Page 106 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

Vaccines and Infectious
Diseases Analytics

Research Unit

UNIT DIRECTOR:
Prof. Shabir Madhi
shabir.madhi@wits.ac.za

Overview of the Research Unit postgraduate training, mentorship, and the
development of early-career scientists. Through
The Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics
(VIDA) Research Unit, based at the University of the these efforts, the unit contributes to scientific
Witwatersrand, is an African-led, multidisciplinary leadership and the advancement of sustainable,
research unit focused on advancing research in evidence-based approaches to improving public
vaccines and infectious diseases. The unit integrates health.
clinical trials, epidemiology, laboratory science, and Key Milestones and Achievements
data analytics to generate evidence that informs
public health policy and improves health outcomes During the 2025/2026 financial year, the Wits Vaccines
in South Africa, across Africa, and globally. and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research
Unit advanced research to strengthen vaccine
VIDA conducts a broad portfolio of research, development, infectious disease surveillance,
including clinical trials, observational studies, and evidence-based public health policy in South
pathogen surveillance, and health systems research. Africa and globally. The unit’s multidisciplinary
A central focus is maternal, neonatal, and child health, work integrates clinical trials, epidemiology,
particularly infections that contribute significantly to laboratory science, and data analytics to address
morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income major drivers of infectious disease morbidity and
countries. Core research areas include maternal mortality, particularly among mothers, newborns,
immunisation, vaccine-preventable diseases, and children.
antimicrobial resistance, respiratory pathogens, and
hospital-based disease surveillance. A key research priority was maternal and neonatal
infections, including Group B Streptococcus (GBS),
Through its research platforms, VIDA evaluates respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and emerging
vaccine effectiveness, monitors disease burden,
and investigates emerging pathogens. The unit
also contributes to cause-of-death surveillance and
antimicrobial resistance monitoring, generating
critical evidence to guide public health interventions
and policy decisions.

VIDA works closely with national and international
partners, including government health departments,
global research institutions, and major global health
funders. These collaborations support the translation
of research findings into evidence-based strategies
to reduce the burden of infectious diseases.
The Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases
In addition to its research activities, VIDA is committed Analytics Research Unit workshop.
to strengthening African research capacity through

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