What We Do

Wits RHI is a hybrid research and implementation Institute that is dynamic, progressive, and responsive to global and local health emergencies. We pioneer cutting-edge science and innovation in the fields of infectious and vaccine preventable diseases; sexual and reproductive health; antimicrobial resistance,climate change and emerging crises.

Our strength lies in our multi-disciplinary and holistic approach to improving health outcomes at a local and global level through research, technical assistance, advocacy, policy development, implementation science and health systems strengthening. We identify health problems through sound epidemiological methods and qualitative research, and use a range of analytic and research methods to generate evidence and test and evaluate interventions in a real word setting.

We are a part of the the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), a world class African University.  We are its largest institute. 

We are a Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) collaborating centre and a strategic partner to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Who We Serve

Our work is focused on populations that are most in need, marginalized, or hard to reach. These include:

• Pregnant women and mother-infant pairs
• Women
• Key populations including adolescents, sex workers and LGBTQI people
• Adults and children living with HIV and TB

Where we are

Hillbrow Health Precinct

The Wits RHI head office is in the Hillbrow Health Precinct (HHP) which was established in 2004 with the aim creating a visionary, world-first environment that stands at the intersection of urban regeneration, cutting edge research and community based health care.

Since inception it has delivered outstanding health services and health care worker training, developed best practice models and implemented world class research addressing a range of critical health areas, poverty and urban renewal in Johannesburg’s inner city.

It is a model of co-operation, uniting the Gauteng Department of Health, the City of Johannesburg and Wits University represented by Wits RHI together into a unique and effective partnership.

Five previously derelict buildings have been renovated to house offices, The Shandukani and Ward 21 research sites, patient treatment clinics, three A Grade Pharmacies, and three laboratories.

South Africa

Wits RHI projects work out of 52 sites across South Africa. Most of these sites are projects where we deliver key Implementation Science and Health Programs projects, including HIV prevention, HIV and TB care to general and key populations.

Africa

We have collaborated with organisations across Africa for many years. At present we work with partners in 18 African countries.