French president Nicolas Sarkozy, Carla Bruni, Dr. Linda-Gail Bekker, Dr. Matthew McNally
Nationally relevant, internationally acclaimed
Sub-Saharan Africa remains the region most heavily affected by HIV, accounting for 67% of all people in the world living with the disease. South Africa, in particular, bears a large portion of the burden and shows no evidence of a decline. In 2005, an estimated 5,5 million people were living with HIV, the vast majority unknowingly.
The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation's presence in some of the Western Cape's most vulnerable areas affords us a unique position in the global fight against HIV. In our work, we touch and are touched by thousands of people who embody this disease, affording us sensitivity and first-hand knowledge.
Research conducted at Desmond Tutu HIV Centre, in affiliation with the University of Cape Town, is presented on the world stage. Researchers, physicians, and some members of our community-trained educators travel to conferences throughout South Africa and the world to present new findings and stay abreast of innovations in the field.
(Source: UNAIDS 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic)
