OUR RESEARCH FOCUS

ECF conducts Phase II to Phase IV clinical trials and implementation science studies in:

Our Focus Areas:

  • HIV prevention, treatment and co-morbidities
  • Tuberculosis prevention and treatment
  • Vaccine development and evaluation
  • Women’s and reproductive health
  • COVID-19 therapeutics and public health responses
  • Non-communicable diseases
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Hyperlipidaemia
  • Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes prevention and management
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Research

ECF undertakes relevant research in the fields of HIV and TB. The leadership of ECF is widely published in these fields and various research initiatives are ongoing. Research studies are conducted independently as well as in collaboration with US- and African-based research and tertiary institutions. Although the focus of the research is related to therapeutics of HIV and TB, health systems and implementation science research is also undertaken.

Capacity development

ECF has conducted capacity development to many health care professionals and non-professionals in South Africa and other parts of Africa through face to face and online platforms. ECF has a focus on capacitating doctors, nurses and pharmacists on the clinical management of HIV and TB. ECF developed the first course work-based diploma in this field and has reached out to thousands of health professionals.

Health Systems Strengthening

Health systems strengthening is led by public health specialists and involves an understanding of the gaps in the South African Health Care System and a strategy to address these gaps. ECF has worked with various development partners including World Bank and Global Fund to address gaps in HIV and TB management. ECF has several focal areas including TB in the mining sector, HIV management in the public health sector, cross border harmonisation of TB management, HIV prevention particularly among vulnerable populations.

ADVANCING RESEARCH. ENHANCING CARE.

From rigorous clinical research to capacity building and stronger health systems. Whether you’re a funder, researcher, or partner organisation, we’re ready to collaborate on work that improves health and well-being.
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BUILT ON RIGOUR. TRUSTED FOR RESULTS.

Delivering research that stands up to scrutiny.

Proven Research Experience

Extensive experience managing NIH-funded clinical trials in HIV and TB, backed by a widely published leadership team.

Ethical and Compliant

Every study is conducted to rigorous ethical and regulatory standards, ensuring credible, trusted results.

Scientific Rigour

We implement studies with exceptional scientific rigour, grounded in the local context.

Reliable Delivery

We manage complex, multi-year trials with discipline — meeting commitments to participants and funders.

Collaborative Team

A multi-national, collaborative team working in partnership across institutions and borders.

Capacity-Focused Approach

We build skills, systems and linkages that strengthen research and care well beyond any single study.

Tuberculosis Research

Tuberculosis remains one of South Africa’s most pressing public health challenges. ECF plays a significant role in advancing research focused on TB prevention, treatment, and vaccine development.

We lead and support studies investigating multidrug-resistant TB prevention, innovative treatment regimens, and improved clinical management strategies aimed at reducing disease burden and improving patient outcomes.

Driving Innovation in HIV Research

For more than two decades, ECF has been at the forefront of HIV research in South Africa. Our current research portfolio includes studies focused on:

  • Long-acting HIV prevention and treatment options
  • Optimised antiretroviral therapy regimens
  • HIV and TB co-infection management
  • HIV treatment outcomes among vulnerable populations
  • Innovative therapeutic approaches designed to improve adherence and long-term health outcomes

The evidence generated through these studies contributes to global treatment guidelines, national programme implementation, and improved quality of care for people living with HIV.

Community Engagement and Stakeholder Partnerships

At ECF, meaningful research begins with meaningful partnerships.

Our longstanding relationship with the National Department of Health (NDOH) serves as a cornerstone of our work and reflects a shared commitment to improving health outcomes through evidence-based interventions, research, and health systems strengthening.

Supported by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, ECF has established a significant footprint across the province, working closely with provincial and district health structures to ensure that research activities remain responsive to local health priorities and community needs.

Over the years, ECF has developed strong partnerships with the eThekwini Health District, healthcare facilities, programme managers, and frontline healthcare workers. These relationships support research implementation, participant recruitment, health promotion, and the translation of scientific evidence into improved healthcare delivery.

ECF also works closely with the eThekwini AIDS Council, District AIDS Councils, the KwaZulu-Natal Civil Society Sector, community-based organisations, traditional leadership structures, and community stakeholders to strengthen public participation in research and healthcare programmes.

Community Engagement Footprint

ECF’s community engagement footprint extends across all regions of the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and reaches communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Through partnerships with healthcare facilities, community organisations, local leadership structures, and civil society networks, ECF maintains a continuous presence within the communities it serves.

Our community engagement activities include:

  • Health promotion and awareness campaigns
  • Community dialogues and stakeholder consultations
  • Research literacy and education initiatives
  • Public health outreach events
  • Participant recruitment and retention activities
  • Community feedback and dissemination forums
  • Capacity strengthening and stakeholder engagement programmes

This extensive footprint ensures that research participation remains inclusive, representative, and accessible to diverse communities.

Strengthening Community Voices in Research

ECF recognises that communities are essential partners in research.
This collaborative approach promotes transparency, accountability, trust, and ethical research practices while ensuring that community perspectives remain central to all aspects of our work.

At Enhancing Care Foundation (ECF), community engagement is not an activity that happens alongside research it is an essential part of how research is designed, implemented, and translated into meaningful outcomes. We recognise that communities are more than research participants; they are valued partners whose lived experiences, local knowledge, and perspectives contribute significantly to the quality, relevance, and impact of research.

By fostering collaboration, transparency, and mutual accountability, ECF creates opportunities for communities to actively participate in research processes, influence decision-making, and contribute to solutions that address their health and social priorities. This approach helps ensure that research remains responsive to community needs while upholding the highest ethical standards.