Perinatal HIV

Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, based in Cape Town, South Africa, is a leading academic research unit within the University of Cape Town. Established in 2004, it is a public university-affiliated institute dedicated to advancing evidence-based responses to HIV, tuberculosis, and related public health challenges across sub-Saharan Africa.

Its publications highlight strengths in HIV prevention and treatment, including PrEP implementation, antiretroviral optimization during tuberculosis therapy, and retention in care. Research also addresses vaccine uptake, smoking cessation among people with HIV, and the intersection of urban inequality and HIV, reflecting a strong focus on behavioral science and structural drivers of health.

The portfolio further demonstrates expertise in TB-HIV comorbidity, noncommunicable diseases, pediatric cardiovascular risk, and regulatory systems strengthening. Methodological innovation, from cohort studies to computational genomics, underscores a commitment to translating science into policy and practice that improves outcomes in low-resource settings.