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Wits RHI

Shaping the Future of HIV Prevention – One Innovation at a Time

At the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda, Wits RHI stood at the forefront of the global HIV prevention conversation. From headline panels to real-world data, our work is helping reimagine what’s possible with next-generation prevention tools like long-acting PrEP.

Driving the Conversation: From Breakthroughs to Access

Wits RHI’s Professor Saiqa Mullick, Director of Implementation Science, joined a high-level panel hosted by Unitaid and global health leaders to discuss what it really takes to make innovations like lenacapavir work for real people.

“To make long-acting PrEP like lenacapavir successful, we must meet people where they are with flexible services and responsive systems.”
— Prof Saiqa Mullick, quoted in Managed Healthcare Executive

Her message was clear: science alone isn’t enough. Empowering people especially women and young people through choice, privacy and integrated care is key to uptake and impact.

Project PrEP: Real-World Lessons Driving Real Change

Data from Wits RHI’s Project PrEP, presented at IAS 2025, is shaping how countries prepare to roll out long-acting PrEP:

  • 65% of participants preferred injectable cabotegravir over oral PrEP or the dapivirine ring.

  • 76% of women initiating PrEP also accessed contraception in the same visit.

  • In a survey across Tshwane, Mthatha and Gqeberha, 56% said they would opt for a lenacapavir injection if offered.

“When counseling is relatable, visual, and non-judgmental, uptake improves. Young women especially respond to options and privacy.”
— Prof Saiqa Mullick, Wits RHI

Youth-Centered. Trust-Driven. Community-Led.

At Johannesburg’s youth-friendly Maria Rantho Clinic, a Unitaid-supported site led by Wits RHI, outreach workers like Thato Mtshweni are showing what works.

“Choice matters. Youth engagement is essential. You can’t just offer a product you have to build trust.”
— Vusile Butler, Senior Manager, Implementation Science, quoted by Unitaid

Long-Acting PrEP: Safe for Moms and Babies

New data shared by Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director Research confirms that long-acting PrEP is safe, effective, and well tolerated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • 0 HIV transmissions. No maternal deaths. Healthy birth outcomes in 400+ pregnancies. Minimal drug transfer via breast milk. No dose adjustments needed.

The findings support WHO’s 2025 guidance recommending PrEP throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Read the full article here.

Wits RHI in the Media

The Way Forward: Innovation into Action

At Wits RHI, we believe product innovation must be matched by delivery innovation. Our mission is to make HIV prevention more accessible, more integrated, and more empowering for those who need it most.

Stay with us as we lead the next chapter in the HIV response bold, inclusive, and grounded in science and community.

Shaping the Future of HIV Prevention – One Innovation at a Time

At the 13th International AIDS Society Conference (IAS 2025) in Kigali, Rwanda, Wits RHI stood at the forefront of the global HIV prevention conversation. From headline panels to real-world data, our work is helping reimagine what’s possible with next-generation prevention tools like long-acting PrEP.

Driving the Conversation: From Breakthroughs to Access

Wits RHI’s Professor Saiqa Mullick, Director of Implementation Science, joined a high-level panel hosted by Unitaid and global health leaders to discuss what it really takes to make innovations like lenacapavir work for real people.

“To make long-acting PrEP like lenacapavir successful, we must meet people where they are with flexible services and responsive systems.”
— Prof Saiqa Mullick, quoted in Managed Healthcare Executive

Her message was clear: science alone isn’t enough. Empowering people especially women and young people through choice, privacy and integrated care is key to uptake and impact.

Project PrEP: Real-World Lessons Driving Real Change

Data from Wits RHI’s Project PrEP, presented at IAS 2025, is shaping how countries prepare to roll out long-acting PrEP:

  • 65% of participants preferred injectable cabotegravir over oral PrEP or the dapivirine ring.

  • 76% of women initiating PrEP also accessed contraception in the same visit.

  • In a survey across Tshwane, Mthatha and Gqeberha, 56% said they would opt for a lenacapavir injection if offered.

“When counseling is relatable, visual, and non-judgmental, uptake improves. Young women especially respond to options and privacy.”
— Prof Saiqa Mullick, Wits RHI

Youth-Centered. Trust-Driven. Community-Led.

At Johannesburg’s youth-friendly Maria Rantho Clinic, a Unitaid-supported site led by Wits RHI, outreach workers like Thato Mtshweni are showing what works.

“Choice matters. Youth engagement is essential. You can’t just offer a product you have to build trust.”
— Vusile Butler, Senior Manager, Implementation Science, quoted by Unitaid

Long-Acting PrEP: Safe for Moms and Babies

New data shared by Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, Director Research confirms that long-acting PrEP is safe, effective, and well tolerated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • 0 HIV transmissions. No maternal deaths. Healthy birth outcomes in 400+ pregnancies. Minimal drug transfer via breast milk. No dose adjustments needed.

The findings support WHO’s 2025 guidance recommending PrEP throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Read the full article here.

Wits RHI in the Media

The Way Forward: Innovation into Action

At Wits RHI, we believe product innovation must be matched by delivery innovation. Our mission is to make HIV prevention more accessible, more integrated, and more empowering for those who need it most.

Stay with us as we lead the next chapter in the HIV response bold, inclusive, and grounded in science and community.