Wits RHI
What We Do
Wits RHI is a research and implementation Institute that is dynamic, progressive, and responsive to global and local health emergencies. We pioneer cutting-edge science and innovation in the fields of infectious and vaccine preventable diseases; maternal and family health; antimicrobial resistance, climate change and emerging crises.
Our strength lies in our multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to improving health outcomes at a local and global level through research, technical
assistance, advocacy, policy development, implementation science and health systems strengthening. We identify health problems through sound epidemiological methods and qualitative research, and use a range of analytic and research methods to generate evidence and test and evaluate interventions in a real word setting.
We are a part of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, a world-class African University.
We are a Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) collaborating centre and a strategic partner to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Who We Serve
Our work is focused on populations that are most in need, marginalised, or hard to reach. These include:
- Pregnant women and mother-infant pairs
- Women and Men
- Adults and children living with HIV and TB
Wits RHI in Numbers
Leadership
Featured Projects
HPTN 108/ PAUSE STUDY
A Phase I, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety, Antiviral & Immunomodulatory Activity of Broadly Neutralizing Antibodies 3BNC117-LS-J and 10-1074-LS-J in Combination in ART-treated Adults in sub-Saharan Africa Living with HIV during a Monitored Analytical Treatment Interruption.
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HOPE II Study
Efficacy of single-dose nonavalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination boost to prevent incident persistent HPV 16/18/31/33/45/52/58 infection among women living with HIV who were previously vaccinated against HPV 16/18.
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WONDERS 2 Study
Phase 2/3 randomized, multicenter, active-controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an oral weekly regimen of GS-1720 in combination with GS-4182 versus BVY in treatment-naive PWH.
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SHIELD Study
This study, evaluating Fostemsavir for HIV-1-infected children and adolescents with multidrug-resistant HIV, is actively recruiting from the CMJAH Paediatric HIV Clinic, with two participants enrolled so far. Recruitment is ongoing and expected to conclude by Q3 2025.
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IMPAACT 2036 CRAYON Study
(Cabotegravir and Rilpivirine Long-Acting Injections in YOung ChildreN) is a Phase I/II clinical trial focused on evaluating the safety, tolerability, acceptability, and pharmacokinetics of a dual long-acting injectable antiretroviral regimen for children living with HIV-1. This study involves oral and injectable formulations of cabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) in virologically suppressed children aged 2 to under 12 years, weighing between 10 kg and 40 kg.
View projectLatest Publications
Factors predictive of early discontinuation of preventive treatment in children with household exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Abstract
The World Health Organization recommended levofloxacin for tuberculosis (TB) preventive treatment for child and adult contacts of multidrug-resistant (MDR)-TB. TB-CHAMP was a double-blind community-based multi-site randomised placebo-controlled trial assessing levofloxacin as preventive treatment in children with household exposure to adults with microbiologically-confirmed MDR-TB in South Africa. Households were randomised 1:1 to 24-weeks daily levofloxacin (adult scored 250mg tablets) versus placebo. Treatment adherence was ascertained through pill counts and treatment cards.
Factors predictive of early discontinuation of preventive treatment in children with household exposure to multidrug-resistant tuberculosis
Exploring healthcare experiences of transgender people in the Jabula Uzibone study, South Africa: a longitudinal implementation science study
Evidence required to evaluate the use of bacteriologically confirmed asymptomatic tuberculosis disease as a primary endpoint in prevention of tuberculosis disease vaccine licensure trials
Validation of Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-Testing Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Wits RHI in the News
Dr Faeezah Patel, Senior Medical Officer in Maternal and Child…
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe presented findings from the HPTN 084 open-label…
Professor Helen Rees, welcomed the decision, saying the funding reversal…
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Established in 1994, Wits RHI is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the largest research institute of the University of the Witwatersrand.