Hard work and determination has paid off for Professor Thumbi Ndung’u who was elected to the United States of America National Academy of Medicine (NAM). His election was formally announced at NAM’s annual meeting on October 21, where he joined an esteemed cohort of 100 new members.

An election to NAM is recognised as one of the highest global honours in health and medicine, reserved for individuals who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and a profound commitment to advancing public health. Each year, NAM elects no more than 90 regular members and 10 international members.

Professor Ndung’u said he is deeply honoured to be elected to NAM.

“This recognition is a testament not only to my work but to the incredible teams and collaborators I have had the privilege to work alongside. Together, we continue to strive toward advancing scientific research that will lead to solutions for some of our most pressing health challenges,” said Professor Ndung’u.

UKZN’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Nana Poku said Professor Ndung’u’s election to NAM not only celebrates his distinguished career but also brings global recognition to UKZN for its leadership in HIV and TB research.

“This honour affirms the university’s pivotal role in advancing health science and reinforces our position as a centre of excellence in medical research. We are profoundly proud of this achievement, which will undoubtedly inspire emerging researchers at UKZN and in the wider scientific community,” said Professor Poku.

“Prof Ndung’u’s election is a testament to his groundbreaking research, including his pioneering work on creating the first primary isolate infectious molecular clone of HIV-1 subtype C—a milestone that has significantly advanced our understanding of the virus and its interaction with host systems.

“NAM also recognised his vital contributions to uncovering immune vulnerabilities in HIV-1 subtype C, which are instrumental for developing potential vaccines and immunotherapies, as well as his leadership in Africa’s first HIV cure trial.”

Professor Ndung’u serves as UKZN’s scientific director of the HIV Pathogenesis Programme, holds the South African Research Chair in Systems Biology of HIV/Aids, and is the Victor Daitz Chair in HIV/TB Research. In addition to these roles, he is the director of Basic and Translational Science at the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI), director of the Sub-Saharan African Network for TB/HIV Research Excellence (SANTHE), and holds a professorship in infectious diseases at University College London.

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‘Global honour’ for UKZN’s Prof Ndung’u