South Africa

Since 2021, we have worked alongside South African partners to advance research, strengthen health systems, and support locally led solutions that help communities and young people thrive.

Peer coach supporting HIV treatment in South Africa

The peer coaching program getting men back on HIV/AIDS treatment in South Africa

In South Africa, men face unique barriers to staying on HIV treatment. Coach Mpilo – a brotherhood of peer coaches – is changing that.
Students at a South African school

A new type of toilet is changing students’ lives at South African schools

 TB vaccine researcher

A new vaccine could change everything we know about tuberculosis

We’re proud to work alongside partners leading efforts to save the lives of mums and babies, reduce infectious diseases, and tackle poverty across communities.

Overview

South Africa is among the most prosperous, innovative countries in Africa, and its R&D sector is critical to the future of the entire continent and scientific progress globally. But the benefits of this innovation and prosperity are spread unevenly. The country’s future depends on its ability to apply these assets to address challenges in health, social inequality, and lack of opportunity for the growing youth population.

We work with the South African government and other partners to help the country make progress in the following areas:

  • Development of new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines for HIV and TB
  • Delivery of proven HIV prevention and treatment programs
  • Delivery of TB prevention and treatment interventions
  • Technical assistance and support for programs that aim to improve family health, agriculture, and water, sanitation, and hygiene
Demonstration of TB vaccine preparation at a trial site in Western Cape, South Africa
A partner site in Western Cape, South Africa, demonstrates how a TB vaccine is prepared for clinical research.
Partners delivering health tools in communities

Learn about our work across Africa

Read more →

Get the Optimist newsletter

Join readers who see the world differently. Subscribe for hopeful stories about the people and partnerships improving lives around the world — every other week.

More about our work in Africa

Our work in Africa

We are partners in saving lives, tackling infectious diseases, and lifting people out of poverty across Africa.

Learn more

Our headquarters

We partner across Africa from our headquarters in San Francisco, CA 94107 USA—working with governments, local organizations, and implementers on the ground.

Learn more

Impact stories

Read the latest stories, research, and news from across the foundation and subscribe to our newsletter, The Optimist.

Learn more