Welcome to MatCH Research Unit

About MRU

MatCH Research Unit (MRU) aims to answer priority questions that will translate into improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes through expanding access to appropriate and acceptable health technologies and services. Our  core research areas are contraception including barrier methods, HIV prevention, safer conception, menstrual management, postpartum depression and other areas of sexual and reproductive health. MRU engages in pivotal research conducted with vulnerable populations, including youth, sex workers and residents of informal settlements.

Using a range of methodologies, we conduct behavioural, operations and clinical research, actively partnering and involving communities and local structures. We also provide technical assistance, partnering with various stakeholders including the Department of Health and other NGOs to affect policy change and enhance best practice. We work with diverse partners, collaborators and donors, including local and internationally based universities and research centres.

MRU was established in 2013 as a Division of the Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand (31 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193, WHC 97/15443/07). MRU is based in Durban and was formerly the Durban office of the RHRU (Reproductive Health and HIV Research Unit) now WRHI (Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute).