11/21/2025
South Africa - Day 2
I had the privilege of visiting Aurum Tembisa Clinical Research Centre during my time in South Africa with the National Association of Black Social Workers. What I witnessed there reinforced why global health equity matters so deeply.
For over 20 years, the Aurum Institute has been at the forefront of HIV and tuberculosis research that doesn't just serve South Africa—it shapes global health policy. Their Tembisa site is one of five clinical research centers conducting groundbreaking trials on HIV vaccines, TB treatment, and prevention strategies. With more than 200 completed clinical trials and over 67,500 participants enrolled across their sites, their research has revolutionized how we approach HIV and TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment worldwide.
What struck me most was their commitment to communities often left behind. Through their POP INN clinics, Aurum is one of the few organizations in South Africa providing specialized, affirming healthcare to men who have s*x with men and transgender women. These aren't just clinics—they're safe spaces where people can access HIV testing, PrEP, antiretroviral treatment, and psychosocial support without facing the stigma and discrimination that pervades many healthcare settings. In a country where q***r and trans individuals still face violence and marginalization despite constitutional protections, this work is literally lifesaving.
The reality on the ground, however, is sobering. Recent US funding cuts have forced Aurum to shift how they provide LGBTQ-affirming and trans-affirming care. The scope of their specialized services has been reduced, and they've had to transition more care to local clinics that may not have the same level of expertise or create the same affirming environment. For communities already facing barriers to healthcare, this contraction of services represents a significant loss.
When we talk about health equity, this is what's at stake. Organizations like Aurum don't just conduct research—they create spaces where marginalized communities can access care with dignity. When funding disappears, so does that infrastructure of care, and it takes years to rebuild.
