The FPD Research Unit is based in East London, Eastern Cape province, but conducts
research projects across South Africa. The Research Unit has a diverse project
portfolio with projects in the fields of HIV prevention and antiretroviral therapy
(ART), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), antimicrobial resistance, and mental
health. Focus is on adolescent girls and young women, pregnant women, and key
populations. These projects are funded by a diverse group of national and
international donors, and conducted by an experienced team of investigators,
clinical researchers, field workers, and data staff.
FPD has established research infrastructure in Buffalo City Municipality in
the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. This includes the Ndevana Clinical
Research Site (CRS) that was established in 2021 to ensure that the Eastern
Cape communities are included in clinical trials research. At present, several
HIV prevention trials are conducted at Ndevana CRS. Furthermore, there are five
FPD clinical research facilities within the main primary healthcare facilities in
the district. At these sites, STI and HIV prevention research projects are conducted. Last, we work closely with community partners to conduct research to improve HIV prevention and ART adherence among key populations (men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women) across the district.
FPD has a longstanding relationship with the South African Department
of Health at National, Provincial and District level. Research projects are
leveraged to conduct training and capacity building activities in support of
service delivery and systems strengthening in the district. Also, we work closely
with an extensive network of local stakeholders, non-governmental organizations,
and community partners. Community advisory boards are in place to ensure that
project are designed and implemented in a locally relevant and culturally
appropriate way.
FPD is deeply committed to the principles of open science, and routinely publishes in open access journals. We believe in fostering transparency, collaboration, and accessibility in our research endeavors. Through open sharing of data, methods, and findings, we aim to advance knowledge, promote innovation, and contribute to the global scientific community's collective progress
