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Wits RHI

Our Impact at a Glance

30+ Years Of Impact
1000+ Staff
54 Research Studies
48 Research Appointments (2025)
102 Published Academic Journals (2025)

Who We Are

Wits RHI is a globally recognised African health research institute, advancing science, shaping policy, and improving health outcomes across Africa.

Our Research Areas

Our work is focused on populations that are most in need, marginalised, or hard to reach.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Sexual and Reproductive Health
HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections HIV, TB and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases Immunisation and Vaccine Preventable Diseases
Emerging Health Issues Emerging Health Issues

Latest Breakthroughs

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Awards & Recognition

2026 NRF Lifetime Achievement Award: A Lifetime of Science. A Legacy of Impact

4 September 2026 Read more →
Global Impact

Unitaid Investment: Taking Long-Acting HIV Prevention to Scale

23 July 2026 Read more →
Research Breakthrough

Landmark HPV Study: Landmark Evidence for Cervical Cancer Prevention

18 March 2026 Read more →
Project PrEP

Project PrEP

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Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) SA 2025 Clinical Trial

Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) SA 2025 Clinical Trial

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HOPE II Study

HOPE II Study

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Project Highlights

From clinical trials and HIV prevention to maternal health, TB, vaccines and climate resilience,Wits RHI research generates evidence to address pressing health challenges in South Africa and beyond.

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Latest Publications

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Effects of heat exposure on self-reported heat strain symptoms among pregnant and postpartum women in South Africa

Heil CS, Sawry S, Alce G, le Roux J, Munyewende P, Madondo C, Lamola RR, Mkwananzi S, Solarin I, Watambwa P, van der Sanden K, Lange IL, Frennert S, Kingma…

Expanding treatment options for syphilis during pregnancy: a review of alternatives to penicillin

Townsend CL, Mofenson L, Gottlieb S, Peters RPH, Mitjà O, Pérez-Mañá C, Abrams EJ, Delany-Moretlwe S, Lockman S, Waitt C, Miele K, Taylor MM, Renaud F (2026)

HIV acquisitions, safety, and pharmacokinetics of lenacapavir for HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in pregnant and lactating women (PURPOSE 1): a substudy of a phase 3, randomised controlled trial

Linda-Gail Bekker L, Moodley D, Diallo DD, Harkoo I, Kigozi G, Kiwanuka N, Louw CE, Malahleha M, Mworeko L, Palanee-Phillips T, et al.

In the News

Stay up-to-date with the new developments happening around the world of Wits RHI.

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Professor Helen Rees discusses South Africa’s rising Mpox cases

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Prof Helen Rees on Women in Action

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Professor Helen Rees Receives NRF 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award

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Meet Our Leadership

Wits RHI leadership drives innovative health research, fostering collaboration and excellence to improve African and global health.

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Wits RHI in the Hillbrow Health Precinct (HHP)

The HHP lies at the centre of Wits RHI’s work. Situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s inner city, the Precinct is more than a collection of buildings; it is a living ecosystem where research is translated into better health outcomes, and innovation is embedded in everyday healthcare.

Donors and Partners

Meet our Donors and Partners →