Wits RHI
Wits In The News
5 March 2025
eNCA Discussion: Aid Freeze Raises Global Health Concerns
Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of Wits RHI, appeared on eNCA to discuss the impact of PEPFAR’s funding termination and its implications for global health.
19 February 2025
Wits RHI to lead study on mpox seroprevalence in SA
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at Wits RHI, alongside key partners including the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the University of Cape Town (UCT), the African Health Research Institute (AHRI), the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation (DTHF), and community based NGOs, were awarded a South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) grant to study the seroprevalence of the virus in high-risk…
18 February 2025
Applications Open for Afro-ADVAC 2025: Advance Your Expertise in Vaccinology
Wits-Alive invites applications for the African Advanced Vaccinology (Afro-ADVAC) Course 2025, an intensive 10-day residential program designed to equip decision-makers in vaccinology, immunization policy, and public health with advanced knowledge and skills. Hosted by ALIVE (African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise) at the University of the Witwatersrand, Afro-ADVAC provides in-depth training…
11 February 2025
Explainer: HIV, HPV and cervical cancer
Research by the Wits RHI found that 79% of HIV-positive men tested in inner-city Johannesburg had genital HPV infections. A separate study from UCT found that 74% of HIV-positive women were infected with HPV, compared to under 37% of HIV-negative women. When the immune system’s guard is lowered by HIV, opportunistic infections are…
27 November 2024
Research on Long-Acting Injectable CAB-LA in Pregnant Women
Groundbreaking research led by Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe of Wits RHI, presented at AIDS 2024, demonstrates that long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) is well tolerated in pregnant women. The study, conducted as part of the HPTN 084 open-label extension, assessed maternal safety and pregnancy outcomes among 2,472 participants. Findings revealed no maternal…
26 November 2024
Wits RHI Contributes to Expanding Access to HIV Prevention Options
Wits RHI is proud to be a part of the MOSAIC project, which includes the CATALYST study, a flagship implementation study on new PrEP product introduction. This study, led by FHI 360 in partnership with local organizations and ministries of health, is advancing HIV prevention efforts across five African countries,…
24 November 2024
Wits RHI Supports Breast Cancer Awareness in Glen Austin
Wits RHI joined a breast cancer awareness event in Glen Austin AH, hosted by Ward 112 Sports, Youth, and Culture committee member Theetsa Makgoka and technology company Brilliware. The event focused on supporting cancer survivors and encouraging individuals to prioritize annual health checkups. Mobile clinics were on-site, offering free screenings…
20 November 2024
Wits RHI Raises Awareness on Prostate Cancer in Etwatwa
Recently, Wits RHI participated in a men’s mental health and prostate cancer awareness event in Etwatwa, emphasizing the importance of early detection and regular screenings. Mthokozisi Mthethwa, representing Wits RHI, highlighted the significance of self-screening and annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests. He explained that early diagnosis of prostate cancer greatly…
4 November 2024
Women in SA could have access to a three-monthly HIV prevention ring by 2026
Spotlight interviewed Nicolette Naidoo, Programme Head for Implementation Science at Wits RHI and Principal Investigator for the DREAMS study. Naidoo highlighted the team’s focus on adolescent girls and young women, noting that this group is generally more familiar with injectable methods, such as contraception injections, rather than the ring. "This…
25 October 2024
Boksburg North Clinic Awarded Best in Ekurhuleni for HIV Case Finding by Wits RHI and Gauteng DoH
Wits RHI, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Health, proudly recognizes Boksburg North Clinic for its outstanding achievements in HIV case finding, positioning it as a leader in Ekurhuleni’s healthcare services.
14 October 2024
Efficacy of 6-monthly HIV prevention jab confirmed in second major study
The first study, called PURPOSE 1, found that the jab is safe and highly effective at preventing HIV infection in women. The second, called PURPOSE 2, found the same for cisgender men, and non-binary people assigned male at birth.
30 September 2024
30 Years of Impact and Research Excellence
This year marks a significant milestone as Wits RHI proudly celebrates its 30th anniversary at the forefront of groundbreaking research and transformative innovation. As a leading African institute within a world-class university, we reflect on our remarkable journey from 1994 to 2024. Our Wits RHI Milestones Facts showcase our pivotal…
27 September 2024
Call For Applications
African HIV, Infectious Diseases And Global Health Implementation Research Institute (AFRI-HIGH-IRI) Hub Inaugural Cohort of Implementation Science Trainees in HIV and Infectious Diseases PROGRAM LEADERSHIP: ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Residence: Must reside in Africa Interest: Strong interest in Implementation Science Research in HIV, Infectious Diseases, and related conditions Commitment: Demonstrated commitment to…
23 September 2024
The Fight to Contain Deadly Contagion Starts in Africa
Prof Helen Rees, is calling for increased access to critical vaccines in Africa. As Chair of the WHO’s African Immunization Technical Advisory Group, Rees emphasizes the importance of local vaccine manufacturing to reduce the region’s vulnerability to neglected microbial threats, while wealthier nations stockpile vaccines.
19 September 2024
MomConnect turns 10: Why the state could soon send flood and heatwave warnings to pregnant women
The Wits RHI Climate and Health team emphasises the importance of ensuring that health information reaches a broader audience beyond just specific groups like pregnant women, as seen with platforms like MomConnect. "When women, along with their partners, mothers-in-law, and aunts, are provided with sufficient information and understand the risks—such…
17 September 2024
How climate change will impact on your lifespan: Part 1 (maternity and newborns)
Vulnerability to climate change is shaped by various factors—location, identity, and socioeconomic status. This article highlights the work of Wits RHI’s Climate and Health team, exploring the specific challenges South Africans face as rising temperatures increase risks, with a focus on the health of mothers and newborns.
22 August 2024
Top African expert calls for vaccine equity to beat Mpox
Prof Helen Rees, co-chair of the Mpox Incident Management Team overseeing South Africa’s mpox response, warns that vaccine equity is key to controlling spread of the disease across Africa.
19 August 2024
Why we don’t have long-acting HIV treatment in South Africa
Dr Nkosiphile Ndlovu, Senior Researcher at Wits RHI’s Clinical Trials Directorate, shared with Spotlight that the data presented at CROI is part of an ongoing Phase 2 study. She also mentioned that longer-term data will be presented at an upcoming scientific conference.
18 August 2024
As the mpox virus sweeps through Africa, here’s what SA is doing to curb the outbreak
Director-General of Health Sandile Buthelezi has established an Incident Management Team (IMT), co-chaired by Professor Helen Rees, the Executive Director at Wits RHI, and Aneliswa Cele, the Chief Director of Environmental Health and Port Health in the Department.
13 August 2024
Long-Acting Cabotegravir Well Tolerated in Pregnant Women
Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) appears to be well tolerated in pregnant women, according to a study presented at AIDS 2024, the 25th International AIDS Conference, held from July 22 to 26 in Munich. Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, M.B.B.Ch., Ph.D., from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, and colleagues reported on…
9 August 2024
Professor Lee Fairlie Presents at International Workshop on Pediatrics & HIV 2024
Prof Lee Fairlie, Director of Maternal and Child Health at Wits RHI, recently presented at the International Workshop on Pediatrics & HIV 2024. Her abstract, titled "Safety Outcomes Among Infants Whose Mothers Used Dapivirine Vaginal Ring or Oral PrEP During Pregnancy (MTN-042/DELIVER)," was featured in Session 4: Prevention of New…
8 August 2024
Professor Helen Rees on Mpox: Expert Insights and Media Coverage
Professor Helen Rees, Wits RHI Executive Director has been pivotal in South Africa's response to the Mpox outbreak. As Co-Chair of the Incident Management Team (IMT), she has significantly influenced the country's strategies to combat the virus. In her media engagements, Professor Rees has highlighted the critical need for a…
29 July 2024
AIDS 2024: Exciting developments with the jabs promising to revolutionise HIV prevention
Dr Nkosiphile Ndlovu, a Senior Research Clinician Wits RHI Research Centre Clinical Trials Division, pointed out that there are two registrational trials looking at the lenacapavir injection for HIV prevention.
28 July 2024
AIDS 2024: CAB-LA Pregnancy Safety Data from HPTN 084
At the AIDS 2024 conference in Munich, HPTN 084 researchers presented new safety and pharmacokinetic (PK) findings for long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) when used before and during pregnancy. The findings show that CAB-LA used as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) was generally well tolerated and generally safe for both pregnant cisgender women…
27 July 2024
Top-level medical science in the heart of Hillbrow
Located in the vibrant heart of Hillbrow, the Wits RHI is celebrated for its pioneering research and significant impact on public health. This recognition follows a visit by the Jozi My Jozi delegation to Wits RHI.
25 July 2024
Press Release ViiV Healthcare announces positive new data for Apretude use during pregnancy at AIDS 2024
Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, MBBCh, Ph.D., DTM&H, HPTN 084 Protocol Chair, and Research Director at Wits RHI, University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, said: “Women of childbearing age in sub-Saharan Africa experience disproportionately higher rates of HIV incidence, making it essential that we study how HIV medicines impact their health and…
24 July 2024
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe Featured in NIH Press Release: Long-Acting Injectable Cabotegravir for HIV Prevention Deemed Safe During Pregnancy
During the 2024 International AIDS Conference, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) released a pivotal press statement highlighting groundbreaking research on the safety of long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV prevention during pregnancy.
23 July 2024
Witwatersrand Professor Named Co-Principal Investigator in Landmark HIV Prevention Network
Sinéad Delany-Moretlwe has been selected as a co-principal investigator for the groundbreaking HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN). HPTN is a collaborative clinical trials network with 67 sites in North and South America, Africa and South East Asia. It develops and tests the safety and efficacy of interventions designed o prevent the acquisition and transmission…
19 July 2024
To help prevent HIV, young people must be meaningfully engaged
The MOSAIC project, featuring the NextGen Squad, is at the forefront of advancing new prevention methods. Amogelang "Sasha" Kekana, Research Assistant and HIV Prevention Ambassador Mentor at Wits RHI, is one of the three NextGen Squad members leading MOSAIC’s initiatives.
18 July 2024
HPV vaccination switching to single-dose and private schools to get government supply
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at Wits RHI, told Spotlight that existing data suggests “if you’re on antiretroviral therapy, you’re likely to have the same response to a single dose as someone who is not living with HIV”. A very small fraction of girls in South Africa are HIV…
18 July 2024
World leaders launch programme to boost vaccine production in Africa
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, launched in Paris on 20 June 2024, aims to enhance local vaccine production in Africa through financial incentives. Prof. Helen Rees, Wits RHI Executive Director, highlights the challenges of delayed vaccine access in Africa during an interview with Al Jazeera. “By the time we got…
18 July 2024
Researchers Are Optimistic About The Early Findings Of HIV Prevention Injection Study
Early results from an HIV prevention trial show that an injectable antiretroviral drug given twice a year can prevent infection in cisgender women. “This is the first HIV prevention trial ever in history to show zero HIV infections with an intervention,” says Professor Thesla Palanee-Phillips, director of clinical trials at…
18 July 2024
SA professor appointed co-principal investigator in landmark HIV prevention network
Sinéad Delany-Moretlwe is Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Research Director at Wits RHI. Sinéad Delany-Moretlwe has been selected as a co-principal investigator for the groundbreaking HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN).
3 July 2024
Prof Helen Rees Delivered a Keynote Address at the International Pandemic Sciences Conference 2024
On 1 July 2024, Prof Helen Rees, Executive Director of Wits RHI, delivered a keynote address at the International Pandemic Sciences Conference 2024, hosted by the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford. The conference, which took place from 1-2 July 2024, brought together representatives from academia, industry, policy, and civil…
28 June 2024
Gophelega Ekurhuleni Cluster Manager Named in Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2024 List
We are thrilled to announce that Bokang Jackson Morure, Cluster Manager within the Gophelega Ekurhuleni District, has been recognized in the Health & Wellness category of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans 2024. Bokang oversees operations across eight clinics and one hospital at the Gophelega Ekurhuleni site. He leads…
26 June 2024
HPV one-dose jab campaign to now include private schools
Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at Wits RHI, told Spotlight that existing data suggest a person on antiretroviral therapy is likely to have the same response to a single dose as someone without HIV. Very few girls in South Africa were HIV positive at the age at which they were…
26 June 2024
SAPRIN Annual Conference 2024: Exploring Societies in Motion and Population Health
The SAPRIN Annual Conference commenced on Monday, 24th June 2024, at Wits RHI in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, under the theme “Societies in Motion: Understanding Population Health.” This three-day conference serves as a gathering point for experts and stakeholders to delve into critical issues impacting population health in urban environments. Dr Kobus…
26 June 2024
SAPRIN Concludes Successful Annual Conference
SAPRIN concluded its annual conference on 26 June 2024, marking a significant shift from an operationally focused Best Practice Workshop to a more holistic and science-focused event. This new approach was well received by attendees, highlighting SAPRIN's commitment to advancing scientific excellence and comprehensive understanding in its field.
25 June 2024
Researchers Are Optimistic About The Early Findings Of HIV Prevention Injection Study
“This is the first HIV prevention trial ever in history to show zero HIV infections with an intervention,” says Professor Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Director of Clinical Trials at Wits RHI in a statement.
21 June 2024
Prof Helen Rees, Executive Director Wits RHI discusses African Vaccine Manufacturing on Al Jazeera
The African Vaccine Manufacturing Accelerator, launched in Paris on 20 June 2024, aims to enhance local vaccine production in Africa through financial incentives. Prof Helen Rees highlighted the challenges of delayed vaccine access in Africa during an interview with Al Jazeera.
20 June 2024
HPV vaccination switching to single dose and private schools to get government supply
Prof Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director of Research at Wits RHI, told Spotlight that existing data suggests “if you’re on antiretroviral therapy, you’re likely to have the same response to a single dose as someone who is not living with HIV”.
19 June 2024
SA adopts single dose HPV vaccine regimen, extends govt-subsidised jabs to private schools
Cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women in South Africa. To protect women against cervical cancer, the government launched a national human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination campaign in 2014.
19 June 2024
Heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of health problems
Climate change is one of the greatest public health threats humanity has ever faced. Global warming is part of this threat. Increasing temperatures are linked to deteriorating health, especially in vulnerable populations, including pregnant women and children.
18 June 2024
Nokuthela Ngwenya CHC launches youth-focused health initiative
Nokuthela Ngwenya CHC teams up with Soul City and Wits RHI to introduce Adolescent and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS).
18 June 2024
Champion and Coach: Supporting men living with HIV to stay on treatment
In South Africa, 94 percent of men with HIV know their status, but only 71 percent of those are on treatment. Thato Ncosta, a 24-year-old from Welkom, South Africa, is one of those men living with HIV and on treatment. He is also a champion of the power of HIV…
10 June 2024
OptiMVacc-SA Stakeholder Meeting: Optimizing Maternal Vaccination in South Africa
On 10 June 2024, an event was held at Wits RHI as the Maternal and Child Health team, led by Prof Lee Fairlie, and the Implementation Science team, under the leadership of Prof Saiqa Mullick, hosted a pivotal stakeholder meeting. The main focus of this workshop was to gather stakeholders…
5 June 2024
Prof Helen Rees Recognised as 2024 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Honouree
Wits RHI is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievement of our Executive Director, Professor Helen Rees, who has been named as one of the honourees for the 2024 Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program. The Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Residency Program is renowned for bringing together outstanding professionals from diverse backgrounds…
28 May 2024
Wits RHI’s Schools Programme participated during PEPFAR, USAID and CDC Interagency visit for the DREAMS at Siyanakekela Community Centre in Johannesburg Health District
On 14 May 2024, a high-level delegation from PEPFAR, USAID, and the CDC visited the Johannesburg Health District to evaluate the implementation and impact of the DREAMS programme. The visit included a meeting with officials and a joint site inspection with DREAMS implementing partners, including Wits RHI, NACOSA, HIVSA, PACT_Achieve,…
22 May 2024
Wits RHI Schools Programme Participates in DREAMS Programme Interagency Visit by PEPFAR, USAID, and CDC
Buffalo City Metro was visited by a delegation from PEPFAR, USAID, and CDC, consisting of representatives from their South Africa local mission and Washington DC office. The visit occurred over 2 days from May 9-10, 2024. The purpose of the visit was to observe the various services provided by USAID…
20 May 2024
Project PrEP Excels at INTEREST Conference 2024
Wits RHI’s Implementation Science programme, particularly Project PrEP, showcased its prowess and innovation at the esteemed INTEREST Conference 2024, held in Cotonou, Benin. Represented by the capable Hlologelo Ramatsoma, the Project PrEP team made significant contributions that underscored Wits RHI’s commitment to advancing HIV prevention strategies in South Africa and…
10 May 2024
Ward 21 CRS Hosts BIYELA Protocol Training
On 10 May 2024, the Wits RHI Research Team at Ward 21 CRS, led by Prof. Sinead Delany-Moretlwe (Director of Research at Wits RHI), welcomed visitors including Dr. Lori Newman (Deputy Director STI & Gynecology) and Dr. Lyou-Fu Ma (Portfolio and Platform Lead) from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation,…
10 May 2024
In 2023, more than 8900 boys and girls aged 15–24 years were infected with HIV and 150 000 young girls were pregnant in South Africa
Speaking at the launch event in Alexandra, Linda Mazibuko from WITS RHI, which works closely with the Department of Health emphasised young people’s rights to bodily integrity and accessing healthcare services.
10 May 2024
A century after the first TB vaccine, a new vaccine is reigniting hope
“The prospect of having a really good option for TB prevention that doesn’t rely on people having to take treatments or go to regular clinic visits is huge.”– Professor Lee Fairlie, Wits RHI
30 April 2024
Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Gophelega Team Supporting Gauteng’s Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Strategy Launch
On 30th April 2024, the Tshwane and Ekurhuleni Gophelega AYFS and Community team stood in support of Gauteng’s Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Strategy launch. The event, graced by Gauteng’s MEC of Health, marked a pivotal moment with key departments like Maternal Child Health (MCH), Adolescents and Youth Friendly Services (AYFS), Integrated…
25 April 2024
FHI 360 and partners introduce injectable HIV prevention method as part of research study
In a recently published article by FHI360. Nicolette Naidoo, Wits RHI’s principal investigator for CATALYST in South Africa, emphasizes, "The CATALYST journey is not ours alone." She underscores the importance of working closely with governmental health ministries, civil society organisations, and communities to ensure a comprehensive response to the prevention…
22 April 2024
Empowering young people is at the heart of Ntsiki Khunju’s efforts to change the world
“Wits RHI is where I got exposed to the concept of STI management, clinical research into vaccines and HIV prevention. I realised that I could be a person who connects and bridges the community and the science.”
8 April 2024
Ekurhuleni Gophelega Team Takes Center Stage on U=U Podcast Series
Dr. Mpho Maraisane-Mtembu, an Advanced Clinical Care Doctor, recently took part in a series of illuminating interviews featured on the U=U Podcast series, hosted by Jozi FM. Spanning from March 13 to April 2, 2024, these interviews delved into crucial topics surrounding HIV treatment and the concept of U=U (Undetectable…
5 April 2024
Dr Gloria Maimela Highlighted in The Economist for Insights on Climate and Health
The spotlight shines brightly on Dr Gloria Maimela, the Director of Climate and Health, as she graces the pages of The Economist in an illuminating feature titled "Recent Heatwaves are a Harbinger of Africa's Future." This insightful article delves into the critical connection between climate change and human health. She…
3 April 2024
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation’s Trevor Mundel Engages with Wits RHI: Advancing Global Health through Innovation
[caption id="attachment_2290" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Dr Trevor Mundel engages with site staff and CAB members, discussing the impact of tuberculosis, ongoing vaccine research for the M72 trials, and highlighting the importance of innovative tools in combating TB[/caption] Dr Trevor Mundel, President of Global Health at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, visited…
19 March 2024
Trial for Tuberculosis Vaccine Begins in South Africa
On 19 March 2024, a significant milestone was reached in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB) as the first jabs of an experimental TB vaccine were administered at a clinical trial site affiliated with Wits RHI in Johannesburg, South Africa. This trial marks the commencement of a large Phase 3…
8 December 2023
Integrating HIV and NCD care is critical but not straight-forward
“Recent data shows that with ageing, the number of people living with HIV with NCDs, and other co-morbidities are increasing and adding to the disease burden,” Dr Josephine Otchere-Darko, Programme Head for Ekurhuleni at Wits RHI’s HIV/TB programme told Spotlight.
8 December 2023
HIV prevention strategies must evolve as ARVs change the perception of risk
Delany-Moretlwe said the uptake of PrEP, with more than a million South Africans initiated on a daily pill, showed a strong appetite for this form of HIV prevention.“But many people who express huge enthusiasm for taking an oral pill daily struggle with that practice in reality,” she said.
8 December 2023
Community Liaison Officer and NextGen Squad member on the MOSAIC project has been featured on Exposure
Celimpilo Nkambule, a Community Liaison Officer and NextGen Squad member on the MOSAIC project has been featured on Exposure, USAID’s photo story platform! The photo story focuses on a day in Celi’s life and what motivates her as a young woman in South Africa who is passionate about advocating for…
2 November 2023
New Gonorrhoea Treatment Shows Positive Results in Trial Sponsored by Non-Profit Partnership
Prof Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, principal investigator for the trial in South Africa, said that the trial had been conducted under difficult circumstances during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “The huge investment in HIV trial infrastructure has really given South African scientists the capacity to do trials in infectious diseases and…
31 August 2023
Wits RHI’s Project PrEP- The launch of Project PrEP study
The study will generate real-world data on integrating a new PrEP method, the Dapi-ring, to protect women against sexual transmission of HIV. In 2016 South Africa was one of the first countries in the world to approve and begin the rollout of oral PrEP, or rre-exposure prophylaxis, for populations at…
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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.