Genetic Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer in African Men
Wits Scholar Pioneers Gene-Edited Tuberculosis Vaccine
A Step Towards an HIV Cure
Wits: Home of Top 1% of Globally Cited Scientists
Wastewater Surveillance Reveals Vaccinepreventable Diseases
AI-Powered Antibiotic Resistance Treatment
Message from the Dean
High-Impact Research
Research Highlights
Emerging Researcher
Research News
Postgraduate News
Faculty Publications
Faculty Updates Achievements
Deanery Appointees C O N T E N T S
Grants and Funding Announcements
Opinion and Thought Leadership
Events
including a lifetime achievement award from the South African Medical Research Council, fellowships from the Royal Society of South Africa, and recognition among the top 1% of most highly cited scientists globally We also highlight recent research published in leading international journals, including a Nature feature by scientists from the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Biosciences. The newsletter further showcases the breadth of cutting-edge research across genomics, non-communicable and communicable diseases
rter, we profile established and emerging ers, spotlight new grants, and explore collaborative opportunities This edition also es new appointments in the Deanery, including Schools and professional support staff who al role in the Faculty’s success
25 has begun amidst global geopolitical es that are already affecting South Africa, we remain in control of our collective future I wish all staff and students a successful year ahead and look forward to your continued engagement in driving the Faculty’s growth and excellence!
Shabir A. Madhi Dean: Faculty of Health Sciences
Lancet
Wits researchers involved: Catherine Draper
The first 1000 days of life from conception to age two, are widely recognised as critical for a child’s development. But what happens next? A new study published in The Lancet, featuring Wits University researcher Associate Professor Catherine Draper, highlights the next 1000 days (ages 2 to 5) as a crucial period for shaping a child's future health and success.
Study Overview
Between ages 2 and 5, children need nurturing environments with love, care, stimulation, and protection This time is essential for reinforcing early gains and ensuring long-term well-being. The study examines factors such as home environment quality, healthcare access, and Early education opportunities
Key Findings
The study reveals that many children in low- and
middle-income countries (LMICs) lack essential support. Only 25% of children aged 3 and 4 receive proper developmental care, leaving nearly 182 million at risk While most have a healthy weight, fewer than one in three get adequate stimulation or are shielded from harsh discipline, and under 40% access early education.
Investing in early childhood education (ECCE) is costeffective - one year of universal quality ECCE would costless than 1% of a country’s GDP. Draper emphasizes that parenting programmes and structured early education have a greater impact than financial aid alone, as they address parental mental health, domestic violence, and economic struggles.
The study stresses the need for policymakers and communities to support young children beyond infancy Investing in the next 1000 days can break cycles of poverty, improve educational outcomes, and contribute to a healthier society.
Read full study
The New England Journal of Medicine
Wits researchers involved: NeilMartinson
Each year, about 30,000 children worldwide develop multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis, a severe form of the disease that is harder to treat. Despite this, there has been little research on how best to protect children who have been exposed to MDR tuberculosis. A new study featuring Wits University researcher Professor Neil Martinson explores whether the antibiotic levofloxacin can prevent children from developing the disease.
Study Overview
This research was a large, community-based clinical trial conducted in South Africa. It followed 922 children from 497 households, all of whom had been exposed to an adult with confirmed MDR tuberculosis. The study was designed as a rigorous, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, meaning some children received levofloxacin while others received a placebo, allowing researchers to accurately measure the drug’s effectiveness.
Key Findings
Results showed that levofloxacin led to fewer cases of tuberculosis compared to the placebo, but the difference was not large enough to be
statistically significant. While the study did not provide definitive proof that levofloxacin prevents MDR tuberculosis in children, it adds valuable data to the ongoing search for effective prevention strategies.
Professor Martinson and his team emphasise that protecting children from MDR tuberculosis remains a global priority. Although levofloxacin alone may not be the solution, the findings contribute to a better understanding of how to prevent the disease and highlight the need for continued
Nature
Wits researchers involved: SBIMB
The gut microbiome - the collection of bacteria and viruses in the digestive system - plays a crucial role in human health. However, until now, there has been limited research on microbiome diversity in African populations. A groundbreaking new study, with significant implications for understanding diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity.
Study Overview
The study, Expanding the Human Gut Microbiome Atlas of Africa, is the largest of its kind on the continent It has produced high-quality genomes of 1,005 bacterial and 40,135 viral species, vastly enriching existing gut microbiome databases This advancement opens new doors for research and future health interventions.
Key Findings
Co-author Professor Scott Hazelhurst, from Wits
University’s Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB), highlights the microbiome’s profound impact on human health. “There are likely as many bacteria in the gut as there are human cells and more genetic diversity in the gut than in human DNA,” he explains
A healthy gut microbiome supports nutrient absorption, drug metabolism, gut barrier integrity, immune function, and protection against harmful pathogens. This study’s findings provide a crucial foundation for future research on how gut microbiota influences health and disease
By shedding light on microbiome diversity in Africa, this research paves the way for targeted health interventions that could improve disease prevention and treatment strategies for millions of people
Read more
Wits researchers involved: Frederick Raal
For the past 30 years, statins have been a gamechanger in managing high cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease. The Scandinavian Simvastatin Survival Study (4S) was a turning point in proving their effectiveness. Since then, treatments have advanced, but many people worldwide still don’t get the care they need. Wits University researcher Professor Frederick Raal highlights how new treatments can help bridge this gap.
Statins remain the first-line treatment for high cholesterol, including for children with inherited conditions. However, despite being affordable, they are underused. Additional therapies like ezetimibe can further lower bad cholesterol (LDL), and newer treatments are emerging to target other harmful fats in the blood Techniques like gene-silencing and geneediting offer promising ways to reduce heart disease risk by blocking proteins such as PCSK9 and ANGPTL3
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), a genetic form of high cholesterol, affects about 1 in 313 people worldwide. In South Africa, certain groups including Afrikaners, Jewish, and Indian populations have much higher rates, with up to 1 in 70 affected due to genetic factors Professor Raal estimates that around 130,000 people in these communities have FH In the Black South African population, the prevalence is unknown, but based on global data, an estimated 160,000 people could be affected. This brings the total number of South Africans with FH to between 200,000 and 300,000 yet over 95% remain undiagnosed and untreated
FH is often missed because high cholesterol has no symptoms. However, Professor Raal stresses that effective and affordable treatments like statins and ezetimibe are available. Without treatment, high cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes as early as ages 40 to 50, devastating families The study underscores the need for early diagnosis and treatment to prevent these serious health risks
Read full study
Nature Medicine
Wits researchers involved: Monique Nijhuis, Annemarie Wensing
Scientists have long searched for a cure for HIV, and while five individuals have achieved remission after receiving stem cell transplants from rare CCR5Δ32 donors, the same success has not been observed in cases with standard donor cells. A new study, featuring Wits University researchers Professors Monique Nijhuis and Annemarie Wensing, reports a breakthrough case where a person has remained in HIV remission for nearly three years after a stem cell transplant from a donor with the typical CCR5 gene.
The patient, who had a life-threatening blood cancer, received a hematopoietic stem cell transplant (alloHSCT)
from a partially matched donor Unlike previous successful cases that used CCR5Δ32 donor cells naturally resistant to HIV this transplant came from a wild-type CCR5 donor. Despite this, the patient has shown no signs of viral rebound for 32 months after stopping antiretroviral treatment
Since the transplant, the patient’s viral load has remained undetectable. While low levels of defective HIV DNA were occasionally found, no intact virus was detected. Further tests showed that the patient’s immune system was not responding to HIV, suggesting that the virus is not active in the body.
Professor Wensing highlights that, while this case provides valuable insights into how HIV might be controlled, stem cell transplantation remains a high-risk procedure, only used in cases where it is medically necessary “The procedure is too risky to be performed outside of life-threatening conditions,” she explains However, the study offers crucial knowledge about viral behaviour and immune system function, helping scientists develop more accessible cure strategies.
Reflecting on the study’s impact, Wensing notes, “The evidence that HIV can be cured gives an important sign of hope and fuels the persistence needed to drive funding and collaborative research towards a more generalizable cure ”
Read full study here. For further readings, explore the three most recent IciStem papers
Wits researchers involved: Nazir Ismail
A new study has shown that tuberculosis (TB) patients who receive both cash incentives and counselling have a 52% lower risk of unsuccessful treatment. The research, led by Wits University’s Professor Nazir Ismail and Dr Harry Moultrie from South Africa’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), was published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
The study, conducted across nine clinics in Johannesburg, tested whether financial incentives combined with TB counselling could improve treatment outcomes. Participants received cash incentives for attending appointments, returning for test results, and completing monthly follow-ups
Patients receiving both interventions had a significantly higher treatment success rate (82 0% vs 65 6% in the control group)
The intervention reduced the risk of unsuccessful treatment outcomes including treatment failure and loss to follow-up by 52%.
Pretreatment loss to follow-up dropped from 15 8% to 3 9%, showing improved patient engagement
Professor Ismail notes that addressing financial and behavioural barriers is key to improving TB care “This approach helps reduce disease transmission and brings us closer to the 90–90–90 TB targets,” he says.
The study was conducted by Wits University, NICD, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), and University College London (UCL), with funding from the South African Medical Research Council, the UK Medical Research Council, and the Newton Fund.
Read more
A breakthrough study has identified genetic risk factors contributing to the high prevalence of prostate cancer in African men The largest study of its kind, it analyzed data from 7,500 men across eastern, southern, and west Africa. Published findings confirm that men of African descent face a higher risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer at a younger age compared to other populations
Lead researcher Wenlong Carl Chen emphasises that understanding these genetic markers is crucial for developing targeted screening and treatment strategies, potentially improving early detection and outcomes for African men affected by the disease.
Read more
A study led by Wits Sport and Health (WiSH) suggests that regular physical activity before a cancer diagnosis may lower the risk of disease progression and death Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study analyzed anonymized data from the Discovery Health Medical Scheme and the Vitality health programme, which tracks physical activity through gym attendance, fitness events, and activity trackers While physical activity is known to reduce cancer mortality, this study provides new insights into its potential role in slowing disease progression. Even moderate exercise levels were linked to improved outcomes, reinforcing the importance of an active lifestyle in cancer prevention and management.
Read more
A study led by Wits University’s Professor Alastair van Heerden examined how people living with HIV (PLWH) and those who use drugs accessed COVID-19 testing and vaccination in KwaZulu-Natal. Among 470 participants, women were significantly more likely than men to get tested and vaccinated, but HIV status and drug use did not influence uptake. These findings suggest that KwaZulu-Natal’s COVID-19 response effectively reached vulnerable populations, though targeted interventions are needed to address gender disparities. Professor van Heerden notes that stigma and fragmented healthcare services remain barriers for drug users, highlighting the need for improved access to comprehensive care. Read full study
the life course.
While Shaku is currently a post-doctoral fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the USA, his affiliation with the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research based at Wits University, allows him to work on innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis and its broad-ranging social and economic effects
Tuberculosis is one of the oldest and most infectious bacterial diseases In 2022, 10 6 million people fell ill with it. Of these infections,23%occurred in Africa.
o develop because the the disease is complex and mmune system We have only Calmette-Guerin) vaccine to combat the disease, administered in early childhood. But that’s about to hopefully change We have made a significant breakthrough in using CRISPR (gene editing technology) to make a vaccine effective in adults too,” said Shaku.
Shaku studies the physiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosisto identify and validate novel TB drug targets and apply this knowledge to develop novel TB vaccines. Specifically, he's developed a recombinant BCG vaccine with properties aimed at enhancing trained innate immune responses against infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Read more
Professor Collen Masimirembwa, a Distinguished Professor at the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience (SBIMB) at Wits University, was officially awarded the Precision Medicine World Conference (PMWC) Pioneer Award 2025. At an awards ceremony held in California, USA, Masimirembwa was honoured for his efforts to ensure that drug discovery and development are tailored for Africans.
The PMWC Pioneer Award honours Masimirembwa for his groundbreaking work in pharmacogenomics, shedding light on how genetic differences influence drug responses across diverse populations His contributions have advanced personalised medicine, paving the way for safer, more effective treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles
Meanwhile, Masimirembwa was named one of the 100 most influential Africans by New African Magazine for his foundational work in genomic medicine on the continent
Pharmacogenomics investigates how a person’s genetic makeup may affect how their body processes medications. The field involves genetic testing to look for changes in specific genes
“I feel delighted to have been recognised by the PMWC and as a leader in precision medicine It has long been my goal and duty to bridge the medical research gap between Africa and the rest of the world There is enormous genetic diversity on the African continent, and tailored drug discovery and development for the population is important if we want to improve lives. Indeed, African populations exhibit 200 times more genetic variability than Europeans,” said Masimirembwa.
Read more
In December 2024, Dr Devin Finaughty a Centennial Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Human Variation and Identification Research Unit (HVIRU) of the School of Anatomical Sciences—was awarded a prestigious Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) Scholarship valued at R425,000.00 to support his research in 2025. This was one of only 43 awards out of nearly 1000 applications received.
Finaughty’s research seeks to establish detailed data on the taphonomy and entomology of wildlife carcasses in forensically significant settings to improve outcomes of wildlife crime investigations in South Africa For this project, Finaughty will travel across South Africa to collect data, interviewing first responders and wildlife forensic practitioners and accompanying them to wildlife crime scenes to document current practices He will also be conducting prospective field-based observational research on the decomposition of wildlife carcasses in forensically relevant settings, as well as lab-based research to update developmental data for forensically significant insects colonising wildlife carcasses
Dr Finaughty has already built working relationships with the Wildlife Forensic Academy of South Africa, the Waterberg Security Initiative, the Green Law Foundation, and Project Rhino Additional partnerships with the Environmental Management Inspectorate, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the Cape of Good Hope SPCA, and the Endangered Wildlife Trust are developing. The generous support of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust will enable Finaughty’ to establish new working relationships, all in the service of reducing the prevailing scourge of wildlife crime
The Wits Journal of Clinical Medicine is now being hosted by ScienceOpen. Previous and current issues are available here.
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In a move that signals its ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence in health sciences, the University of the Witwatersrand’s Faculty of Health Sciences is excited to introduce an important development in its academic structure—the establishment of the School of BioMedical Sciences. This development is geared towards aligning with international best practices.
The decision follows extensive discussions at the School, Faculty, and senior management levels, including Faculty Board meetings and Retreats, and approvals from the University’s Senior Executive Team and Council.
The new school will enhance interdisciplinary collaboration by merging the Schools of Anatomical Sciences and Physiology into one and transitioning them into departments within the new School. The structure of these departments will remain largely unchanged, ensuring continuity while providing a more coordinated governance model.
The most significant change of this merge is that the Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) programme, which was previously managed at the Faculty level withouta dedicated school, will now be housed within the new School for better academic oversight and governance This strategic development will strengthen teaching and learning capacities for the programme and maximise students’ exposure across the various disciplines of practice.
The new school aims to modernise its undergraduate programme by streamlining courses, reducing
duplication, and enhancing integration between disciplines. It will also introduce elective subjects such as data science, precision medicine, artificial intelligence, and health economics to broaden students' skills and knowledge.
It has also been recognised that our current honours programmes require expansion to accommodate the growing number of students wishing to advance their studies beyond their three-year degrees. As such, the new school will respond to this challenge by consolidating current honours programmes and investing in additional honours courses
This merger will also expand the respective departments’ capacity for research This strategic move offers researchers and students opportunities to benefit from all the experimental techniques and projects available in the school, thereby acquiring diverse skills and wide-ranging information For instance, researchers collaborate by sharing research resources, and lecturers by co-teaching postgraduate students. This more extensive experience will enhance our students' employability. Interdisciplinary engagements are already taking place, and these practices will be encouraged and built upon.
To implement this vision, the Faculty has appointed Professor William Daniels, the former Head of the School of Physiology, as the interim Head of the School of BioMedical Sciences. Professor Amadi Ihunwo will continue to serve as the Head of the Department of Anatomical Sciences, while a new Head of Department for Physiology will be recruited.
As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen the governance and operations of the Research and Postgraduate Offices, the Faculty will be implementing structural changes within these portfolios.
In alignment with practices across other faculties at Wits University, the current position of Assistant Dean: Research and Postgraduate Affairs will be restructured into two distinct roles. This adjustment aims to enhance focus and support for both research and postgraduate matters
Professor Aletta Millen has been appointed as Assistant Dean: Research, effective 1 March 2025, for a threeyear period (subject to annual review)
Prof Millen will dedicate 50% of her time to this role while continuing her contributions within the Department of Physiology
Professor Maria Papathanasopoulos continues in her current role as Assistant Dean: Postgraduate Affairs
We are confident that this new structure will strengthen both portfolios, allowing for more dedicated attention to the distinct needs of postgraduate education and research
We appreciate your support during this transition and look forward to further advancing the Faculty’s research and postgraduate goals.
Clarivate Web of Sciencehas named two Faculty of Health Sciences scientists in its 2024 Highly Cited Researchers List. Professors Frederick Raal and Shabir Madhi were ranked among the top 1% of scientists globally in recognition of the high impact of their published research in 2024.
To make it to the list, Raal and Madhi each authored and/or contributed to Highly Cited Papers™ in their respective fields of expertise As part of the criteria that their work is judged against, each expert’s citation data undergoes a rigorous qualitative analysis and peer review process to test the merit of the rankings
difference,” says Raal Above all, he explains that this prestigious recognition encouraged him to persevere in his area of research interest, which has benefitted the patients he treats.
researchers should aim to publish their work in highly rated peer-reviewed journals, which favour highquality research output over quantity “As they advance through their careers, one of the goals should be international recognition in their field,” he adds
The Wits Head of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Director of the Carbohydrate and Lipid Metabolism Research Unit, Professor Frederick Raal, has been highly cited in Clinical Medicine for the fourth consecutive year since 2021 Since 2010, both his research publication and citation activities have seen a steady rise, validating the high quality of his research output. To date, Professor Raal – who has also been highly cited in the field of Cross-Field in 2019, has published over 350 papers. He has a 60 H-Index –which measures a researcher’s impact by looking at both the number of their publications and how often those publications are cited by others.
“It is indeed an honour to be selected as a highly cited researcher and to know that your research is making a Asked to share insights on how to achieve a consistently relevant research career, Raal says that early career
Professor Shabir Madhi, the Dean of the Faculty and Director of Wits Vaccines & Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA), is also closely tied to patient care, with his extensive vaccine development activities. Madhi’s research is highly rankled cross-field, ranging from immunology to infectious diseases and microbiology, among other fields. He has an 87 HiIndex and over 700 publications
However, despite this distinguished recognition, he says, “The purpose of research is not to garner a high number of citations, but rather the high number of citations is a testimony to the relevance of the research being conducted at Wits VIDA.”
Although there’s sometimes pressure for researchers to publish frequently to remain active, Madhi says the approach should rather be for researchers to have specific research goals, which ultimately leads to impactful research Read more
done by ranking the profiles of over 30 million academics worldwide.
Ripamonti, whose research focuses on translating bone-formation science to clinical applicability, says he is proud of this recognition that ranks him among the “greatest scientists in the world researching BMPs from tissue biology to developmental and molecular cell biology Being #7 in the world is a major scientific achievement,” he exclaims.
Ripamonti is currently working on transforming growth factor-βs, the novel morphogenetic and inductive proteins that initiate rapid and substantial bone formation in primates only and pleiotropic biological activities of the human recombinant transforming growth factor-β3.
Professor Ruchika Meel, a Clinical t the Wits Department of Internal has been named editor-in-chief of the can Heart Journal. Professor Meel, who is archer specialising in clinical cardiology ovascular imaging, says that she and her ointed editorial team are looking forward rating across disciplines, particularly in g precision medicine.
at treatments based on individual genetic and environmental factors, as well as leveraging AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy, would streamline workflows and support global heart health initiatives to reduce disparities.
Meel says that her tenure will revive the esteem of the journal's role as the voice of the South African Heart Association and the cardiology community. “I would like to create a platform where experts
share their knowledge and experience to improve the Journal's impact factor,” she adds.
Professor Janan Dietrich has been appointed to serve in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Behavioural Insights Working Group She is a leading African social and behavioural scientist and an Associate Professor in Clinical Medicine Through Wits, Dietrich is the Executive Director of the African Social Sciences Unit of Research and Evaluation ASSURE), and the Director of BioBehavioural
Research at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU).
She leads social science research methodologies across multiple African countries in clinical research. These include areas of maternal immunisation, HIV, Tuberculosis, COVID-19, influenza, and Human papillomavirus Her research is angled towards community-engaged research with a track record in user-centred solutions. Dietrich trains local and visiting international physicians and vaccinology students in social science methodologies and supervises master’s and doctoral students in digital health
2025 medallists were officially Ordinary Meeting of the Society (and
current research interests include the role of aortic dysfunction as a cause of premature cardiovascular events; the best approaches to risk prediction; and the impact of obesity and HIV on the cardiovascular system.
This is the third year running that Wits researchers have wonthese medals.Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology, was awarded the senior medal in 2024, while physicist DrIsaac Napewas named as the 2024 Meiring Naudé medallist ProfessorJennifer Fitchett, a biometeorologist, was the Meiring Naudé medallist in 2023.
Among the Health Sciences awardees are other Wits faculties’ recipients, Professor Jennifer Botha, Director of GENUS Palaeosciences and Warren Maroun, a Professor of Accounting and Auditing in the Wits Margo Steele School of Accountancy
Her research primarily focuses on the role of cytotoxic antibodies in vaccination and their functions beyond simply neutralising viral infections
She studies viruses like HIV, SARS-CoV-2, and Influenza, with expertise in immunology, virology, and vaccine design.
Her research focuses on enhancing antibodies for passive immunization and studying HIV co-infection's impact on immune responses in vulnerable children.
“It is a great honour for my research to be recognised with the award of the Meiring Naudé Medal. This acknowledgement not only reflects my contributions but also emphasises the critical role of vaccine design in addressing the significant challenges humanity faces in our ever-evolving world,” says Richardson
The Wastewater Genomics Syndicate, based at the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), has been spearheading the development of wastewater surveillance for communicable diseases in South Africa since 2021. The team comprises of Bongi Maposa, Kerrigan McCarthy and Mukhlid Yousif - co-led by Yousif, a PhD scientist graduate of Wits University, and McCarthy, a clinical microbiologist at the NICD with a joint appointment at the Wits School of Pathology.
With support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the team has developed protocols for detecting and sequencing SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater, comparing sequence data with laboratoryconfirmed isolates. In early 2023, the group expanded its focus to explore wastewater testing for vaccinepreventable viruses, including measles, rubella, influenza, and hepatitis A&E Additionally, they worked on enhancing the interpretability of SARS-CoV-2 wastewater results by expanding sampling locations, increasing sampling frequency, and refining concentration and detection methodologies.
Currently, the team has strengthened wastewater surveillance by maintaining a national network of sites, and continued consolidation of use case scenarios In September 2024, the syndicate received additional funding to integrate modelling into wastewater surveillance, enhancing its role in complementing clinical initiatives in the management and control of communicable diseases
This latest supplement will see a 12-month extension to the existing grant, and bring the total award to $4,9M, increasing the overall investment in the syndicate to nearly $5,8 million. These funds have supported the development of national collaborative networks involving the Gauteng City Region Observatory (GCRO), the South African Centre for Epidemiological Modelling and Analysis (SACEMA), the Modelling and Analytics Hub-Africa (MASHA), as well as international partnerships with Scripps Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and University of Birmingham
Based at the NICD’s Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, Team members have contributed to World Health Organisation (WHO) guidance, and the Global Consortium for Wastewater and Environmental Surveillance for Public Health (GLOWACON) initiatives. Their base also operates as the WHO regional reference laboratory for the Global Polio Laboratory Network (GPLN).
The Wastewater Genomics Syndicate has published peer-reviewed articles on topics including detection, quantitation, sequencing of pathogens from wastewater and investigating relationships between socio-economic determinants of health and traditional and wastewater surveillance indicators. They have also published laboratory protocols, web-based dashboards (NICD-based and WHO-based), infographics and information pieces on wastewater surveillance.
The Wits Diagnostic Innovation Hub (Wits DIH) has received funding worth $1 million from Nordisk Global Grant for the “IMPACT: AI-Powered Optimisation of Empiric Therapy to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance” Project. This project brings together various specialities within Wits University, with researchers Wendy Stevens and Lesley Scott from DIH collaborating with Jeremy Nel from IDORI and Bruce Bassett from the Wits School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health threat, causing over a million deaths annually, with projections reaching 10 million by 2050 It increases morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like those in subSaharan Africa, where AMR causes more deaths than HIV and malaria but remains underfunded and overlooked
Drug-resistant bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Escherichia coli are particularly deadly in LMICs, making infections like sepsis harder to treat For example, in Africa, extensively drug-resistant A. baumannii has caused significant neonatal deaths, while carbapenemresistant strains of K pneumoniae, A baumannii, and E
coli have been responsible for nearly 1,400 sepsis cases in Johannesburg hospitals in a single year. The delay in obtaining diagnostic results (72–96 hours) necessitates empiric antimicrobial treatment, which may be suboptimal and costly.
AI technologies, including machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL), offer a transformative solution to AMR challenges by analysing complex datasets to predict resistance patterns, optimize treatment, and improve stewardship However, AI models must be tailored to local contexts like South Africa, where unique burdens, such as high HIV prevalence and distinct resistance mechanisms, influence AMR dynamics
This project aims to develop AI-driven predictive models using data from South African hospitals to identify carbapenem-resistant infections and guide empiric therapy By integrating molecular diagnostics and deploying large language models (LLMs) for clinical decision support, this initiative addresses AMR through innovative AI applications, potentially improving outcomes and reducing resistance spread. This aligns AMR mitigation with AI’s capacity to enable precision healthcare in LMICs.
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, along with partners at the NICD, UCT, AHRI, DTHF, and community-based NGOs, havebeen awarded aresearch grant worth R5.4 million by the South African Medical Research Council to investigate the seroprevalence of mpox among key populations in South Africa.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the monkeypox virus (MPXV), has gained international attention since 2022, with recent outbreaks driven by universal declines in cross-protective immunity from smallpox vaccination, and changing viral transmission dynamics, with sexual contact significantly contributing to human-to-human spread The disease disproportionately affects vulnerable populations with people living with HIV being at the highest risk of severe infections.
In South Africa, a total of 30 mpox cases have been reported 5 in 2022 and 25 in 2024 among which those who have disclosed their sexual orientation primarily identify as men who have sex with men (MSM)
Notably, only one case in the 2024 outbreak reported travel history, raising concerns about potential underreporting of community transmission, possibly due to asymptomatic or mild infections or misdiagnoses
This project seeks to establish a baseline of MPXV exposure and identify changing trends in infection among MSM, sex workers (SW), and transgender persons (TG) through repeated cross-sectional serological surveys.
Additionally, it will assess the clinical, virological, and immunological features of acutely infected individuals and enhance surveillance efforts for MPXV by introducing community-based monitoring systems.
The study will recruit 450 participants per survey across three provinces Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape over an anticipated duration of 24 months.
By Nomathemba Chandiwana
Aids was first identified 40 years ago: these are the game changers that have revolutionised treatment – and the obstacles that remain.
It is 40 years since Aids was first identified Major strides have been made since the spread of the virus reached epidemic proportions in 1995 when3 3 million peoplewere infected with HIV and just underone millionpeople died
New HIV infections havereduced by 60%since the peak in 1995 and deaths are down by a third.
In 2023,1.3 millionpeople became newly infected with HIV, while630,000people died from Aids-related illnesses.
Aids researchersNomathemba ChandiwanaandLindaGail Bekkeroutline the five key things we should know about HIV as we enter the second quarter of the 21st century
The epidemic isn’t over In 2024,1 3 million people globallyand150,000 South Africansof all ages and walks of lifeacquired HIV, a sobering reminder that the epidemic isn’t over UNAids has set a95-95-95 targetfor 2030: that 95% of people living with HIV will know their status; 95% will have access to antiretroviral treatment; and 95% will have achieved viral suppression.
Worldwide in2023, 86% of all people living with HIV knew their status, 89% were accessing treatment and 93% were virally suppressed. Read more
By Loyiso Maciko
South Africa wants to introduce an excise tax on alcohol to make sure no alcoholic drink can be sold below a certain price. The harmful use of alcohol causes approximately3 million deaths every year.
Alcohol consumption is linked to over200 diseases and other health conditions. These include liver diseases, heart diseases and different types of cancers
This is a significant burden on public healthcare systems around the world. Governments must bear costs related to medical treatment, road accidents and violence
The World Health Assembly has endorsed aGlobal Alcohol Action Planthat gives all member states guidance on ways to reduce the harmful use of alcohol Worldwide,studieshave consistently shown that taxation and pricing policies bring down alcohol consumption
South Africa’sNational Treasuryhas proposed raisingexcise taxesto curb excessive drinking in the country.
According to a 2018 World Health Organization report,60%of South African drinkers aged 15 and older engage in heavy episodic drinking
Evidence suggests that tax increases on alcohol have contributed to reducing consumption, particularly amonglower-income groupswho are more sensitive to price changes Read more
The Health Sciences Research Office (HSRO) hosted its first Masters and PhD Writing Retreats for 2025 from January 20 to 23. The retreat provided participants with an environment conducive to writing and the opportunity to progress with their writing.
The HSRO experts offered various support services to participants including one-on-one consultations. Research personnel provided support in scientific writing and research methodology. They also connected students to the necessary expertise and resources when required. Biostatisticians assisted with statistical methods, sample size calculations, data analysis plans, and statistical software like Statistica.
The Faculty librarian was present to guide participants on the use of database searches (PubMed, Scopus, etc.), search string development, library resources, and reference management tools like EndNote and Zotero.
The retreat also allowed participants to interact with each other and seek advice from other participants. This retreat hosted attendees from a wide range of Schools within the Faculty of Health Sciences, facilitating an environment to network and forge inter-disciplinary collaborations.
18 - 21 March
Mechanisms of drug resistance and tolerance in bacteria, fungi, and cancer | Speaker: Professor Bavesh Kana Online
RSVP
19 - 22 May
Masters and PhD Writing Retreat
Phillip V Tobias Building | Parktown, Johannesburg
RSVP
30 June - 1 July
29th Wits Biennial Surgical Symposium
Wanderers Club | Illovo, Johannesburg
RSVP
ssistant Dean: Teaching, Learning and Undergraduate Affairs
djunct Professor Paula Barnard-Ashton
Sc (OT), MSc (OT), PhD (OT) (Wits), PGDip (Health Education)
djunct Professor Barnard-Ashton advances student success and faculty evelopment through blended learning and AI in health sciences education, haring insights via The BlendedBeat podcast and BlendEDBeat YouTube channel.
he led eFundanathi and the eZone in the School of Therapeutic Sciences for over decade and started as an Occupational Therapy lecturer specializing in paediatric development
A SAAHE council member, she chaired the 2022 Scientific Committee. Her research spans sensory integration, health professions education, and interprofessional collaboration. Recognised for innovation, she has won multiple awards, including the 2017 Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Teaching Award and Inspiring Fifty SA in STEM (2019).
Assistant Dean: Research
Professor Aletta Millen
BSc, BScHons, MBA, MSc, PhD (Wits)
Professor Aletta Millen is the new Faculty Assistant Dean for Research and Director of the Integrated Molecular Physiology Research Initiative (IMPRI). Her research focuses on inflammation’s role in non-communicable diseases, particularly cardiovascular and neurological disorders, with an emphasis on translational science
A key achievement in her career is advancing regional molecular research and diagnostics, particularly through the development of novel metabolomic techniques. Her team works on affordable, accessible screening tools for lowresource settings to improve early disease detection
She is committed to authentic leadership and building research capacity, with a vision to promote mission-driven research through innovation, discovery, and interdisciplinary collaboration to achieve real-world impact in health sciences.
Executive Director: School of Oral Health Sciences
Professor Peter Owen
BDS, MChD, MScDent(Western Cape)
Professor Owen is an Emeritus Professor with a distinguished career in dental education, having taught at three South African dental schools He previously served as Professor and Head of Oral Rehabilitation at Wits and acted as Head of School at both Wits and Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Beyond academia, he contributed to healthcare policy and the ANC’s National Health Plan for the 1994 elections and advising the WHO on regional oral health policy.
A global leader in prosthodontics, he has led the International College of Prosthodontists and is a Fellow of multiple dental organisations With 150+ presentations and extensive publications, he now serves as President of the South African Dental Technicians Council. His vision includes advancing the School through curriculum innovation and securing funding for a new dental school and hospital.
Acting Head of School: Clinical Medicine
Professor Mboyo-Di-Tamba Willy Vangu
MD, MMed (Nuclear Medicine) (Wits)
Professor Vangu is the Assistant Head of the School of Clinical Medicine at Wits, overseeing internal medicine, psychiatry, radiation sciences, and neurosciences. With 30 years of experience in nuclear medicine and 20 years in molecular imaging, he pioneered clinical PET imaging in South Africa in 2004
A highly respected academic and clinician, he has trained the most nuclear medicine specialists in South Africa since the field became a recognised speciality in 1986. His contributions have earned him numerous local and international awards, including the Faculty of Health Sciences’ 2020 Gold Medal In 2024, he was elected to the Royal College of Medicine in London.
Head of School: BioMedical Sciences
Professor William (Willie) Daniels
BSc,
BScHons, MSc, PhD(Stellenbosch), MBA
Professor Daniels is a renowned physiologist and neuroscientist with expertise in brain disorders and behavioural neuroscience He holds a PhD in Chemical Pathology and an MBA from Stellenbosch University, with postdoctoral training in melatonin-based brain therapies
He is the Head of the School of Physiology at Wits University Previously, he led medical physiology at Stellenbosch and served as Dean of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. He held leadership roles in the Society of Neuroscientists of Africa, the Society for Neuroscience, and IBRO. His research focuses on behavioural neuroscience and understanding the pathophysiology of diseases of the central nervous system He has published more than 110 papers, has a Scopus H-index of 30 and has a C1 NRF rating.
Head: Dean’s Office and Strategic Projects
Antonia Appel
BA Hons (English) (UNISA), MA (Sociolinguistic) (King’s College London)
Appel is a communications specialist and administrator with extensive experience in executive support, stakeholder engagement, and project coordination. As Head of the Dean's Office and Strategic Projects at the Faculty, she supports the Dean and drives key initiatives to advance the Faculty’s academic and research goals
With a background in strategic communications and a Master’s in Language and Cultural Diversity, she has led communications for the FETCH Programme, contributing to youth development strategies and policy advocacy in South Africa In her current role, she aims to optimise systems and enhance efficiencies, positioning Wits as a leader in global health sciences. Her vision for 2025 is to create a more efficient, inclusive, and responsive environment where communication is clear, systems work, and everyone feels heard and supported.
Faculty Communications Manager
Leanne Harwood
BA (Comm Science), BA Hons (Integrated Org Comm) (UNISA)
Harwood is an experienced communications and office management professional. She develops and executes communication strategies, manages institutional messaging, and engages with internal and external stakeholders.
With expertise in digital communications, social media, event planning, and content creation, she has successfully led high-profile events and strengthened faculty branding She previously held leadership roles a managing digital strategy, events, and communications.
Her vision for 2025 is to "drive strategic, innovative, and inclusive communication that amplifies excellence, fosters engagement, and strengthens the Faculty’s local and global impact "
