The SAMRC’s HIV and other Infectious Diseases  Research Unit (HIDRU) runs epidemiological, behavioural, basic science and clinical studies to investigate the vulnerability of men, women & youth to HIV and other infectious diseases. This research is based on evidence that South African men, women & youth are at highest risk of HIV and other infectious diseases., which also makes them more vulnerable to HIV-related diseases like TB. HIDRU has recently, focused on both men and women as current data suggests that men have been left behind.

The HIDRU also works with the South African Department of Health to strengthen the country’s health systems delivery.

Key focus areas

• Men, women’s and youth behavioural, biological, social and structural vulnerabilities to HIV;
• HIV and associated diseases;
• Conducting innovative biomedical HIV prevention research;
• Exploring the combination HIV and other infectious diseases prevention strategies to address individual’s and community-based risk
• Exploring methods in translating evidence based research into policy and programmes.