Sub-Saharan Africa bears the world’s highest burdens of TB and HIV. In South Africa, the challenge is magnified by the rise of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB), which is harder to diagnose, more toxic to treat, and significantly more likely to be fatal.

These overlapping epidemics—TB, DR-TB, and HIV—especially affect young women and girls, who are at highest risk for new HIV infections and often face barriers to care. Yet, much of the research and treatment guidance comes from high-income countries where these challenges look very different. These imported approaches often fail to reflect the drug resistance, immune suppression, and structural barriers common in South African settings.

At CHART-A, we are building new models of care that work—scientifically grounded, community-informed, and locally led.

In close collaboration with the Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA) and other national partners, CHART-A is working to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of TB and HIV, with a focus on people affected by drug-resistant TB and HIV co-infection.

Our Impact So Far

·         Tested a new way to find drug-resistant TB early using tools that can spot hard-to-detect bacteria—so patients get the right treatment sooner

·         Used advanced machine learning to study DR-TB genetics, helping improve how we predict drug resistance and choose the most effective treatments

·         Piloted digital adherence tools and predictive models to help patients navigate complex DR-TB treatment and stay on track

·         Supported frontline clinical teams with real-world data to improve TB/HIV care across high-burden areas in South Africa

TB and HIV are preventable and treatable—but saving lives depends on local leadership, accessible care, and sustained support. Your gift helps CHART-A bring science and care to the communities that need it most.