Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) continues to strengthen its position as a leader in transformative health sciences research after medical virologist Varsetile Varster Nkwinika earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Medical Virology during the 2026 autumn School of Medicine graduation ceremony.
Dr Nkwinika’s doctoral research provides important new insights into the complex biological factors associated with cervical disease in South African women, with implications for improved cervical cancer prevention and screening strategies in high-burden settings.
Her study investigated human papillomavirus (HPV), selected sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and the balance of bacteria in the female reproductive tract among women attending cervical cancer screening at a South African tertiary hospital. The research explored how multiple co-existing infections and microbial imbalance jointly influence cervical disease risk.
The findings revealed a high prevalence of HPV infections, including both vaccine-covered high-risk HPV types and additional cancer-associated types not currently included in existing vaccines. The study also identified a substantial burden of other STIs and significant disruption of the normal bacterial balance within the female reproductive tract.
Importantly, these conditions frequently occurred together and were associated with more severe cervical abnormalities. “This research shows that cervical disease risk cannot be viewed through HPV infection alone,” said Dr Nkwinika. “The interaction between HPV, co-infections and the cervicovaginal microbiome creates a far more complex disease environment that requires integrated prevention and screening approaches,” she said.
She added that the findings support the use of more advanced molecular screening methods that may improve early detection and enable more accurate risk assessment for cervical cancer, particularly in resource-constrained healthcare settings.
Dr Nkwinika currently serves as a Lecturer in the Department of Virology at SMU, a position she has held since 2021. She is also Programme Manager at the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre (SAVIC), where she oversees vaccinology training, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement programmes.
Her academic journey reflects a strong commitment to research excellence and public health advancement. She previously completed an MSc in Medical Virology (cum laude) and a BSc Honours degree in Medical Virology at SMU, after earning a BSc in Biochemistry and Microbiology from the University of Venda.
Over the course of her career, Dr Nkwinika has developed an extensive research and teaching portfolio focused on HPV, STIs, cervical cancer prevention, vaccinology, and molecular diagnostics. She has produced eighteen peer-reviewed publications, delivered 36 conference presentations, and supervised postgraduate and undergraduate student research projects.
Her contributions to the scientific community have also earned national and international recognition. Among her achievements are the Best Abstract Award at the ASLM International Conference and the Best Presentation Award at the Tshwane District Health Services Research Conference in 2024. She is also an NRF–DAAD alumna and an active member of the International Papillomavirus Society and the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa.
Beyond her research activities, Dr Nkwinika has been actively involved in vaccination advocacy through television, radio, and community engagement campaigns aimed at improving immunisation awareness and strengthening public health education.
Her latest achievement reflects SMU’s ongoing commitment to advancing innovative health sciences research that addresses pressing healthcare challenges facing South Africa and the broader African continent. Through pioneering scientific inquiry and the development of future healthcare leaders, SMU continues to strengthen its position as a leading institution dedicated to transforming health services through excellence and innovation.
By Tumelo Moila
