South Africa’s (SA) Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit has marked 30 years of scientific research, outlining plans to expand localised vaccine discovery and production across the continent.
Operating under the University of the Witwatersrand and the SA Medical Research Council, the Johannesburg-based unit commemorated the milestone during an academic day focused on regional health innovation.
The institution played a major role in global clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to lead research into pneumococcal, rotavirus, and respiratory syncytial virus vaccines tailored for African populations.
Outlining the unit’s future trajectory, Wits VIDA Director Professor Shabir Madhi stated that the next phase of research will focus on pathogen discovery and homegrown manufacturing capabilities to reduce Africa’s dependence on imported biological products.
–ChannelAfrica–
