Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

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Desmond Tutu Health Foundation DTHF has established clinical research sites in under-resourced areas where people are at high risk of HIV infection.

We are a registered non-profit bridging rigorous academic research with community development to find innovative solutions in the prevention and treatment of HIV and related infections. Pairing internationally acclaimed research with community-driven development programmes, the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation strives to improve the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve while contributing to local and national health policy. With the cooperation of community leaders we provide opportunities for residents to assist us in research studies and programmes. Our research includes a range of HIV prevention modalities, vaccine candidates, treatment delivery and adherence, clinical trials, ground-breaking new drugs, and innovative technologies to address tuberculosis transmission. In addition to biomedical research, a socio-behavioural division seeks to understand the complex drivers affecting individual health-seeking behaviour. Adolescents are of particular concern, as well as key populations – le***an, gay, bis*xual, transgender, inters*x, q***r (LGBTIQ), s*x workers and men who have s*x with men. A fleet of five mobile units assist in taking a wellness package, including HIV testing, to these hard-to-reach groups who tend to avoid conventional clinics. The DTHF research, clinical and community outreach staff share a common purpose to lessen the impact of the HIV epidemic on individuals, families and communities through innovation and collaboration.

23/09/2026

We took the phrase ‘elevator pitch’ literally and to the next level (or the top floor 😉) at the meeting in Cape Town this week.

Riding one of Cape Town’s iconic glass elevators, colleagues from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation shared their take away message on the way down.

One ride, one message. Here’s what they had to say.

Appearance by: Philip John Smith Jerry Molaolwa Ntando Yola Yashna Singh (instigated and executed by Nadine M Lindinger and Thato Letebele)

DTHF’s contribution to   extended to shaping the conference programme.Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana served on the conference ...
22/09/2026

DTHF’s contribution to extended to shaping the conference programme.

Dr Nomathemba Chandiwana served on the conference planning committee and as session lead for Theme 3: Sustaining Systems (Integration & Sustainment).

What are your thoughts about how best to sustain and scale health systems and health research and what are the pros and cons on integration of healthcare services?

Good news!!! If you are at Academic Medical Education VISTA's conference this week, there is no need to rush through the...
21/09/2026

Good news!!! If you are at Academic Medical Education VISTA's conference this week, there is no need to rush through the fantastic posters that are on display -- they will be up for the duration of the conference. Take note of the abstract numbers below to engage with Desmond Tutu Health Foundation's latest implementation research results. If you would like to know more on any studies and cannot wait for the published paper, don't hesitate to reach out or to approach anyone from DTHF during or after the conference.

Catch the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation team at the Academic Medical Education's VISTA Conference next week!Our colleag...
20/09/2026

Catch the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation team at the Academic Medical Education's VISTA Conference next week!

Our colleagues Elzette Rousseau, Linda-Gail Bekker, Philip John Smith and Demi Almaz Meyer will be presenting their research, sharing insights and ready to connect with you working to advance health through science.

Attending? Join their sessions, ask questions and connect with the team—we’d love to see you there! Given that the conference is in our own backyard (Cape Town) other researchers from DTHF will be attending both supporting our colleagues and ready to network and discuss collaborations with you.

If you are at the South African Sexual Health Association conference this weekend, don't miss DTHF's CEO Linda-Gail Bekk...
19/09/2026

If you are at the South African Sexual Health Association conference this weekend, don't miss DTHF's CEO Linda-Gail Bekker's talk on STI Diagnosis. If the talk title is anything to go by, this is one not to be missed.

📢 Postdoctoral Scholarship Opportunity -- Application deadline extended to 28 September 2026Are you an emerging research...
11/09/2026

📢 Postdoctoral Scholarship Opportunity -- Application deadline extended to 28 September 2026

Are you an emerging researcher ready to take the next step in your academic career?

We are inviting applications from PhD graduates with experience in public health, epidemiology, behavioural or social sciences, biostatistics, medicine or related fields to join a research-focused postdoctoral programme.

The opportunity is particularly suited to researchers interested in applied health research and contributing to the development of research capacity in East London and the Eastern Cape.

📍 South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
🔗 See the advert for full eligibility criteria and application requirements.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4gYabTm

- Are you an African early- to mid-career HIV vaccine investigator or clinical scientist?- Are you affiliated with an in...
01/09/2026

- Are you an African early- to mid-career HIV vaccine investigator or clinical scientist?
- Are you affiliated with an institution in central, eastern, southern or western Africa?
- Are you interested in pursuing HIV vaccine research?

The IAS - International AIDS Society – is pleased to let you know that applications are open for the sixth edition of the HIV Vaccine Science Academy. The academy will award fellowships to 15 early- to mid-career investigators and clinical scientists from central, eastern, southern and western Africa to take part in a four-day training and development course with international experts. Alongside its core vaccine science curriculum, this edition will include sessions relevant to HIV cure research, reflecting the ongoing convergence of the two fields.

The academy will take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on 23-26 November 2026. Selected participants will receive full travel support.

Apply now: https://applications.iasociety.org/

The deadline to apply is 20 September 2026, 23:59 CEST.

The objectives are to:

- Provide training on state-of-the-art HIV vaccine research and development – including immunogen design, vaccine platforms and relevant scientific tools and skills, such as scientific writing – alongside foundational training on HIV cure science, reflecting the convergence of the vaccine and cure fields.
- Provide a unique, retreat-style opportunity to engage with leaders in the HIV vaccine field, building and facilitating collaborations in the search for an HIV vaccine.

Support participants in establishing a sustainable network across research institutions and creating momentum for African-led research.

To be eligible, applicants should:

Be proficient in English
Be a national of the African continent
Be a resident of a central, eastern, southern or western African country
Be affiliated with a central, eastern, southern or western African institution
Have a letter of support from their home organization
Be an early- to mid-career HIV vaccine researcher

Applications must be submitted through the official online system. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions.

📢 Postdoctoral Scholarship Opportunity | TB ResearchWe are inviting applications from emerging researchers with expertis...
28/08/2026

📢 Postdoctoral Scholarship Opportunity | TB Research

We are inviting applications from emerging researchers with expertise spanning epidemiology, biostatistics and medical microbiology for an exciting postdoctoral research opportunity.

This scholarship is particularly suited to candidates interested in Mycobacterium tuberculosis aerobiology, with opportunities to apply advanced laboratory, microscopy and molecular biology expertise alongside quantitative epidemiological research.

If you are looking to strengthen your research portfolio and contribute to advancing our understanding of TB transmission and biology, we encourage you to apply.

📍 South African citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
🔗 See the advert for full eligibility criteria, application requirements and closing date.

Apply here: https://bit.ly/4d4ZCeQ

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for an exciting PhD scholarsh...
24/08/2026

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for an exciting PhD scholarship opportunity at the University of Cape Town.

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful health research while developing advanced research expertise within a dynamic and supportive academic environment.

Full details, including the research focus, eligibility requirements and application process, are provided above (swipe left)

🔗 Apply or find out more: https://redcap.link/8fn2m1jl

Please share this opportunity with your networks and anyone who may be interested.

Please mark your calendars to join our public-facing research meeting on the 28th of August where we have the honour of ...
18/08/2026

Please mark your calendars to join our public-facing research meeting on the 28th of August where we have the honour of hosting Barbara Castelnuovo who will be presenting on: Aging with HIV: From survival to longevity, challenges and opportunities of lifelong care in Africa.

Here is the teams link for you to join us on the day:
https://bit.ly/4vDoUsr

Address

3 Woodlands Road, Woodstock
Cape Town
7915

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27213012020

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