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Wits RHI

Who we are

Wits RHI was established by Professor Helen Rees in 1994 to assist the democratic South African government in formulating and implementing new national policies around sexual and reproductive health, particularly maternal and child health in the context of HIV.  It is now a proudly African institute leading multidisciplinary research, focusing mainly on HIV, TB, maternal and family health and vaccine-preventable diseases. We recently expanded our portfolio to include COVID-19 and other respiratory pathogens, emerging global health crises (including antimicrobial resistance), and climate change and health.

Wits RHI is part of the University of Witwatersrand’s Faculty of Health Sciences and is the latter’s largest research institute.

We adress some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region  through:

  • Pioneering, multi-disciplinary research.
  • Responsive technical support and innovation in health services.
  • Good participatory practice.
  • Teaching and capacity building.
  • Developing African researchers.
  • Evidence-based policy development and advocacy with national, regional, and global stakeholders.

Our Vision:

Tackling Africa’s health challenges through science and innovation.

Our Mission:

As a renowned African institute in a world-class African university, Wits RHI addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, maternal and family health, and vaccinology.

Our Journey

2022

Operation Gophelega kicked off and is one of the largest grants Wits RHI has ever received from the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 

2021

Wits RHI is linked to many COVID-19 vaccine related studies. Our staff complement is over 1800.

2020

Wits RHI is actively involved in an effort to curb the COVID-19 pandemic that is facing South Africa and the world at large. The institute’s directors are currently involved in a total of 15 COVID-19 studies and initiatives.

2019

Wits RHI celebrates 25 years of an unparalleled track record of conducting world class research, implementing sustainable programmes and contributing to health policy.

2016

Renewed WHO Collaborating Centre Status.

2015

Wits RHI becomes a UNFPA strategic partner. Appointed a South African Medical Research Council (MRC) Collaborating Centre in HIV and TB.

2014

Wits RHI celebrates its 20th year anniversary and is awarded UNAIDS Collaborating Centre Status.

2012

The flagship Shandukani Maternal and Child Health Centre opens its doors in July.

2010

RHRU granted institute status by the University, and renamed Wits RHI.

2007

First NIH Clinical Trials Unit Award granted.

2006

Moved national office to Hillbrow, where offices, research space for clinical trials, a major training centre and a community care centre are established.

2004

Received first PEPFAR grant.

2003

Establish partnership with COJ and the Gauteng Department of Health to create the Hillbrow Health Precinct (HHP) in the inner city of Johannesburg

2002

Awarded WHO Collaborating Centre Status

2000

RHRU becomes an official research unit of the Wits Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

1995

Microbicide trial begins with sex workers in Johannesburg.

1994

Founded Reproductive Health Research Unit with DFID & Kaiser funding.