The DTG was founded in 1907 and currently has almost 1000 members. As a scientific specialist society, it aims to bring together medical doctors, veterinarians, natural and social scientists who practice, research, advise or are particularly interested in the fields of tropical medicine and international health. The DTG is a member of the Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies (AWMF).
The specialist areas of tropical medicine and international health deal with medical and health problems in the tropics and subtropics and in developing countries. This includes all aspects of clinical medicine, hygiene and microbiology, epidemiology, social and environmental medicine and related fields.