African Vaccination Week Spotlights Wits University's Drive for Continent-Wide Vaccine Independence
The recent African Vaccination Week, observed from April 24 to 30, 2026, in South Africa brought renewed attention to a critical challenge facing the continent: achieving true vaccine sovereignty. At the forefront of this effort is the University of the Witwatersrand, or Wits, where researchers are pioneering technologies to enable faster, more accessible vaccine development across Africa. This push comes at a pivotal time, as Africa's annual vaccine needs are projected to reach 2.7 billion doses by 2040, yet less than 1 percent are currently manufactured locally. Wits-led initiatives are addressing this gap by focusing on upstream research capabilities, moving beyond mere 'fill-and-finish' operations to full-spectrum innovation.
South African universities like Wits are positioning themselves as hubs for this transformation, leveraging their expertise in molecular biology, gene therapy, and vaccinology to build a self-reliant ecosystem. The Wits/South African Medical Research Council Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Unit, known as AGTRU, exemplifies this commitment, developing homegrown platforms that could redefine how African institutions contribute to global health security.
AGTRU's Groundbreaking Platforms for mRNA Vaccines and Beyond
AGTRU, directed by Professor Abdullah Ely, is at the heart of Wits' contributions. The unit specializes in next-generation messenger RNA, or mRNA, technologies tailored for African contexts. One standout project involves Dr. Kristie Bloom's work on mRNA vaccines targeting tuberculosis, or TB, a disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually on the continent. By engineering mRNA to trigger robust immune responses, these platforms aim to create adaptable tools deployable against multiple pathogens, from HIV to emerging threats like mpox.
What sets AGTRU apart is its emphasis on sustainability. Collaborating with the Wits School of Chemistry, researchers have derived ionizable lipids—essential carriers for mRNA delivery—from cashew nutshell liquid, a locally abundant agricultural byproduct. These 'green' lipids offer a cheaper, eco-friendly alternative to imported petrochemical-based ones, potentially slashing costs and reducing environmental impact. Professor Ely emphasizes, "Our research and development, testing systems, platform technologies, and delivery materials, all homegrown, are vital parts of the manufacturing ecosystem." This innovation not only supports vaccine production but also stimulates economic opportunities in bio-manufacturing.
Viral Mimic Systems: Expediting Research in Standard Labs
A February 2026 review led by Wits postgraduate Natasha Killassy, alongside Professor Betty Maepa and Emeritus Professor Patrick Arbuthnot, published in the journal Infection, highlights viral mimic systems as a game-changer for accelerated vaccine testing. These non-infectious models replicate key viral behaviors—like SARS-CoV-2 entry and immune evasion—using pseudotyped viruses or virus-like particles in biosafety level 2, or BSL-2, labs. This bypasses the need for restrictive BSL-3 facilities, scarce in many African settings.
By incorporating all four structural proteins of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, these mimics allow comprehensive studies of infectivity, variant responses, and therapeutic efficacy. The review details how spike-pseudotyped lentiviruses and full virus-like particles have screened neutralizing antibodies and fusion inhibitors, paving the way for next-generation vaccines effective against variants like Omicron. Professor Maepa notes, "By reducing dependence on scarce, expensive high-containment laboratories, such systems could widen participation in vaccine testing and help more African institutions build the scientific skills needed." For details on this approach, explore the full review paper.
Viral Vectors: Safer, Simpler Tools for African Virologists
Complementing mRNA efforts, AGTRU's viral vector technologies use lab-modified, non-pathogenic viruses to deliver genetic material. Professor Maepa's team is optimizing these for vaccine candidates, enabling infection studies and immune response evaluations without full disease-causing agents. This simplicity suits resource-limited environments, allowing BSL-2 testing that expedites candidate validation.
Such vectors have proven versatile, supporting preclinical evaluations for hepatitis B, HIV, and TB therapies. By democratizing access, they empower universities beyond major centers like Wits, fostering a network of skilled researchers. This aligns with continental goals, as more institutions can contribute to surveillance and rapid response during outbreaks.
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash
South African University Collaborations Fueling the Momentum
Wits isn't alone; partnerships with other South African universities amplify impact. The University of Cape Town's Vaccine and Infectious Disease Analytics unit, or VIDA, complements AGTRU through clinical trials and epidemiology, notably in HPV and HIV vaccine studies. VIDA's work on maternal immunization and pediatric vaccines has informed African-specific formulations.
Stellenbosch University's Africa Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, or ACTI, focuses on drug discovery, including antivirals synergistic with vaccines. Their TIGRIS training program builds expertise in immunology and genomics. The South African Medical Research Council bridges these efforts, funding joint initiatives like the BRILLIANT 011 HIV vaccine trial, launched early 2026 at sites including Wits-linked facilities. These collaborations exemplify how higher education institutions are co-creating a resilient vaccine pipeline.
Building the Next Generation: Training Programs at Wits and Beyond
Higher education's role extends to human capital development. Wits' African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise, or ALIVE, program trains scientists in vaccinology, from basic research to policy advocacy. Launched with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation support, it offers master's degrees and short courses like Afro-ADVAC, producing leaders for vaccine introduction.
AGTRU integrates postgraduate training, with students like Killassy contributing to peer-reviewed outputs. Similar initiatives at UCT and Stellenbosch ensure a pipeline of experts, addressing the 'missing middle' in mid-career researchers. This focus on skills transfer is crucial, as local expertise underpins sustainable sovereignty.
Overcoming Hurdles: Funding, Infrastructure, and Global Equity
Despite progress, challenges persist. Limited funding hampers scaling, with US aid cuts disrupting HIV trials. Infrastructure gaps, like BSL-3 labs, slow validation, though mimics mitigate this. Global inequities—Africa receives under 2 percent of vaccine R&D funding—underscore the need for domestic investment.
South African universities advocate for policy reforms, including technology transfer from mRNA hubs like Afrigen Biologics. Biovac's cholera vaccine trials at Wits sites demonstrate feasibility, but sustained government and AU support is essential. Read more on Wits' vision in their recent announcement.
AU and Africa CDC Goals: Universities as Catalysts
The African Union's Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing targets 60 percent local production by 2040, backed by ACHIEVE Africa launched in February 2026. This framework emphasizes R&D alongside manufacturing, where universities lead. Wits AGTRU's platforms align perfectly, supporting adaptable responses to pandemics.
Initiatives like the mRNA technology hub position South Africa as a continental leader, with universities training regulators and manufacturers. This holistic approach promises economic growth, job creation in biotech, and health security.
Expert Insights and Real-World Impacts
Dr. Bloom stresses flexibility: "Our technology needs to be flexible enough to respond to whatever comes next." Professor Ely highlights vulnerability exposed by COVID-19, while Maepa's vectors promise inclusivity. These voices from Wits underscore universities' pivotal role.
Early successes, like cashew-derived lipids winning awards, signal potential. For SA higher ed, this translates to elevated global standing, attracting partnerships and funding.
The Road Ahead: Investing in University-Led Innovation
African vaccine sovereignty hinges on sustained investment in universities. Wits and peers are ready, with scalable technologies and trained talent. Policymakers must prioritize R&D grants, infrastructure, and international collaborations to realize 2040 goals.
For aspiring researchers, opportunities abound in vaccinology programs. South Africa's academic ecosystem is not just responding—it's leading a health revolution, ensuring every generation benefits from vaccines that work.
Discussion
Be the first to comment on this article!
You’ll be asked to sign in before your comment is posted.