Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute

Wits RHI (Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute) is a major research and public health organisation based at the University of the Witwatersrand. The institute works across South Africa and internationally to improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, HIV care, and support services for vulnerable populations.

Although Wits RHI is primarily a research and programme implementation organisation, many of its programmes provide critical healthcare and support services for survivors of gender-based violence and sexual assault, especially within public health clinics.

What They Offer Survivors

Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Services
Programmes support clinics that provide contraception, reproductive healthcare, HIV testing, and treatment.

Post-Exposure HIV Prevention (PEP)
Survivors of sexual assault may access PEP to prevent HIV infection if treatment begins within 72 hours.

Gender-Based Violence Support Programmes
Wits RHI helps integrate GBV response services into public health clinics.

Research and Improved Survivor Care Systems
The institute develops models and research that improve how healthcare systems respond to survivors of violence.

Support for Vulnerable Populations
Programmes often focus on high-risk groups including young women, sex workers, and LGBTQIA+ communities.