Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive of Anglo American, and Sir Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group, presented the inaugural Frontline Heroes for Health award at the 10th Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Awards Dinner, in New York. 

Bhubezi Community Health Centre, located in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga, South Africa, is the result of collaboration between the community, government and business. Supported by USAID / PEPFAR (the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), the South African Department of Health, Ndlovu Care Group, Anglo American and Virgin Unite, Bhubezi Community Health Centre is the first to offer basic and specialised healthcare in the region. Since its establishment in 2007 it has received more than 130,000 patients and provided more than 3,500 HIV positive patients with anti-retroviral treatment.

“We are honoured to receive the inaugural Frontline Heroes for Health award and would like to thank our supporting partners - USAID / PEPFAR, South African Department of Health, Ndlovu Care Group, Anglo American and Virgin Unite. We hope that this global recognition will encourage many more partnerships like ours,” Kgomotso Kwenje said.

“More than 130,000 patients have been treated at our health centre and this has revolutionised the way our community understands the concept of healthcare. Importantly, HIV positive patients now recognise that anti-retroviral treatment can drastically improve their quality of life. We look forward to continuing our work to ensure all healthcare facilities receive anti-retroviral treatment,” Dr Gilbert Khosa said.

Cynthia Carroll, Chief Executive, Anglo American, commented: “Anglo American is delighted to recognise the achievements of the Bhubezi Community Health Centre at this year’s Global Business Coalition on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria awards dinner. Its success emphasises the power of effective collaboration between business, the community and government to strengthen healthcare systems. We remain committed to fostering deep partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders so that we can continue to drive positive outcomes in health and we acknowledge that this demands a coordinated response.”

Dr Brian Brink, Chief Medical Officer, Anglo American, and based in South Africa, commented: “Anglo American acknowledges that improving the social and economic prosperity of communities rests with improving healthcare. Building on the success of partnerships like Bhubezi Community Health Centre will be critical as we continue to improve our response to long-standing healthcare issues and particularly women’s health and rights, because women and girls remain particularly vulnerable to HIV infection.”

Richard Branson, Chairman of Virgin Group of Companies, commented: “Gilbert and Kgomotso both realised that local people would have to step up to the plate in the fight against the twin scourge of HIV and TB and we commend them for their tireless commitment. For Anglo American and Virgin Unite, we feel the true spirit and passion comes from the frontline heroes who are at the heart and soul of so many of our efforts in supporting and uplifting communities around the world. It’s a joy for Virgin Unite to be part of the Bhubezi Community Health Centre partnership.”

Melinda Wilson, Division Leader for HIV Care and Treatment, USAID South Africa commented: “We are happy that the recipients of this award are part of our program in South Africa and that USAID and the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief has been a part of this effective public-private partnership.” Anglo American is a platinum sponsor of the 10th Anniversary GBC Health Conference and Awards Dinner. The GBC brings together more than 500 business executives, policy makers, thought leaders and celebrities to discuss the corporate response to global health challenges.

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