Helen Rees

BA, MB BCh, DCH, MA, MRCGP, MRCOG

Helen Rees is Executive Director of the University of Witwatersrand’s largest research institute, Wits RHI, where she is a Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Co-Director of the African Leadership in Vaccinology Expertise. She is an Honorary Professor at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and a Fellow of Murray Edwards College, Cambridge University. Professor Rees is internationally renowned for her policy and research work in vaccines, reproductive health and HIV. She Chairs and has Chaired many national and international committees and is respected for her ability to synthesize recommendations from multifaceted inputs and to link research to policy. Professor Rees has received many national and international awards for her contribution to African health and global health including being made an Officer of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II and received the Order of the Baobab, one of the South Africa’s highest honours.