In South Africa, The Aurum Institute implemented an advocacy and communications-focused initiative aimed at strengthening public understanding and policy discourse around long-acting HIV prevention and treatment options. Operating within a country that continues to experience the highest number of new HIV infections globally, Aurum’s work focused on translating complex scientific and policy concepts into accessible, community-facing information.
A central component of Aurum’s activities was the development of information, education, and communication (IEC) materials addressing HIV prevention options, including long-acting and injectable modalities. These materials were designed to improve HIV literacy among priority populations and to support informed decision-making by individuals and communities. By focusing on clarity, accuracy, and cultural relevance, the materials addressed persistent misconceptions around HIV prevention and treatment, including confusion between prevention and treatment modalities.

In addition to community-facing outputs, Aurum’s work contributed to broader health advocacy efforts by strengthening the availability of credible, locally relevant content for civil society actors, health workers, and advocates. Through this approach, the grant supported Africa REACH’s objective of grounding advocacy in accessible evidence and strengthening the informational ecosystem necessary for sustained policy and community engagement around long-acting HIV options.