Linda-Gail Bekker

CEO, Desmond Tutu Health Foundation; Principal Investigator, IAVI G004

Appears in 1 story

Born: 1962, Zimbabwe

Education: University of Cape Town, The Rockefeller University

Last updated Nov 2, 2026

Stories

The 40-year quest for an HIV vaccine enters a new phase

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Leading G004 trial implementation in South Africa

In 1984, the U.S. Health Secretary predicted an HIV vaccine within two years. After four decades and dozens of failed trials, IAVI is dosing participants in South Africa with a vaccine that trains the immune system from the ground up rather than simply presenting viral proteins.

Updated May 22