We Make Life Count
An African-led Research Unit
Wits VIDA Research Unit conducts cutting-edge scientific research. Our aim is to continue to save lives across Africa and low and middle-income countries (LMIC) through translational research that informs local and global policy recommendations on infectious diseases and the use of next-generation and novel vaccines. Formerly known as the Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU) and founded in 1995, the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand is an internationally recognised, African-led research unit in the field of epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases, and clinical development of life-saving vaccines.
Under the guidance of Professor Shabir Madhi, a globally-recognised leader in the field of paediatric infectious diseases and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Wits University, Wits VIDA is conducting translational research on vaccine preventable diseases and training the next generation of clinician scientists.
Wits VIDA Research Unit conducts cutting-edge scientific research. Our aim is to continue to save lives across Africa and low and middle-income countries (LMIC) through translational research that informs local and global policy recommendations on infectious diseases and the use of next-generation and novel vaccines. Formerly known as the Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU) and founded in 1995, the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand is an internationally recognised, African-led research unit in the field of epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases, and clinical development of life-saving vaccines.
Under the guidance of Professor Shabir Madhi, a globally-recognised leader in the field of paediatric infectious diseases and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Wits University, Wits VIDA is conducting translational research on vaccine preventable diseases and training the next generation of clinician scientists.
Wits VIDA Research Unit conducts cutting-edge scientific research. Our aim is to continue to save lives across Africa and low and middle-income countries (LMIC) through translational research that informs local and global policy recommendations on infectious diseases and the use of next-generation and novel vaccines.
Formerly known as the Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit (RMPRU) and founded in 1995, the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand is an internationally recognised, African-led research unit in the field of epidemiology of vaccine preventable diseases, and clinical development of life-saving vaccines.
Under the guidance of Professor Shabir Madhi, a globally-recognised leader in the field of paediatric infectious diseases and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the Wits University, Wits VIDA is conducting translational research on vaccine preventable diseases and training the next generation of clinician scientists.
Facilities and Reach
Wits VIDA collaborates with world-class facilities around the city, country and continent on various trials and studies.
Hospital Network
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital
WITS Vida research clinic is based at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto. Our clinic is well established and has enrolled thousands of clinical trial participants. We have an average retention rate of over 95% across all of our trials. Our staff compliment consists of medical officers, research assistants, study coordinators, a sonographer, pharmacists and nurses. WITS Vida research clinic has grown from a small facility conducting mostly paediatric vaccine research to running multiple clinical trials including phase 1 – 3. We were one of the first research units in the country to become involved in maternal vaccination trials while providing high-quality care to clinical trial participants in the Soweto Community. Vaccinations during pregnancy remains one of our areas of special interest and expertise, alongside various paediatric infectious diseases and recently COVID-19.
Hospital Network
Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital
Nkanyezi clinic at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital is a satellite site of WITS Vida. Previously known as ESRU, Nkanyezi merged with WITS Vida in 2020. Wits VIDA Nkanyezi operates entirely independent with its’ own staff complement and amenities.
