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.

The Zimele project is a multi-faceted initiative designed to provide healthcare services tailored to adolescent needs, coupled with strong educational support and social empowerment programmes. Conducted in partnership with the Western Cape Government and funded by The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the project aims to reduce new HIV infections especially in girls and young women, to keep girls in school, and to reduce teenage pregnancy.

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.

Since 2011, the DTHF Youth Centre has provided adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health services alongside educational and recreational activities for youth living in the community of Masiphumelele and surrounding areas. The mission of the DTHF Youth Centre is to give young people the tools and confidence needed to make healthy life choices.

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.

Key populations include men who have sex with men (MSM); transgender people; sex workers and people who inject drugs (PWID). DTHF’s Key Populations programme focuses on MSM. It aims to address the social and structural factors that drive the HIV epidemic through research, community engagement activities, advocacy and training.