Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)
Wits RHI is the leading health research institute at the University of the Witwatersrand and one of Africa’s leading public health and clinical research centres.
Who are Wits RHI
Wits RHI is a globally recognised African health research institute based at the University of the Witwatersrand, delivering high-impact science to address some of the greatest public health concerns affecting the African region. With over 30 years of experience in investigator-led and consortia studies, Wits RHI excels in policy development and implementation across diverse populations and all phases of clinical trials. Wits RHI’s multidisciplinary approach combines research, technical assistance, advocacy, and health systems strengthening to deliver impactful solutions in infectious and vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and family health, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related health crises.
Led by predominantly female African scientists, Wits RHI combines scientific rigour with deep contextual understanding. Its location in the inner city of Johannesburg, in the Hillbrow Health Precinct, an area marked by poverty, migration, and health inequity, provides direct access to diverse, underserved populations and enables the development of solutions grounded in real-world need. Long-standing community partnerships ensure research is ethical, trusted, and impactful.
Wits RHI’s Work
Wits RHI plays a leading role in the development, evaluation, 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 its foundation in reproductive health and HIV, Wits RHI has evolved into a leading research institute addressing emerging and future health threats. The institute's work and leadership have earned national and international recognition for advancing COVID-19 response efforts, antimicrobial resistance research and HIV and STI prevention and treatment, particularly in cervical cancer and HPV.
Wits RHI’s multidisciplinary approach combines research, technical assistance, advocacy, and health systems strengthening to deliver impactful solutions in infectious and vaccine-preventable diseases, maternal and family health, antimicrobial resistance, and climate-related health crises. As one of the few institutions in the southern hemisphere engaged in clinical trials, implementation science, market shaping, and regulatory strengthening, Wits RHI helps ensure that lifesaving innovations reach low- and middle-income countries faster and more equitably.
Contact Us
For more information, contact:
Hillbrow Health Precinct
22 Esselen Street
Hillbrow 2001
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel:+27 11 358 5300