Professor Gavin Churchyard, Chief Executive Officer, interview with Clive Simpkins
Please note that in order to listen to this audio clip "Windows Media Player" extension must be installed. To do this click on the yellow message strip that has appeared at the top of your internet browser, a drop down menu will then follow - please click the option "Run Active X", this will activate a popup message asking you if your browser may run this programme - click the option run, doing so will allow Windows Active X to run and enable you to view the audio clip.
DEDICATED TO IMPROVING THE UNDERSTANDING AND TREATMENT OF TB, HIV/AIDS, AND WORKPLACE DISEASE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
OUR DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS ARE COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE BEST CARE.
Aurum is an internationally recognised, specialist research and health systems management organisation. Our focus is TB and HIV prevention, treatment and care. The negative impact of the poor understanding and management of these epidemics is vast, affecting individuals, communities and economies. The recognition of the huge advantages of controlling these diseases is Aurum's motivation.
Aurum has an international reputation for its work in the fields of tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and is the recipient of research and other grants from South African and international agencies and institutions for this work.
History
As the most of our country's mineral deposits were in remote areas not serviced by state or private health services the South African mining corporations set up their own medical services to care for the needs of their workforce. The service has been run by the various companies for the past 98 years.
Aurum Health Research (as it was then known) was established by AngloGold Ashanti in 1998 to gather together the large body of ad-hoc research, treatment knowledge and scientists working on or with the mines into an institution. It was tasked to conduct research into the surveillance, treatment and management of epidemic, occupational and other diseases occurring amongst mineworkers and their dependents. Aurum expanded its activities outside of mining industry needs, especially in response to international demand for quality treatment and research sites and programme development around HIV/AIDS-related projects.
Aurum Today
In 2005 the Aurum Institute was promulgated as an independent, not-for-profit Public Benefit Organisation. This positions the Aurum Institute to impartially represent the interests of working South African's, their employers and the public. It has enjoyed significant success in informing, developing and working with communities within which its research work takes place.
Aurum is acknowledged by funders, companies, NGO's and communities as a partner capable of conducting ethical research and delivering reliable results. Aurum adds value by supplying the context, expertise and experience for our partners to make better informed health-related management and treatment decisions.
Aurum's Board is independent and comprises a wide range of capable directors ensuring the direction and governance of the Institute.
The Scientific Advisory Committee members oversees Aurum's adherence to high standards of scientific endeavour and treatment.
We approach this by:
Treating our patients and research participants to the highest standards of care delivered by our dedicated and committed medical specialists.
Understanding and researching diseases and the life circumstances of our patients to give us the information that may influence or transform individual care or public health policy
Developing appropriate health systems arising from this improved understanding.
Operating as a Public Benefit Organisation
Our Value Proposition is
High-quality, ethical, innovative and relevant treatment and research methods of international standard:
Meticulous programme design, monitoring and evaluation
Efficient and cost-effective health system and service implementation
The application of sound management principles
How do we position Aurum?
"An internationally respected African expert that transforms health in the community"
"Bringing Health to the Community"
Our passion is simple - To improve the health of people and communities in developing countries
