BSRHI, Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative
A collage of BSRHI staff at work in the clinic and laboratory

About us

Improving sexual and reproductive health for women and adolescent girls since 2016.

Who we are

The Botswana Sexual and Reproductive Health Initiative (BSRHI) was established in 2016. Our aim is to address important research questions to improve sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes among women and adolescent girls.

We conduct research, provide clinical SRH and HIV services, and undertake teaching and training. We also provide technical assistance and advisory support to the Botswana Ministry of Health (MoH) and other regional and international organisations.

We are based at the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership at Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone.

The BSRHI team together outside the clinic

What we do

  • Research

    We design and run studies that answer the questions that matter most for women's and girls' sexual and reproductive health in Botswana.

  • Clinical services

    We provide sexual and reproductive health and HIV services alongside our studies.

  • Teaching and training

    We train health workers, students and researchers, and support the next generation of Botswana scientists.

  • Technical assistance

    We advise the Botswana Ministry of Health (MoH) and regional and international organisations.

Our research areas

Our research focuses on six areas that shape the health and choices of women and girls in Botswana.

  • A BSRHI researcher in a lab coat and gloves working at a computer beside testing equipment

    STI diagnosis and treatment

    Testing and treating sexually transmitted infections.

  • Family planning methods, including contraceptive pills and implants, on an information table

    Pregnancy planning and prevention

    Helping women and girls plan, space and prevent pregnancies, including contraception after birth.

  • Baby booties, a stethoscope and an ultrasound scan on a clinic bed

    Maternal and reproductive health

    Research on antenatal and postnatal care, preventing and managing pregnancy complications, and preventing maternal deaths.

  • HIV prevention options: oral PrEP tablets, an injectable and condoms

    HIV prevention

    Prevention options for women and girls, including the dapivirine vaginal ring, oral PrEP and long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA).

  • A clean, prepared clinic examination room

    Safe abortion care

    Research to inform policies, reduce unsafe abortion, and improve women's health outcomes.

  • A model of the uterus and cervix with vaccine vials, a speculum and screening swab

    Cervical cancer prevention

    Screening approaches that find and treat cervical disease early, including for women living with HIV.

Donors and partners

Our work is made possible by government, academic, funding and community partners in Botswana and around the world.

  • Botswana Ministry of Health
  • Botswana Harvard Health Partnership
  • University of Botswana
  • University of Edinburgh
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
  • University of Cape Town
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California San Diego
  • University of Washington
  • London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine
  • Botswana-UPenn Partnership
  • UC Global Health Institute
  • UCL EGA Institute for Women's Health
  • Wits RHI
  • Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin
  • Penn Center for AIDS Research (CFAR)
  • National Institutes of Health
  • National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)
  • Gates Foundation
  • Global Grand Challenges
  • Wellcome
  • Coefficient Giving
  • ViiV Healthcare
  • Merck
  • USAID
  • Government of Canada
  • Society of Family Planning
  • World Health Organization
  • UNFPA
  • FHI 360
  • Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation
  • BOFWA
  • Women Against Rape (WAR)
  • Cepheid
  • INROADS