Wits RHI

Wits RHI Wits RHI is a renowned African institute in a world-class African University tackling the continent's health challenges through science and innovation.
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Wits RHI addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, focusing on HIV/TB, sexual and reproductive health, and vaccine-preventable diseases.

With easy access to trusted answers, Self-Cav helps you navigate your health journey with confidence and clarity. Whethe...
24/12/2025

With easy access to trusted answers, Self-Cav helps you navigate your health journey with confidence and clarity. Whether you have questions about your wellbeing, need support understanding your healthcare options, or want a safe space to learn more about your health, Self-Cav is here to support you every step of the way. Text the word CavWitsRHI to 0873731548 to start your journey today.

Healthcare has never been this friendly, convenient, or personal. Self-Cav is your trusted AI health companion, designed...
18/12/2025

Healthcare has never been this friendly, convenient, or personal. Self-Cav is your trusted AI health companion, designed to guide and support you every step of the way. With user-centred features that simplify your experience, Self-Cav helps you access reliable information, ask health-related questions, and receive personalised support anytime, anywhere. Text the word CavWitsRHI to 0873731548 to join.

đź“ŤEleven clinical trials poised to transform medicine in 2026. Nature Medicine has highlighted the top trials shaping the...
17/12/2025

📍Eleven clinical trials poised to transform medicine in 2026. Nature Medicine has highlighted the top trials shaping the future of healthcare, from breakthrough vaccines to innovative treatments. We’re proud to share that Wits RHI Prof Lee Fairlie, Director of Maternal and Child Health, is featured for her work on the M72/AS01 tuberculosis vaccine trial, a key study in her portfolio.
Read more: https://bit.ly/3XZGZ4d

📢Breaking Global Health News. We are proud to share that the U.S. FDA has approved Nuzolvence® (zoliflodacin), the first...
17/12/2025

📢Breaking Global Health News. We are proud to share that the U.S. FDA has approved Nuzolvence® (zoliflodacin), the first new oral antibiotic for gonorrhoea in decades. Wits RHI Prof Sinead Delany-Moretlwe says: "Gonorrhoea can have a devastating impact on women in particular… Having a single-dose, oral treatment like this could be a game-changer for gonorrhoea control." contributed to this global Phase 3 trial, highlighting our commitment to innovative public health solutions. Read More: https://bit.ly/49lrE3p

Wits - University of the Witwatersrand Wits Faculty of Health Sciences

📢 Research Update: Women & . Wits RHI researchers unveil new real-world evidence on how women choose between the dapivi...
17/12/2025

📢 Research Update: Women & . Wits RHI researchers unveil new real-world evidence on how women choose between the dapivirine vaginal ring and oral PrEP in South Africa. A powerful study on choice, preference, and better outcomes. Read the Lancet article here: https://bit.ly/4rRxBxi

15/12/2025

Meet Self-Cav, your trusted AI health companion designed to support, guide, and empower you on your health journey. Text the word CavWitsRHI to 087 373 1548 to start your journey today.

Great news. Editable job aids developed by Wits RHI, with support from Unitaid and partners, are now available on . T...
12/12/2025

Great news. Editable job aids developed by Wits RHI, with support from Unitaid and partners, are now available on . These practical tools are designed to support providers delivering long-acting injectable across a wide range of settings. Learn more below👇

Editable lenacapavir job aids developed by Wits RHI, with support from Unitaid and partners, are now available through PrEPWatch. They offer practical tools for providers delivering long-acting injectable PrEP across diverse settings.

Learn more: https://www.prepwatch.org/resources/lenacapavir-provider-tools-and-job-aids/

South Africa has some of the highest rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, yet no national prevention programme exis...
12/12/2025

South Africa has some of the highest rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, yet no national prevention programme exists. Our latest paper issues a clear call to action for urgent, coordinated national leadership to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure and protect future generations. Read the full paper here: https://bit.ly/4q0PiJ0

A potential game-changer in . Wits RHI Dr Catherine Martin, Senior Researcher, shared her insights on , a promising ne...
10/12/2025

A potential game-changer in . Wits RHI Dr Catherine Martin, Senior Researcher, shared her insights on , a promising new option, on CBC Radio. Her discussion highlights how is leading the way in real-world implementation and shaping the future of HIV prevention. Listen to the full conversation here: https://bit.ly/3XLxVA0

Congratulations to Precious Matsoso, named in Nature’s 10 for leading the first global pandemic treaty. Prof Helen Ree...
09/12/2025

Congratulations to Precious Matsoso, named in Nature’s 10 for leading the first global pandemic treaty. Prof Helen Rees: "She is profoundly deserving of this Nature listing, which rightly recognises her vital contributions to global diplomacy and to strengthening pandemic preparedness worldwide.” https://bit.ly/4pkyPzo via Wits - University of the Witwatersrand Wits Faculty of Health Sciences

05/12/2025

Wits RHI is making its mark at in Accra, Ghana. This week, global leaders come together to advance sustainable solutions to end , & and is proudly contributing to the global dialogue. Our teams are presenting strategic insights on sustaining programmes amid shifting funding, strengthening implementation science, and accelerating innovation in . Wits RHI continues to drive evidence-based impact, shape global conversations, and champion solutions that influence the future of public health.

Address

22 Esselen Street, Hillbrow
Johannesburg
2001

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:30

Telephone

+27113585300

Website

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Our Story

Wits RHI was founded in 1994 by Prof Helen Rees. In consultation with the democratically elected South African government, she founded the Reproductive Health Research Unit (RHRU) at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Recognising that the old health research agenda did not address the needs of all South Africa’s citizens, a new research agenda was developed aimed at shaping new health policies. As co-author of the Maternal, Child and Women’s Health policy, Prof Rees established RHRU as a research and training institution focused on sexual and reproductive health and later HIV as an emerging epidemic at that time. The work then combined clinical, epidemiological, health systems and behavioural research to help formulate national health policy.

A small RHRU team worked from Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto, supported by grants from the Kaiser Foundation and the UK’s Department for International Development. The RHRU’s partnering organisations included the Medical Research Council, and international agencies such as Family Health International. In 2005 the organisation moved from Soweto to Hillbrow in inner city Johannesburg as it expanded its work to include a much closer relationship with both the City of Johannesburg and the Gauteng Department of Health.

The RHRU’s early research focused on contraceptive access, microbicide development, safe abortion, and female condom development. Key to this early work was the establishment of partnerships with local communities where the Unit’s work was taking place.