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
Validation of Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-Testing Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Abstract
High rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) increase HIV transmission risk among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in South Africa. AGYW prefer discreet self-testing options for HIV and pregnancy; however, other STI self-testing options are currently unavailable in this region.
Validation of Rapid Point-of-Care Diagnostic Tests for Sexually Transmitted Infection Self-Testing Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women
Characterizing the HIV care continuum among children and adolescents with HIV in eastern and southern Africa in the era of “Universal Test and Treat”: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Motivations for Starting and Stopping PrEP: Experiences of Adolescent Girls and Young Women in the HPTN 082 Trial
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Dispersible and Immediate Release Abacavir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine Tablets in Children With HIV: IMPAACT 2019 Week 48 Results
Wits RHI in the News
Professor Helen Rees, welcomed the decision, saying the funding reversal…
As global funding for HIV programmes declines, Professor Helen Rees,…
In a recent Health-e News feature, Wits RHI’s Director of…
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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.