Professor Rees is a global expert on the topic and is the founder and Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), which also serves as a WHO and UNAIDS Collaborating Centre.
She is also the latest recipient of the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award and an Honorary Fellow of Murray Edwards College.
With a prevalence rate of nearly 1 in 5[1] in South Africa and over 35 million[2] people living with the virus globally, the quest to identify a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS is never far from the news.
The global impact of HIV/AIDS varies, but infection is concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and in working-age populations.
The virus hits families, women and gay/bisexual men disproportionately and understanding how to develop and implement effective preventative strategies has been key in efforts to manage the spread of the epidemic.
Professor Rees will discuss the work that has been undertaken, particularly the research aimed at documenting, understanding and preventing new HIV infections among young women.
She will also explore the policy environment which has shaped the response to the epidemic in South Africa.
The Story of an Epidemic: The Changing Face of HIV in South Africa takes place at 12noon this Friday (19th June) at the McGrath Centre, St. Catharine’s College. Click here to book a place.
People Matter Week is a programme of activities that highlights the services available that promote wellbeing and support all members of University community (both Staff and Students). Full programme information is available on the People Matter Week website.
Professor Helen Rees OBE will give this year’s People Matter Week Lecture on the evolving story of HIV/AIDS in South Africa.
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