Professor Karim is one of Africa’s foremost epidemiologists and public health experts. His research has significantly advanced global understanding of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and emerging infectious diseases, while his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic brought international recognition to South African scientific expertise. His contributions have earned numerous international honours, culminating in the Order of Mapungubwe in Gold, South Africa’s highest civilian recognition, and established him as one of the Muslim world’s leading scientific figures.