Africa Health Research Institute

Africa Health Research Institute Optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations. We emphasise training of the next generation of African scientists.

The Africa Health Research Institute’s vision is optimal health and well-being of under-resourced populations. AHRI is an independent, transdisciplinary scientific research institute based across two campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. AHRI’s research combines population, basic, social, and medical sciences to understand and intervene in the health and well-being of South Af

rican communities. AHRI works in partnership with local communities and South African academic, governmental and other policy stakeholders. AHRI collaborates with over 60 institutions globally. The work lives of AHRI’s ~500 scientists, students and staff members are driven by our values: ubuntu, transformation, leadership, innovation, excellence and collaboration.

We are so proud to share that AHRI faculty member and mental health lead Associate Prof Xanthe Hunt has won the Distingu...
21/08/2026

We are so proud to share that AHRI faculty member and mental health lead Associate Prof Xanthe Hunt has won the Distinguished Young Woman Researcher category at the South African Women in Science Awards 🎉

Her research addresses the high burden of mental health disorders among young people in under-resourced communities.

The awards, presented by the Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA, recognise the outstanding contributions of women researchers in driving progress across science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation in the country.

Congrats, Xanthe - this is so well deserved.

On 14 August 2026, the Health Without Barriers: Youth Dialogue brought together young people, health stakeholders, resea...
20/08/2026

On 14 August 2026, the Health Without Barriers: Youth Dialogue brought together young people, health stakeholders, researchers, community representatives and academic partners at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) for meaningful conversations on HIV & TB awareness, HIV prevention, mental health and youth empowerment.

The engagement highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with young people to strengthen health awareness, prevention and empowerment, while ensuring that community voices remain central to health conversations.

Thank you to all the stakeholders and partners - including SA Medical Research Council , MUT, Usinga Hdss, CAPRISA, ARISE - for making this dialogue possible.

📢 Congratulations to AHRI faculty member, Associate Professor Xanthe Hunt, on being named a finalist in the 2026 Departm...
11/08/2026

📢 Congratulations to AHRI faculty member, Associate Professor Xanthe Hunt, on being named a finalist in the 2026 Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA's 'Women in Science Awards'!

This well-deserved recognition celebrates Xanthe's outstanding contributions to mental health research, her commitment to improving the lives of young people in under-resourced communities, and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of women researchers.

We're incredibly proud to see her work recognised on a national stage and wish her the very best for the awards ceremony on 20 August.

✅ Ending the week on a high note!Congratulations to AHRI research associate Dr Sithembiso Ndlovu on being named one of t...
07/08/2026

✅ Ending the week on a high note!

Congratulations to AHRI research associate Dr Sithembiso Ndlovu on being named one of the 2026 Mail & Guardian '200 Young South Africans'.

The campaign celebrates young South Africans who are shaping the country's future through leadership, innovation, and service.

As a research associate at AHRI, Sithembiso's work is helping to transform our understanding of the mental health impacts of climate change. Through the WEMA study, he investigates how floods and other extreme weather events affect the mental wellbeing of vulnerable communities, ensuring that lived experiences inform evidence-based mental health policies and disaster preparedness strategies.

"Being recognised is a dream come true, and I accept this award with deep gratitude and humility. This recognition is not mine alone. It reflects the collective efforts of the AHRI WEMA and climate & health teams, the unwavering support of my family and friends, and, above all, the trust and partnership of the flood-prone and flood-affected communities and community-based co-researchers who welcomed us into their lives throughout the WEMA project," he said.

04/08/2026

💡 Reflecting back on an incredible week of science, networking, debate, and activism at

AHRI's highlights included:

✅ Presentation (and publication!) of the first OPTI-DOR trial results, showing doravirine works as well as dolutegravir to suppress HIV viral load, with less weight gain, enabling choice for those living with HIV ➡️ https://www.ahri.org/another-hiv-treatment-option-but-with-less-weight-gain/

✅ Presentation of the first Mobile Men study results, showing that injectable PrEP beats pills for men who travel for work ➡️ https://www.ahri.org/mobile-men-study-injectable-prep-beats-pills-for-men-who-travel-for-work/

2️⃣x HIV cure satellite sessions, hosted by SANTHE Africa

👏 A range of other AHRI work presented over a very busy six days - including multiple poster sessions, talks, and panel discussions

Thank you, International AIDS Conference and Rio de Janeiro!

AHRI was proud to participate in the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation's National Science month care...
28/07/2026

AHRI was proud to participate in the Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation's National Science month career expo at the Manguzi Multipurpose Centre in KZN.

The expo brought together organisations to showcase bursary opportunities, innovative products, concepts and services, inspiring learners to explore future career pathways.

At the AHRI exhibition stand, learners took part in interactive sessions that introduced them to careers in health research and the work we do to improve public health. They also heard inspiring talks from our public engagement officers and researchers, who shared their experiences and encouraged learners to pursue careers in science and research.

The sessions created an opportunity for learners to ask questions, engage with our experts and gain valuable insight into the world of health research.

A big thank you to our team for representing AHRI and helping inspire the next generation of scientists, researchers and innovators.

💡 Every year, AHRI staff, together with local stakeholders, come together to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandel...
18/07/2026

💡 Every year, AHRI staff, together with local stakeholders, come together to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Inspired by this year's theme, "It is still in our hands to combat poverty and inequality," we partnered with eThekwini Municipality, Inkosi Mtubatuba Local Municipality, and the Department of Agriculture to establish vegetable gardens and plant indigenous trees at Clermont Clinic and Mpukunyoni Clinic.

The gardens will provide fresh produce to support vulnerable patients while serving as demonstration gardens that inspire patients and community members to establish their own home food gardens, promoting food security and healthy living. The indigenous trees further contribute to greener, healthier communities.

✅ Together, we are creating a lasting legacy of hope, sustainability and collective impact.

📍 Community engagement in action! Last week, AHRI hosted its second roadshow in the uMbonambi, Mananga and eKhempini are...
14/07/2026

📍 Community engagement in action!

Last week, AHRI hosted its second roadshow in the uMbonambi, Mananga and eKhempini areas, bringing together community members and partners to learn more about our Asymptomatic TB Transmission in Indonesia and South Africa (ATTIS) study.

ATTIS explores whether people with TB who have no symptoms may be unknowingly spreading the disease. By improving our understanding of asymptomatic TB, the study aims to generate evidence that could strengthen TB prevention and control.

The day kicked off with presentations about TB and what the study hopes to achieve, followed by a Q&A session, dance - and a lot of goodies and prizes for grabs. A heartfelt thank you to the Nzalabantu community for turning out in such great numbers and to our valued partners - LoveLife, KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health uMbonambi Clinic, Isibani and FNB - for helping make the day a success.

Together, we're raising awareness and working towards a healthier future.

10/07/2026

🤩 Reflecting on three incredible days of learning and connection at the 3rd annual AHRI scientific retreat - hosted on the KwaZulu-Natal south coast.

One of AHRI's strategic objectives is training of the next generation of African scientists. The meeting gathered over 60 of our trainees from master's to research associate level for scientific exchange, skills development, networking, engagement with our faculty members.. and some fun!

🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️Marking a memorable day of running! 🎉Over the weekend, AHRI hosted our 5th edition of the Iyonayona Fun Run at...
02/07/2026

🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♂️Marking a memorable day of running! 🎉

Over the weekend, AHRI hosted our 5th edition of the Iyonayona Fun Run at Dukuduku Sports Field. The community showed up in numbers to participate, build relationships and learn more about the research done at AHRI.

If you missed this year’s edition, check out the pictures below - and join us in 2027!

Iyonayona – Try it, its healthy. Zonke Bonke 💙💚

Address

719 Umbilo Road, Durban & R617 To Hlabisa, Somkhele
Mtubatuba

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 16:30
Tuesday 08:00 - 16:30
Wednesday 08:00 - 16:30
Thursday 08:00 - 16:30
Friday 08:00 - 16:00

Telephone

+27312604991

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