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19 February 2025

Community Advisory Board Engages on HIV Prevention and Maternal Health Research

On 14 February 2025, members of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) gathered to engage with the latest research findings in HIV prevention and maternal health. The session featured insightful presentations by Wits RHI researchers, highlighting critical developments in two ongoing clinical studies. Sihle Zulu, Study Coordinator for Clinical Trials, shared…

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17 February 2025

Wellcome Trust Visits Wits RHI’s Climate and Health Team for HAPI Study Progress Update

On 10 and 11 February 2025, the Wits RHI Climate and Health team welcomed Wellcome Trust to provide an update on the Heat Adaptation for Pregnant Women and Infants (HAPI) study, held at our Tshwane sites. The visit focused on exploring the impact of the Urban Heat Island effect on…

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13 February 2025

Applications Open for Afro-ADVAC 2025: Advance Your Expertise in Vaccinology

Wits-Alive is inviting applications for the African Advanced Vaccinology (Afro-ADVAC) Course 2025, taking place from 1 – 10 September 2025.  This intensive 10-day residential course, hosted by ALIVE (African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise) at the University of the Witwatersrand, is designed for decision-makers in vaccinology, immunization policy, and public health.…

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12 February 2025

Wits RHI Strengthens Efforts in STI and HIV Research Through Community Engagement

Wits RHI reaffirmed its commitment to public health by spearheading critical discussions on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during Condom Week (3–7 February 2025). This initiative brought together key stakeholders to explore strategies for STI prevention, treatment, and advancements in HIV research, with a strong focus on improving maternal and child…

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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…

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10 February 2025

Wits RHI Leads Groundbreaking Study on Mpox Seroprevalence in South Africa

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, have been awarded a South African Medical Research…

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1 December 2024

Triumphs and Threats: A Reflection on HIV in 2024

The Lancet’s editorial, “Triumphs and Threats: HIV in 2024” (Volume 404, Issue 10468, November 30, 2024), highlights significant progress in global HIV efforts, including record antiretroviral treatment coverage and declining AIDS-related deaths. However, challenges persist, with 1.3 million new infections reported in 2023 and prevention efforts losing momentum in some…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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.

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23 July 2024

Long-acting injectable cabotegravir for HIV prevention is safe in pregnancy

National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored study supports cabotegravir use throughout period of reproductive potential. Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) was safe and well tolerated as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) before and during pregnancy in the follow-up phase of a global study among cisgender women. The analysis of outcomes from more than…

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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…

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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.

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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).

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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.

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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.

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21 June 2024

Gilead Results On Injectable Lenacapavir For PrEP

MEDIA RELEASE Friday, 21 June 2024 – Johannesburg Wits RHI is delighted to share these groundbreaking results from the US pharmaceutical company Gilead’s Phase 3 Purpose 1 trial which indicated that the company’s twice-yearly injectable HIV-1 capsid inhibitor, lenacapavir, demonstrated 100% efficacy for the investigational use of HIV prevention in…

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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.

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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”.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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…

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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…

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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,…

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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.

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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

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8 May 2024

Prof Thesla Palanee-Phillips Attends MATRIX Collaborative Two-Day Retreat in the US

Professor Thesla Palanee-Phillips, Wits RHI Director of Clinical Trials and Deputy Director of the USAID-MATRIX Award, recently participated in a two-day retreat held in Pittsburgh, USA. The Magee-Womens Research Institute and Foundation organised the retreat to advance innovative HIV prevention options for women through the MATRIX initiative. Attended by MATRIX product developers…

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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…

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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…

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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.”

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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…

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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…

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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…

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21 March 2024

Novel Vaginal Ring Prototypes Undergo Crucial Testing for HIV and Pregnancy Prevention

Exciting developments are underway in the realm of women’s health as prototypes of a groundbreaking vaginal ring design undergo rigorous testing. This study aims to refine and finalise a dual-purpose ring capable of preventing both HIV transmission and unplanned pregnancies. The initiative builds upon valuable insights gained from previous studies,…

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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…

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19 March 2024

Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute Initiates Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Tuberculosis Vaccine Candidate

Prof Lee Fairlie, Wits RHI’s Director of Maternal and Child Health is the Co-National Principal Investigator with Prof Willem Hanekom (AHRI) for the TB trial in South Africa. Read the official press release by the Bill & Melinda Gates Research Institute.

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19 March 2024

Late-stage trial for tuberculosis vaccine candidate underway in South Africa

Prof Lee Fairlie, Wits RHI’s Director of Maternal and Child Health is the Co-National Principal Investigator with Prof Willem Hanekom (AHRI) for the TB trial in South Africa. Read the official press release by the Wellcome Trust.

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18 March 2024

Prototypes of a novel vaginal ring design being put to the test in a study that will inform final design of a dual-purpose ring for prevention of both HIV and unplanned pregnancy

Researchers are currently testing prototypes of a new vaginal ring design in a study that aims to finalize a dual-purpose ring for preventing both HIV and unplanned pregnancy. This study is part of MATRIX, a USAID project focused on advancing research and development of innovative HIV prevention products for women.…

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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.

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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.

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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…

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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…

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2 November 2023

Researchers launch first study of a vaginal film that dissolves in 30 days to assess its acceptability as a potential HIV prevention method for women

Exciting developments: MATRIX has launched the 1st study of a vaginal film that dissolves in 30 days to assess its acceptability as a potential women’s #HIVprevention method – two prototype films are being evaluated in the study at five sites in the US and Africa. Read the official press release…

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2 November 2023

New Gonorrhoea Treatment Shows Positive Results in Trial Sponsored by Non-Profit Partnership

Positive results announced in largest pivotal phase 3 trial of a first-in-class oral antibiotic to treat uncomplicated gonorrhoea. Our team at Wits RHI was proud to contribute to the success of this study in South Africa. Well done to the team !!! Prof Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, principal investigator for the trial…

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2 November 2023

Researchers Launch First Study Of A Vaginal Film That Dissolves In 30 Days

Exciting developments: MATRIX has launched the 1st study of a vaginal film that dissolves in 30 days to assess its acceptability as a potential women’s #HIVprevention method – two prototype films are being evaluated in the study at five sites in the US and Africa. Read the official press release…

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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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24 August 2023

European Commission Approves Pfizer’s ABRYSVO to Help Protect Infants through Maternal Immunization and Older Adults from RSV

Pfizer Matisse Study The Maternal and Child Health team was elated to hear the news that the study product ABRYSVO- developed by Pfizer (bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F (RSVpreF) vaccine) has been approved by the FDA as well as the EU, as the first maternal vaccine and an…

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2 June 2023

Wellcome’s Heat Adaptation Funding Announcement

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 02 June 2023 Climate change - heat in particular – is threatening human health around the world. Affordable, effective, interventions that can protect health are critical, but global evidence is lacking on what works best. To advance global solutions, Wellcome is today announcing £17.5m to support research…

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29 March 2023

Congratulations Class Of 2023!

The conferment of this honorary degree showcases Helen’s extensive national, continental and global contribution in the field of medicines control. This includes her involvement in the national and global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the development of COVID-19 vaccines was acknowledged as was an outstanding and selfless service to…

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28 March 2023

Rhodes University honours global health researcher Professor Helen Rees

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 28 March 2023 At its graduation ceremony on Friday, 31 March 2023, Rhodes University will confer a degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD) (honoris causa) on Executive Director at Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute Professor Helen Rees. Prof Rees is internationally recognised as an award-winning global…

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5 September 2022

Heat Indicators for Global Health (HIGH Horizons)

HIGH Horizons JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Aims and objectives The HIGH Horizons project aims to identify cost-effective, integrated adaptation-mitigation interventions to alleviate heat impacts on health workers, and to reduce carbon emissions associated with health care. The project also aims to implement a system for monitoring the global-, national- and district-level…

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18 March 2022

Unitaid to introduce new long-lasting injection to prevent HIV in Brazil and South Africa

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Geneva - 18 March 2022 People at risk of HIV in Brazil and South Africa will be among the first to benefit from a highly effective, long-acting injectable HIV preventive treatment through two large-scale operational projects funded by global health agency Unitaid. Long-acting cabotegravir is a new…

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1 March 2022

French National Order of Merit Awarded to Professor Helen Rees

Professor Helen Rees; French National Order of Merit Award; Wits RHI JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg, South Africa Wits RHI Executive Director, Professor Helen Rees, has been awarded the prestigious L’ordre national du Mérite (National Order of Merit) by the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, in recognition of her…

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10 November 2020

HIV drug study shows long-acting injection is more effective than current daily HIV pill

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 10 November 2020 Early unblinding of the pre-exposure prophylaxis regimen of long-acting cabotegravir (CAB LA) is a milestone for prevention of HIV among women in sub Saharan Africa For more details view the study press releases Researchers from the HIV Prevention Trials Network (HPTN) announced today that…

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13 June 2019

ECHO Study Results Release

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Durban, South Africa - 13 June 2019 ECHO finds no substantial difference in HIV risk among DMPA-IM,copper IUD, and LNG implant users. DURBAN (South Africa) 13 June 2019 – A pivotal clinical trial to address a long-standing question about the relationship between hormonal contraceptive use and the…

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8 April 2019

Wits RHI’s New Programme to Prevent School Based HIV and GBV

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE 08 April 2019 Wits RHI is proud to announce the launch of a USAID-funded five year (2018 - 2023) School Based HIV and Gender Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Programme.Wits RHI will work directly with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to reduce the incidence of HIV, tuberculosis…

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5 February 2019

Wits RHI to Launch the First HPV Vaccine Impact Evaluation Project in Africa

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, HPV, vaccination, campaign, adolescent girls, Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, cervical cancer JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 05 February 2019 Wits RHI is the successful recipient of two awards from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia for over…

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12 February 2018

Appointment of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Board

monitoring, evaluation, regulation, radiation control, medicines, SAHPRA, JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 12 February 2018 Appointment of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Board The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has appointed members of the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) Board. SAHPRA replaces the Medicines…

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5 December 2017

South Africa to launch HIV prevention project

HIV, prevention, PrEP, adolescent, antiretroviral, Saiqa Mullick, Helen Rees, Department of Health JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 05 December 2017 South Africa to launch HIV prevention project A highly effective oral medication to prevent HIV will be provided to young women in South Africa at high risk of getting the…

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1 November 2017

Wits and Vaccines: The Impact and Potential of Vaccines for Africa

Johannesburg - 01 November 2017 Wits and Vaccines: The Impact and Potential of Vaccines for Africa The development of vaccines has greatly impacted on the reduction of mortality rates across the globe, while the importance of developing more vaccines to curb the threat of emerging diseases cannot be stressed enough.…

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7 December 2016

Wits RHI Receives Grant to Speed up Access to Critical HIV Drugs

TB, HIV, grant, ADVANCE, ART,UNITAID, TAC, SAHCS JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 07 December 2016 Wits RHI Receives Grant to Speed up Access to Critical HIV Drugs The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) today announced a new partnership with UNITAID. The partnership will support efforts to optimise…

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31 August 2016

Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA)

Hillbrow,Johannesburg - 31 August 2016 Imagine getting accurate, reliable information on everything from breastfeeding to eating well in pregnancy and when to visit the clinic, directly on your cell phone? This is the power of health that the Mobile Alliance for Maternal Action (MAMA) is putting in the hands of…

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10 December 2015

USAID selects innovative South African organizations to address HIV/AIDS globally

USAID, Right to Care, Wits Reproductive Health Institute JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Washington, Johannesburg - 10 December 2015 USAID has recognised the expertise of two South African-led consortia to address the global challenge of treating those infected by HIV/AIDS. These consortia are led by Right to Care and the Wits Reproductive…

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1 December 2015

Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award

Top scientist at the University of the Witwatersrand receives the Oppenheimer Fellowship JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 01 December 2015 The Board of the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust is pleased to announce the recipient of the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award for 2014: Professor Helen Rees of the University of the…

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1 November 2015

Professor Helen Rees leads African Scientists in signing Global Declaration to End Polio

Experts from 80 countries cite time-limited opportunity, endorse comprehensive new eradication strategy. JOINT MEDIA RELEASE Johannesburg - 01 November 2015 Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of WRHI, joined hundreds of scientists, doctors and other experts from around the world to launch the Scientific Declaration on Polio Eradication, declaring that an…

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