The Aurum Institute

Join us and other leading organisations and experts for a LinkedIn Live event on July 31, organised in partnership with Devex as part of our #RootsofChange series, focused on localisation. The event will focus on closing gaps between local and international organisations, exploring innovative models for effective collaboration, advocating for policies that support local entities, and underscoring advocacy's critical role in driving systemic change. Register to attend the #DevexSeries on #localisation: https://dvx.cm/7osjfe

It's day 5 of the #AIDS2024 conference. Yesterday, Ms. Remilekun Peregrino, Aurum’s Programme Director, presented on our approach to addressing the challenges of advanced HIV disease in the Unitaid-funded #IMPAACT4HIV project at the World Health Organization organised satellite session for advanced HIV disease. During her presentation, Ms. Peregrino emphasised the need for integrative approaches in the HIV response. Reflecting on this, she stated, “Even though most countries report high coverage of antiretroviral therapies, the number of HIV-related deaths, especially in children, indicates gaps in the HIV care cascade. We are at a point in the response to HIV that requires integrative approaches to ensure better coverage, linkages to holistic care, and better access to life-saving tools. We will be guided by our community experts. They know where it hurts.” #PutPeopleFirst #HumanCentredApproach #AurumAtAIDS2024 

While many organisations in the global north claim to support locally-led development, the reality often falls short due to donor practices and inadequate investment in capacity building. However, even small, intentional changes can profoundly support researchers in low-income countries. Prof. Salome Charalambous, Aurum’s Group Chief Health Officer, emphasises the critical role of local involvement in identifying research questions and designing studies to ensure that findings are actionable and relevant. Local experts, with their deep connections to government stakeholders and understanding of local needs, are better positioned to communicate the implications of research effectively. Explore this important discussion on how global health institutions and funders can better support local researchers by reading the full Q&A with Devex here: https://lnkd.in/dptB_FPV #Localisation #GlobalHealthEquity #SustainableDevelopment #CapacityBuilding

Day 4 of #AIDS2024 is kicking off in Munich! A full day of sessions and activities lies ahead, aimed at unifying and driving an equitable response to the HIV pandemic. Catch up on the action. As a testament to Aurum's commitment to creating a healthier world for future generations, our experts shared their insights and work through satellite sessions and poster presentations at this year's conference. Ms Zandile Rachel Sibeko, Aurum Research Nurse, explored the "Effectiveness of digital health interventions on HIV knowledge, testing, and behavioral change among young women and girls in sub-Saharan Africa." Ms. Jacqueline Pienaar, Aurum Technical Director, showcased "Knowledge of Pre-exposure prophylaxis among adolescent men having sex with men and transgender persons" and the innovative "ePharmacy model for key populations." Ms. Tshidi Chabane, Aurum POP INN Senior Programme Manager, presented on “PrEP at your doorstep: revolutionising HIV prevention for MSM and TGW with courier delivery and a mobile app for seamless access to priority medication." Dr. Lindiwe Tsope, Aurum Project Coordinator, demonstrated the "Inuka coaching problem-solving therapy" for mental health and HIV medication adherence among status-neutral men who have sex with men. Dr. Vaneshree Govender, Aurum Pretoria Clinical Research Site Leader, presented on the "Safety and immunogenicity of a single dose of COVID-19 vaccine in previously vaccinated and unvaccinated adults living with HIV in South Africa." Our team's presentations showcased how Aurum is shaping the future of health through innovative research and advocacy. Stay updated on our activities by following us on social media and our website. #PutPeopleFirst #AurumAtAIDS2024 #AIDS2024

Today at #AIDS2024, Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker received a standing ovation after presenting the groundbreaking results of the PURPOSE 1 trial, revealing that twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir demonstrated 100% efficacy for HIV prevention in cisgender women. Conducted across 25 sites in South Africa and 4 in Uganda, this trial marks a pivotal moment in HIV prevention. The Aurum Institute proudly contributed over 10% of the cohort from four of our sites. Participating in this transformative trial, which promises to shape the future of the HIV response, has been an honour and privilege for our organisation. It showcases our mission of generating evidence for policy and translating policy into practice to positively impact the health of communities globally. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the leadership of Gilead Sciences and the invaluable contributions of Dr Moupali Das, Dr Jared Baeten, Dr Alex Kintu from Gilead, and Prof. Linda-Gail Bekker from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation. Stay tuned for more on this groundbreaking news! #PutPeopleFirst #AurumAtAIDS2024 #GlobalImpact #AIDS2024

As an African Health Impact Organisation advancing health science and innovation, day 3 of the 25th International AIDS Conference has highlighted an essential truth: partnerships and collaboration are the powerhouses driving the mission to #EndAIDS. By uniting governments, NGOs, healthcare providers, researchers, and communities, these alliances facilitate a comprehensive approach to HIV control that encompasses prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and research. Ultimately, partnerships enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of HIV eradication initiatives, driving progress towards an HIV-free world. Here are our experts at #AIDS2024: Dr. Njeri Kamere , Dr. Phindile Nxumalo, Dr. William Brumskine, Dr. Zweli Zwane and Dr. Mgcini Moyo alongside Dr. John Nkengasong, Ambassador-at-Large for the U.S. Global HIV/AIDS Coordinator at PEPFAR. We’re also joined by the South African Presidency team, IAVI , and Gilead Sciences. #AurumAtAIDS2024 #PutPeopleFirst #AIDS2024

Have you heard? The #GlobalAIDSUpdate2024 report has been released! The new UNAIDS report emphasises that world leaders, communities, and donors can achieve the goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 by courageously providing the necessary resources and protecting people's rights. Download the report and share your thoughts with us: https://lnkd.in/eQtajuMZ #EndAIDS #PutPeopleFirst #UNAIDSReport2024 #GlobalHealth

It's Day 2 of the International AIDS Conference, and the Aurum team, including our Chief Executive Officer for South Africa, Prof. Vinodh Aroon Edward, is at AIDS 2024 in Munich. We're inspired by the theme "Putting People First," as our experts share their insights on how our work generates evidence for policy, translating it into practice to positively impact global community health. #AIDS2024 #International AIDS Society #AurumAtAIDS2024 #PutPeopleFirst

#PutPeopleFirst is the theme of the 25th International Aids Conference that started on Monday in Munich, Germany, and will continue until Friday. With more than a 10 000 public health experts, scientists, policymakers, funders, media and activists from about 175 countries attending including experts from Aurum, this is the world's largest HIV/Aids conference. During yesterday’s ceremony, we were reminded of the urgent need for increased funding to end AIDS. The UNAIDS report, “The Urgency of Now: AIDS at a Crossroads,” emphasizes the necessity of boosting funding and addressing #HumanRights abuses to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Additionally, the launch of World Health Organization’s new GAHC guidelines, calls for Gilead to make Lenacapavir widely available, and the importance of prioritising people-first language and communication were highlighted, among other critical issues. In the picture are our delegates at the #AIDS2024 conference, including Ms. Tanya Nielson, Dr. William Brumskine, Ms. Tania Adonis, Mr. Heeran Makkan, and Dr. Vaneshree Govender. Our experts, including Dr. Vaneshree Govender, Ms. Remilekun Peregrino, Ms. Zandile Rachel Sibeko, Ms. Jacqueline Pienaar, Dr. Eduard Sanders, Ms. Tshidi Chabane, Dr. Lindiwe Tsope, and Ms. Lungile Mbatha, will be sharing their insights and work through satellite sessions and poster presentations.   #PutPeopleFirst #AurumAtAIDS2024 #AIDS2024

South Africa's TB crisis is not just a health issue but an economic and social one, as new research commissioned by the National Department of Health South Africa (DOH) reveals. The study highlights that over half of the nation's TB patients incur catastrophic costs, pushing their households deeper into poverty. This alarming situation poses significant challenges to the government's ambitious goal of reducing TB cases by 80% by 2030. Don Mudzengi, Health Economist at the Aurum Institute, emphasised the severe financial strain on patients, presenting the survey findings at a recent DOH Webinar on National TB Patient Cost Survey Findings. Read more: