SAVICinfo

02/02/2026

The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if the vaccine is given before girls are exposed to the virus

09/01/2026

Applications for the 2026 academic year are still open.
Closing date: 16 January 2026
For more information, email info@savic.ac.za.

15/12/2025

Prevention and control of measles outbreaks can only be achieved through vaccination. Caregivers and parents are advised to review their children’s vaccination records and ensure that they have received the measles vaccine.

The measles vaccine has saved more lives than any other vaccine in the past 50 years.

2 doses = 97% protection against the highly contagious disease.

12/12/2025

https://www.who.int/news/item/11-12-2025-who-expert-group-s-new-analysis-reaffirms-there-is-no-link-between-vaccines-and-autism

New analysis from a WHO global expert committee on vaccine safety has found that, based on available evidence, no causal link exists between vaccines and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The conclusion reaffirms WHO’s position that childhood vaccines do not cause autism.

03/12/2025

We are thrilled to celebrate Andrew Musyoki, SAVIC Deputy Head, on his well-deserved appointment as Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology.

Your dedication, leadership, and exceptional contributions to both SAVIC and the scientific community continue to inspire us. This milestone is a true testament to your hard work and excellence.

Well done, Prof Musyoki! A remarkable achievement! 👏👏

25/11/2025

We are pleased to welcome Ms Audrey Chigome, who will serve as SAVIC’s scientific advisor for antimicrobial stewardship.

Ms Chigome is a pharmacist and currently a Medicine Regulatory Officer in the Pharmacovigilance Unit at the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA). She also contributes to academia as a part-time lecturer in the MPharm (Public Health Pharmacy and Management) programme at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU). She holds a BPharm degree from Rhodes University and an MPharm (Public Health Pharmacy and Management) degree from SMU. She is currently a PhD candidate in the School of Pharmacy at SMU. Her research interests include health systems and policy, pharmacovigilance, rational medicines use, and antimicrobial stewardship.

We warmly welcome Ms Chigome and look forward to the valuable expertise she will bring to SAVIC.

17/11/2025

🌍 Today is World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day! Cervical cancer has the potential to become the first cancer ever eliminated worldwide and we can achieve it with the right actions:
90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV
70% of women screened regularly
90% of women with cervical disease receiving timely treatment.

By reaching these targets, set by the WHO, we can protect millions of women and girls and move closer to a future free from cervical cancer.

’s raise awareness.
’s advocate for access to vaccines, screening, and treatment for all.
, elimination is possible.

13/11/2025

Unvaccinated children are at risk of getting measles. Parents and caregivers must ensure that children are up to date with their routine immunisations.

Measles can be fatal.
Do you know its symptoms?

🔸 Rash that starts on the face and spreads over the body
🔸 Fever
🔸 Runny nose
🔸 Cough
🔸 Red and watery eyes
🔸 Small white spots inside the cheeks

Seek health care if you suspect you or your child has measles.

03/11/2025

SAVIC members, Dr Ismail and Ms Mushasha attended the 37th Annual IPVS conference held in Bangkok, Thailand.

24/10/2025

As we commemorate , let us remember that polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis and, in severe cases, even death.
World Polio Day serves as a reminder of our shared global mission to eradicate polio once and for all.

Let’s do our part to help end polio for good.�

19/10/2025

Three days of impactful discussions, research insights, and strong collaboration in vaccinology. meeting

10/10/2025

We are pleased to share that our HCert (Vacc) skills workshop was a great success. The session was marked by active participation and practical learning.