US Senate Representative Applauds Efforts to Support Key Populations in Tshwane

Heather Flynn, a Senior Professional Staff Member for Africa and Global Health on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, recently embarked on an important visit to the Aurum POP INN clinic located in Tshwane, South Africa.

Accompanying her were Dr John Blandford, the Country Director of the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Dr Jayleen Gunn, the Chief of the CDC’s Prevention Branch. Together, they aimed to gain insight into the impactful work being done at the clinic.

Their visit emphasised the remarkable strides the Aurum POP INN project has achieved in addressing the health needs of key populations, particularly men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW) within the Tshwane district. These communities often face unique health challenges and barriers to access, making the project’s initiatives all the more vital.

The tour was led by Vee ka Nkosi, the Communication Officer for Aurum POP INN, who provided context and details about the operations.

She was joined by several key figures involved in the project, including Senior Programme Manager Matshidiso Chabane ka Xaba, CDC Key Populations Lead Helen Savva, Technical Director Jacqui Pienaar, Tshwane POP INN Project Coordinator Pontsho Komane, and Centre of Excellence Project Coordinator Mapaseka Mabena.

This team is instrumental in driving the project’s success and ensuring that the needs of the community are met.

During their time at the clinic, Ms Flynn and her colleagues observed various clinic operations, engaging directly with staff members to understand their essential roles in delivering healthcare services. They were particularly interested in learning about the day-to-day challenges faced by the clinic’s team and the innovative solutions they have developed to overcome these hurdles.

In addition to their interactions with the staff, Ms Flynn took the time to speak with clients at the clinic. She emphasized the project’s positive impact on the community, highlighting stories of individuals whose health and lives have been dramatically improved through the services provided. Her genuine engagement underscored the importance of community involvement in health initiatives.

At the conclusion of the visit, Ms Flynn expressed heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated Aurum POP INN staff, leadership, and beneficiaries. She commended them for their unwavering commitment and significant contributions to improving public health outcomes in the region.

This visit not only reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing health disparities but also showcased the vital work being done on the ground to uplift vulnerable populations.

 

Aurum POP INN offers free sexual health services in the Tshwane, Ehlanzeni, Ethekwini, Ekurhuleni, and Umgungundlovu areas to men who have sex with men and transgender women including counselling, screening for HIV, STIs, and TB, provision of PrEP or ART, and psycho-social support. For contact details for your nearest Pop Inn location, click to https://popinn.org/locations.