Media Statement
28 February 2021
For Immediate Release
The South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU) is set to have a new head. Prof Hannelie Meyer takes over the reins from Prof Rose Burnett who is retiring at the end of 2021. However, to ensure a smooth transition, the newly appointed head is expected to take over her role with effect from 01 March 2021.
Since joining SAVIC in 2013, Prof Meyer has dedicated her time to immunisation related activities including serving as part of two ministerial advisory committees while also serving in the division of Public Health Pharmacy at SMU. Currently, she also serves as the Chair of the National Immunisation Safety Expert Committee (NISEC).
She has made a significant contribution since joining SAVIC as Scientific Advisor for pharmacovigilance, cold chain management and logistics and this saw SAVIC grow enormously. Furthermore, Prof Meyer was very instrumental in the development and introduction of the Higher Certificate in Vaccinology offered by the School of Pharmacy at SMU as well as a series of short courses.
Her contribution is felt across the nation as she is also part of the team of experts from the nine schools of Pharmacy in the country working with the South African Pharmacy Council to develop a generic short course on vaccination techniques for pharmacists to build capacity for future vaccination, as well as the administration of vaccines as part of the national Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.
Professor Meyer assumes this new role at the time when the country is rolling out a massive vaccination programme to cushion people against the debilitating effects of Covid-19. Her knowledge and expertise in the field of Vaccines and Immunisation will certainly continue to contribute to the national efforts on the fight against Covid-19.
SMU wishes the outgoing head of SAVIC Prof Rose Burnett well and thank her for the immense contribution she made while serving as the head of SAVIC.
Issued by the Marketing & Communication
For more details, please contact Dr Eric Pule, email address eric.pule@smu.ac.za
Phone 012 521 4563 Cell: 0635035587
Website: www.smu.ac.za
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