05/06/2026
We are proud to congratulate Wits RHI Executive Director, Professor Helen Rees on her appointment as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the International Vaccine Institute. A globally respected public health leader, researcher and advocate for health equity, Prof Rees has dedicated her career to strengthening health systems, advancing vaccine access and improving health outcomes across Africa and beyond. Congratulations, Prof Rees. We wish you every success in this important role.
“At a time when strong institutions in global health are more important than ever, we need organizations that go further than vaccine R&D—and IVI stands out for driving implementation and real-world impact.”
As Professor Helen Rees begins her tenure as Chairperson of the International Vaccine Institute’s Board of Trustees, these words reflect both her vision for global health and the role IVI can play in advancing it.
A globally renowned physician, researcher, educator, public health leader, and founder and Executive Director at Wits RHI, Prof. Rees has dedicated her career to strengthening health systems, advancing vaccine research and access, and responding to some of the world’s most pressing health challenges. From HIV and reproductive health to epidemic preparedness and immunization, her work has helped shape programs and policies that safeguard and improve lives across Africa and beyond.
As IVI enters its next phase of growth, we look forward to gaining from Prof. Rees’s leadership, experience, and visionary commitment to health equity.
Welcome, Helen.
