Our Vision:

Who we are

Wits RHI is the leading health research institute at the University of the Witwatersrand. It is part of the Faculty of Health Sciences and one of Africa’s leading public health and clinical research centres. Founded in 1994 by Professor Helen Rees at the request of South Africa’s post apartheid government, the Institute was established to address urgent priorities in reproductive and women’s health and rapidly expanded into a world-class centre for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and sexually transmitted infection (STI) research.

Over three decades, Wits RHI grew from five founding staff members to more than 1,400 employees, most of whom are African women. The Institute has a strong and sustained commitment to building African scientific leadership, with a particular emphasis on advancing women researchers through postgraduate training, mentorship, and senior leadership development. We address 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.

Wits RHI’s work has contributed directly to the development and implementation of new medicines, vaccines, diagnostics, artificial intelligence tools, and prevention technologies for diverse populations, including children, adolescents, women (including pregnant and lactating women) and men.

Building on this foundation, the Institute has expanded its research into pandemic preparedness and emerging health threats, gaining global recognition for leadership in COVID19 and Mpox research, antimicrobial resistance, and cancers associated with HIV and STIs, particularly cervical cancer and human papillomavirus (HPV). Cross-cutting work on climate change and health, alongside the application of artificial intelligence to health systems, data use and science communication, further positions Wits RHI as a continental leader in translational, innovative and policy-relevant research.

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 Values:

• Empowerment
• Teamwork
• Transformation
• Innovation
• Excellence
• Respect
• Integrity
• Leadership
• Accountability

These values shape how we work, who we partner with, and the positive difference we make in Africa and globally.