TB HIV Care works closely with key populations – marginalised groups who are at higher risk of HIV infection. This includes sex workers and people who use or inject drugs (PWUD or PWID). Often these groups are highly stigmatised and struggle to access HIV prevention services or appropriate treatment, care and support.
This programme recognises that health is a human right. Specialised, client-centered services are provided in mobile wellness clinics that take HIV counselling and testing, screening for TB and sexually-transmitted infections, and other services onto the streets and into the places where sex workers or PWUD can easily access them. The programme also works to sensitise existing health care workers and systems to the needs and rights of key populations so that those who are referred for further diagnosis and treatment are provided with support in a nonjudgmental environment.

TB/HIV Care’s sex work project, which operates in eThekwini, the Cape Metro, OR Tambo and Nelson Mandela Bay, has been a pioneer in offering pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to HIV negative sex workers as part of a government-led programme.

TB HIV Care’s Step Up Project offers health services to people who inject drugs in Cape Town, Pretoria and Durban. Injecting drug users are one of the most vulnerable population groups when it comes to blood borne viruses. Our aim is to prevent or reduce HIV infections and other kinds of harm in the communities who use the Step Up Project’s services. This ‘harm reduction’ approach is widely accepted across the world as one that saves lives and the package of health services Step Up offers people who inject drugs (including opioid substitution therapy) is recommended by the World Health Organisation.