The Clinical Research Site (CRS) at the Old Main Building of Groote Schuur Hospital is a nationally accredited site that forms part of the University of Cape Town Clinical Trials Unit. The study team consists of research investigators and study coordinators who manage pharmaceutical and investigator-driven clinical trials in both HIV prevention and treatment.

The Gugulethu Clinical Research Site focuses on HIV and tuberculosis (TB) treatment and prevention, with a strong emphasis on adherence to treatment guidelines and preventative measures. Various studies are in progress that assess adherence to antiretroviral therapy and how this might be administered more efficiently and effectively.

The Emavundleni Clinical Research Site (CRS) is an internationally-recognised site for HIV prevention trials that include vaccines, long-acting antiretroviral-based injectables, microbicides, sexually transmitted infection (STI) vaccines and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). Positioned in the heart of the Crossroads township community, the centre not only conducts cutting-edge research into strategies to prevent HIV and HIV related diseases, but also provides essential health services to the community in the surrounding Nyanga district.

Philippi Village is home to several projects and teams, including the Social Behavioural Unit, the Community Engagement team, the Mobile Services team and the Youth Clinic. Together, these multi-faceted projects target the health and wellbeing of young women and men living in the Mitchells Plain/Klipfontein health sub-district.

The DTHF operates a fleet of five mobile clinics that have provided free one-stop integrated healthcare and counselling services to nearly 100 000 clients in the under-served environs of Cape Town. Mobile clinics bridge the gap between patients and conventional healthcare facilities for those living in under-resourced settings. The units offer a wellness package that includes HIV testing and screening for tuberculosis (TB) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Located in the south peninsula of Cape Town, the Masiphumelele Research Site has been recognised as a pioneer in HIV prevention and adolescent research. The research team has been conducting clinical trials and epidemiological research at the site for more than 15 years.

MPILO HEALTH PARK 

In recognition of the need to prioritize adolescent and young peoples’ health and HIV prevention, the DTHF built and operates a youth centre in Masiphumelele. The Youth Centre was first launched in 2011 and is located on 1.5 hectares of residential land outside, but adjacent to, Masiphumelele. The site is directly opposite Masiphumelele High School. About 5000 youth aged 12-24 years (roughly about 100-150 youth would use the facilities daily) were registered at the youth centre initially before it was restructured as an emergency vaccine centre in 2020 with the COVID19 pandemic outbreak. There have consistently been around 700-800 young women attending for sexual, reproductive health services at the youth clinic when it was an active youth centre and those SRH services have continued throughout. As the vaccine centre closed in early 2023, the centre was transitioned into the Mpilo health park, which was launched in September 2023. 

The clinic at the Mpilo Health Park is staffed by nurses and doctors from the DTHF Masiphumele research site who are trained in offering youth-friendly services. It is supported by the Western Cape Department of Health who provide the required pharmaceuticals, testing kits and non-pharmaceuticals. This is in accordance with an MOU with them, as they recognize the importance of this service in the community. Up to 2019 the centre in addition housed a multidimensional youth program including educational and leadership initiatives and a recreation programme. This aspect unfortunately ceased when the funding cycle ended. It is hoped and planned that a new initiative will commence soon, once alternative funding has been secured. 

The peripheral section of the Mpilo health park is an outdoor multisport facility which is utilised by the youth for soccer, basketball, netball, etc. and also includes an indoor gym with fitness classes on offer. 

+27 (0)21 301 2056

Olwethu Sobantwana [email protected]

Majedi Cornelius [email protected]

Guinea Fowl Road
Sunnydale
7975

Tuberculosis (TB) rates in and around Cape Town are among the highest in the world, particularly in high density populated areas. The Aerobiology and TB Research Unit at the Masiphumelele Research Centre seeks to understand the biology of the airborne transmission of TB from one person to the other.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning and Intersex (LGBTQI+) populations are marginalized and discriminated against in South Africa, placing them at high risk for poor physical and mental health. Despite this, access to LGBTQI+ sensitive and affirming health services is severely limited. The LGBT+ Health Division, based at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, was established in 2008. Our aim is to promote equitable access to appropriate and affirming healthcare for LGBTQI+ populations through research, community engagement and advocacy.