University of Malaya, to conduct vital research activities that include clinical and fundamental science studies, epidemiological research, and socio-behavioural research with a focus on Malaysia’s marginalised communities, including people who use drugs, people in prisons and men-who-have-sex-with-men.
Her efforts helped CERiA secure funding from various sources, including those from the Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR), the USA National Institutes of Health and the World Bank, the National Institutes of Health, and the Ministry of Higher Education of Malaysia.
Through her positions as the President of the Malaysian AIDS Council and Chairman of the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, Dr Adeeba has promoted community-based HIV/AIDS programmes nationwide and led fundraising for HIV prevention, care, and treatment programmes.
At The Release of UNAIDS Global AIDS Report 2022
One of Dr Adeeba’s outstanding achievements, distinct from her broader works and services to the country, is the significant 50% reduction in the rate of new HIV/AIDS infections over the past decade. This notable accomplishment can be attributed to the implementation of the Needle Syringe Exchange Programme (NSEP) and Opioid Substitution Therapy (OST).
Having contributed so much to the battle against the spread of HIV/AIDS cases, she’s no stranger to awards and accolades. The Australian-Asian Fellowship Award, Tun Mahathir Award, Merdeka Award, and the first Advance Australia Global Award in the Category of Alumni in 2012, are testimonies to the success of her work. Dr. Adeeba also holds the unique distinction of being the only Malaysian featured in both The Lancet alongside Nobel Laureate Professor Francoise Barre-Sinoussi.
Dr Adeeba was named as one of the Top 20 influential female scientists in the Muslim World and her global impact is evident through her leadership in conferences. She co-chaired the 7th IAS Conference on Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Prevention in Kuala Lumpur, drawing over 5,000 attendees, including scientists, researchers, and healthcare professionals from across the globe, and the 24th International AIDS Conference.
During the COVID-19 outbreak, Dr. Adeeba's expertise was once again sought as she chaired the University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) COVID-19 Task Force and served on the National Recovery Council and Johor COVID-19 Health Advisory Committee.
Dr Adeeba speaks at the 24th International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2022) in Montreal, Canada
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The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.