FAQs

FAQs

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a non-profit organization based in South Africa, dedicated to conducting innovative research and providing healthcare services to improve the health and well-being of communities. The foundation focuses on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and related health issues. The DTHF is part of the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation, which was co-founded by Professor Robin Wood and Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker. Visit our timeline for a brief history and milestones of DTHF.
The DTHF is based in Cape Town, South Africa, with several clinics and research sites across the region. The DTHF head office is based in Woodstock and we have various sites across the Cape Peninsula and one site operating in the Buffalo City Health District near East London, Eastern Cape. You can read more about our different research sites under Our Communities
At our mobile clinics and the Mpilo Health Park youth clinic offers a range of services, including HIV testing and counseling, referral for initiation and management of antiretroviral therapy (ART), PrEP, TB screening, and support for managing opportunistic and sexually transmitted infections and family planning. The following research sites offer these services: • Mpilo Health Park Youth Clinic, Guinea Fowl Road, Sunnydale (Masiphumelele) • Our mobile clinics move around to various locations within the Klipfontein/Mitchells Plain area. They are currently branded as part of the FastPrEP study we are running – their location and operating schedule is posted on social media every week as it changes frequently: o Instagram o Facebook o X
The health services listed above are free of charge for participants in our studies.
Click on our ‘Resources’ tab for information on HIV/TB prevention and treatment – keep checking back as we try and add more material regularly.
The DTHF participates in clinical trials focusing on HIV and TB prevention and treatment. Our annual review – you can read more about our current projects and studies in our annual reviews (under the “Who we are” tab).
For more information on current studies and eligibility criteria please e-mail us at [email protected].
Generally, we do not provide monetary compensation but rather access to HIV, TB and sexual and reproductive health services. In some studies, participants are asked to engage in some additional activities such as focus groups and we would reimburse your transport costs. This varies though and it is best to ask a member of the specific research team to clarify this before enrolling in a study.
The safety and confidentiality of our participants is our top priority. All clinical trials and other research conducted by the DTHF adheres to strict ethical guidelines and is approved by relevant regulatory bodies, for example, the Health Sciences Ethics Committee of the University of Cape Town and/or the South African Health Products Regulation Authority. Participants are closely monitored by our medical professionals throughout the study as per South African policies and standard of care guidelines.
Our research findings are published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, many of which are open-access and free to read. We provide a list of recent publications at the end of each annual review, (that can be found on our website) making it a great resource to start looking for papers that might interest you. We continuously publish exciting news on our website and social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
As an NPO, DTHF relies on external funders and donors for financial support. These contributors provide the necessary resources to conduct our diverse research projects. Our funders include government agencies, international organizations, private foundations, and individual donors. To get funding, our researchers actively and continuously apply for grants through a competitive process, presenting detailed proposals that outline the objectives, methodologies, and expected outcomes of their research. Part of the funding we receive is also used for capacity building, including training and development of researchers and support staff, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation within the organization and the communities we work in. DTHF adheres to strict financial management practices to ensure that funds are used effectively and efficiently. Regular reports and updates are provided to funders, detailing progress, challenges, and outcomes of funded projects. DTHF also collaborates with many higher education institutions locally and internationally. Some of our current and past partners are shown here
You can support the DTHF by making a monetary donation. Your donation helps fund our research projects, healthcare services, and community outreach programs. It directly contributes to improving health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and communities affected by HIV, TB, and related health issues. Click on the ‘Donate’ button above to learn more about the impact specific projects you can support. You can also list DTHF as a beneficiary if you make us of the ‘My School, My Village, My Planet’ initiative. U.S.-based donors can make tax deductible contributions to the American Friends of the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation through its fund at the Myriad USA. click here
Yes, donations in cash or in kind that do not exceed 10% of the donor’s taxable income will receive a S18A certificate to claim a tax deduction. U.S.-based donors are eligible for a U.S. income tax deduction for their contributions, to the extent permitted by U.S. tax law.
You can contact us through our contact page Here you will also find the phone number, e-mail address, and address of our head office. You can also follow us on our social media platforms for updates and information.