Who we are
HJI was founded by and is headed by Fatima Hassan, a social justice activist and health and human rights lawyer. HJI operates remotely and the team is also made up of a Senior Researcher (Dr Marlise Richter), Administrator (Althea Adonis) and Researcher (Yanga Nokhepheyi). From time-to-time HJI relies on the support of research consultants.
HJI has a strong and committed Board and Reference Advisory Group whose members provide guidance and support regularly. HJI’s multidisciplinary advisors are highly regarded in and outside of South Africa and are long-standing experts in their respective fields. Drawing on their expertise in law, public health, economics, scientific advancement, policy development, activism, and community engagement, they guide HJI on its governance, strategic focus areas and partnership models.
HJI employs a range of advocacy and research strategies to further our work including:
- Research
- Time-sensitive analysis and submissions
- Convening educational webinars
- Initiating innovative advocacy campaigns, and
- Pursuing legal interventions that advance health equity.
We strategically use social media for information dissemination and educational purposes and to help shape progressive narratives on health justice.
Find our latest news, press releases, and case updates
What we deal with
HJI relies on the generous support of individual donors and partner organisations to fund our work. We gratefully acknowledge current support from the following organisational funders
We welcome individual donations. If you would like to support our work, please send an email to [email protected] and we will share both our funding policy and HJI’s bank/transfer details with you.



