We work with the South African government and other partners to apply the country’s global influence, research expertise, and health and development innovations to address the population’s greatest needs in health, agriculture, and water, sanitation, and hygiene.
At a glance
Since making our first grants in South Africa in 1999, we have been committed to addressing issues such as the country’s high rates of HIV and tuberculosis (TB), social inequality, and inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure.
South Africa has less than 1 percent of the world’s population, but it accounts for 18 percent of the world’s HIV infections and HIV-related deaths and 6 percent of the world’s TB infections and 2.5 percent of global TB-related deaths.
South Africa’s future depends on the country’s ability to apply its scientific expertise and other resources to address challenges in health, social inequality, and lack of opportunity for the growing youth population.
This three-part conversation features three distinguished scientists—Professor Kelly Chibale, Dr Vava, and Professor Valerie Mizrahi—exploring how science and innovation drive global health progress.
Enviro Loo, a toilet technology and water sanitation project in South Africa supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is helping to improve the lives of students.
When you need to look at a problem in a new light, turn to this South African scientist’s recommendations.
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
A researcher at H3D, a drug discovery and development lab at the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, South Africa.
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More about our work in Africa
Regional office
Our office in Johannesburg is the foundation's regional headquarters in Africa.
