On March 24, 2011, the Aurum Institute, supported by the TB Alliance, commemorated World TB Day at their Parktown Offices, by taking a united stand against TB. A “TB Roadblock” was set up to stop all staff as they arrived for work. Each staff member was given a pack containing educational materials on TB, a programme of activities planned for the day, and a medical mask.
Once everyone arrived, a red-clad staff walked together to a central area in a symbolic show of unity in fighting TB. “This moving sea of red is a wonderful display of our commitment to eradicate TB,” said Aurum Deputy CEO, Dr. Dave Clark.
Aurum CEO, Professor Gavin Churchyard, welcomed everyone and asked one of the TB research doctors, Tendesayi Kufa, to explain what is being done to combat TB. Kufa spoke passionately about the TB epidemic, the challenges faced by colleagues, and thanked those dedicated to the cause. "You make a difference every day in everything you do," said Dr. Kufa. She also said that colleagues should never underestimate their value to Aurum.
Thereafter, Aurum’s “Snapshot team” performed some of the TB-related mini-shows that they are known for in the community. Their performance elicited much ululation and laughter
Participants took the time to write a message on a surgical mask and hang it on one of two trees standing at the food of the stairs in the Aurum reception area. Messages indicated their commitment to fighting the epidemic and intentions and goals towards eradicating TB.
Staff also participated in a TB questionnaire, distributed throughout Aurum sites. Though the aims of the questionnaire were to test staff knowledge and to determine if any staff had symptoms, various prizes were also awarded randomly.
