Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF)

The Desmond Tutu Health Foundation (DTHF) is a South African non-profit organisation and strategic partner of the University of Cape Town’s Faculty of Health Sciences. Founded on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s principles of dignity, inclusion, and social justice, DTHF translates science into service to improve the lives of people and communities across South Africa. Over the past two decades, DTHF has been at the forefront of transforming the HIV and tuberculosis epidemics through cutting-edge clinical research, youth-driven community programmes, and bold health-policy advocacy. They operate eight research and service sites in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces, reaching more than 130 000 people annually through integrated prevention, care, and research. Our teams bridge laboratory science, clinical innovation, implementation research, and social science to design solutions that work in real-world health systems. Recognising the rise of NCDs, in 2021 DTHF expanded its mandate to include obesity, metabolic health, and mental health—seeing these as the next great equity challenge. We leverage our HIV infrastructure— mobile units, digital platforms, laboratory networks, and youth engagement—to deliver holistic, person-centred care that addresses both infectious and chronic conditions.

Mission: To advance health equity and social justice by generating evidence, building capacity, and delivering integrated, person-centred care that responds to the evolving health needs of communities.

Vision: A South Africa and a world where every individual, regardless of background or income, can achieve and sustain optimal health and wellbeing in environments that support healthy living.

Primary Contact: Dr. Nomathemba Chandiwana, Chief Scientific Officer

Email: nomathemba.chandiwana@hiv-research.org.za

Address: 3 Woodlands Rd, Woodstock, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa