Prof Shabir Madhi

Shabir Madhi is an internationally recognized South African vaccinologist and infectious diseases specialist, serving as Professor of Vaccinology and Director of the Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit at the University of the Witwatersrand. His work focuses on vaccine development, maternal and infant immunization, and the epidemiology of respiratory and bacterial infections in low- and middle-income settings. He has played a leading role in global vaccine trials and policy-shaping research.

Recent publications highlight sustained leadership in respiratory syncytial virus research, including monoclonal antibody trials, long-term consequences of early-life RSV infection, and coinfection dynamics with SARS-CoV-2. His studies on measles immunity, group B streptococcus, human metapneumovirus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae integrate immunology, genomics, and clinical epidemiology to inform next-generation vaccines and preventive strategies.

Madhi’s portfolio also addresses health systems and public health implementation, examining vaccine stock-outs, tuberculosis treatment adherence supported by behavioral and economic interventions, and ethical oversight during public health emergencies. Across clinical trials and large multicountry surveillance platforms, his research advances equitable access to life-saving vaccines and strengthens evidence-based policy in high-burden regions.