Renowned Epidemiologist Appointed to Ministerial Advisory Committee on Cancer

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UKZN proudly celebrates the appointment of Professor Themba Ginindza, an internationally acclaimed epidemiologist and Director of the Cancer and Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Research Unit (CIDERU), to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer. The appointment was officially made by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in recognition of Ginindza’s outstanding contributions to cancer research and public health.

With an illustrious academic and research career that spans multiple countries and health systems, Ginindza brings to the committee a wealth of expertise, particularly in cancer prevention, infectious diseases, and health systems strengthening. His educational background includes a PhD in Public Health Medicine (Epidemiology) from UKZN, a Master’s in Epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Melbourne.

A trailblazer in research capacity development, Ginindza pioneered postgraduate proposal writing workshops within the Discipline of Public Health Medicine at UKZN - a model that has since been adopted across the College of Health Sciences. His commitment to mentorship and training has extended beyond South Africa, recently empowering over 40 health professionals in Kenya and South Sudan through research workshops facilitated with the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB).

Ginindza currently leads several landmark studies across the continent, including:

•    Principal Investigator of the Multinational Lung Cancer Control Programme (MLCCP)* spanning six African countries;

•    Principal Investigator in the Cervical Cancer Prevention, Access and Control Programme (CCPAC) in KwaZulu-Natal;

•    Co-Principal Investigator in the Cervical cancer Screening and Treatment Algorithms (CESTA) study with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC);

•    Co-PI in the innovative DUAL-SAVE-FGS project exploring dual screening for Female Genital Schistosomiasis and cervical cancer;

•    Co-leader of studies on COVID-19 healthcare worker burnout; and

•    Contributor to Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine roll-out efforts in Eswatini.

His extensive portfolio includes prior work on developing South Africa’s Rotavirus Surveillance System, evaluating HIV/AIDS programmes, and analysing hospital data for respiratory diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.

In recognition of his global impact, Ginindza serves as a member of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) International Development Peer Review College, Reviewer for the BioMed Central Women’s Health Journal, collaborator with the Global Burden of Disease Study and as an Active member of global organisations including the International Papillomavirus Society (IPVS), European Association for Cancer Research, and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

Over the last seven years, he has secured approximately R474.63 million in research funding. With a career defined by collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to improving public health, Ginindza’s appointment is both a recognition of his achievements and a strategic asset in South Africa’s national fight against cancer.

Professor Busisiwe Ncama, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Health Sciences congratulated Ginindza on this amazing accolade.

“On behalf of UKZN and in my personal capacity, I extend my warmest congratulations on your well-deserved appointment to the Ministerial Advisory Committee on the Prevention and Control of Cancer by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi,” Ncama said.

“Your appointment is a fitting recognition of your outstanding contributions to public health and cancer epidemiology, not only in South Africa but across the African continent. Your leadership in pioneering multidisciplinary research, advancing cancer prevention strategies, and building research capacity in resource-limited settings is truly inspirational.”

“You continue to raise the profile of UKZN through your tireless efforts, international collaborations, and unwavering commitment to health equity. This new role is a testament to your expertise, integrity, and the profound impact your work has had on health systems and communities. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and have no doubt that you will bring great value to the Committee’s work. May this new chapter bring you continued success as you contribute towards shaping national policy and strengthening cancer control strategies in South Africa,” she added.

Words: MaryAnn Francis

Photograph: Supplied