The FPD Research Unit is based in East London, Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The Research Unit has a diverse portfolio of projects in several areas including HIV prevention and antiretroviral therapy, sexually transmitted infections, antimicrobial resistance, mental health, and socio-behavioural research. The focus is on adolescent girls and young women, pregnant women, and key populations. These projects are funded by various 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, as well as five FPD clinical research facilities located within the main primary healthcare facilities in the district. We also work closely with community partners to conduct research to improve HIV prevention and ART adherence among key populations (men who have sex with men 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. We work closely with an extensive network of local stakeholders, non-governmental organizations, and community partners. Community advisory boards (CABs) are in place to ensure that projects are designed and implemented in a locally relevant and culturally appropriate way.