Desmond Tutu Health Foundation

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation is based in Cape Town, South Africa and is run in association with the Desmond Tutu HIV Centre at the University of Cape Town's Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine. The Foundation operates community sites in greater Cape Town's Nyanga, Masiphumelele, Emavundleni and Groote Schuur districts.

 

Fusing a unique combination of academic expertise and social activism, the Foundation is involved in a number of initiatives including:

  • The provision of antiretroviral therapy
  • Operating a free mobile HIV testing unit
  • Studies into adherence strategies, adherence monitoring, and HIV's interaction with tuberculosis
  • The training and guidance of healthcare professionals
  • Preparing communities for HIV vaccine clinical trials
  • Providing adolescent HIV prevention and improving women's health

All of the Foundation's activities are underpinned by research and evaluation. They aim to impact policy and practice both nationally and internationally through relevant research, peer-reviewed publications, and feedback to government, civil society, and the community at large.


International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB)

The IDM houses the Cape Town Component of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB). ICGEB is an Inter-Governmental organisation whose mandate is scientific research and training in the fields of genetic engineering and biotechnology, with special attention to the needs of developing countries, and the development of procedures aimed at the safe use of biotechnology and its products.

 

Partnerships with IDM exist through shared facilities, research collaborations, and facilitation of cooperation, liaison and the exchange of information.