HIV

Aurum has a fully fledged implementation science division that specialises in HIV and TB implementation science and health programme evaluation under both PEPFAR and non-PEPFAR funding mechanisms.

Strengths in this division include TB and HIV epidemiology, modelling, and outcome evaluation of very large public health interventions. We have particular experience in key risk populations such as prisons, mining, peri-mining areas and public health facilities.

What We Do

Clinical Research

The Clinical Research Division is experienced in running clinical trials ranging from large scale public health studies, to highly regulated clinical trials of new medications.

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Implementation Research

The Implementation Research Division is responsible for conducting health research and scientific evaluations in the area of HIV prevention, care, and treatment.

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Key Populations

Aurum is collaborating with Annova Health Research to conduct a national BioBehavioural Survey (BBS) of MSM in South Africa.

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Correctional Services

Aurum and Johns Hopkins collaborate to conduct a project on Treatment as Prevention (TASP) in correctional facilities in Southern Africa.

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Mineworkers

The AZIKO mineworker project studies the social risk factors driving HIV infection in mineworkers in Northern Cape, Limpopo and Mpumalanga.

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Adolescents and Young People

A study on incentivized mobile technology to improve uptake of HIV testing services among 15 to 24-year olds.

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Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

Aurum and Johns Hopkins collaborate to conduct Programme Evaluations in PEPFAR supported districts in South Africa.

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Research Studies

Read the latest studies on HIV

PSC Evaluation Study - New viral load monitoring diagnostic test in primary healthcare facilities

IRD researchers working with NHLS colleagues conducted a field evaluation of a novel viral load monitoring tool (Plasma Separation Card) in stable ART patients attending routine HIV care at public healthcare facilities in Ekurhuleni and Bojanala Districts.

South Africa

Prof Geoffrey Setswe

CDC

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Methodological approach: Mixed methodology involving; Cross-sectional data collection and in-depth interviews with health care workers and sample collection.

Key Findings: Sensitivity and specificity of PSC was high in field settings. There was a quantitative viral load agreement between plasma collected using PSC and EDTA. It was mostly preferred for use in infants and young children.

Outputs/Outcomes: N/A

Related resources: Summary sheet submitted to CDC.

Timeline: April 2019-September 2019

Research Partners: NHLS

Locations: Bojanala, Ekurhuleni

HASH Study - Prevalence of HIV/Hepatitis B and C in correctional facilities

Together with NICD, IRD researchers conducted a situational analysis of HIV, Hepatitis B and C in selected correctional facilities.

South Africa

CDC

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Methodological approach: Mixed methodology involving; Bio-behavioural survey with cross-sectional questionnaire, in-depth interviews with security staff and inmates and FGDs with health care workers, Biological sample collection.

Key Findings: HIV, Hepatitis B and C prevalence higher than in general population Risk factors include:

Outputs/Outcomes: N/A

Related resources: Summary sheet submitted to CDC.

Timeline: March 2019- December 2019

Research Partners: NICD

Locations: Kgosi Mampuru correctional facility, Polokwane correctional facility

KAP Endline Survey -Knowledge, attitudes and practices of young people towards HIV after implementation of an intervention in communities

Through funding from the German Government, IRD researchers conducted an endline survey in Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga province to assess impact of a community based HCT programme implemented between 2018 and 2020.

South Africa

Prof Geoffrey Setswe

German Government (KfW)

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Methodological approach: Mixed methodology involving; quantitative survey and Focus Group Discussions with young people.

Key Findings: Analysis underway

Outputs/Outcomes: 1. KAP among young people. 2. Impact of CBCT intervention

Related resources: Analysis underway

Timeline: May 2020-December 2020

Research Partners: GFA Consulting, NDoH

Locations: Nkangala District Municipality -Mpumalanga, OR Tambo District Municipality - Eastern Cape, Chris Hani District Municipality - Eastern Cape, Sara Bartmaan District Municipality -Eastern Cape, Nelson Mandela District Municipality - Eastern Cape