Tom Catena

While Sudan endures another devastating conflict, thousands of generous and patriotic Sudanese civilians are running soup kitchens for their neighbors, distributing medicine to the sick, and offering comfort to people who have lost everything to war. These Emergency Response Rooms are the lifeblood of the humanitarian effort in Sudan, and when this conflict ends the ERRs should play a leading role in rebuilding a more inclusive and peaceful nation. Colin Thomas-Jensen, Director of Impact at the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, shares how the Emergency Response Rooms are keeping people (and hope) alive, and why supporting local humanitarians in Sudan and around the world is more critical than ever. Read more: goodmenproject.com/featured-conte… @GoodMenProject

“It is the people on the ground who keep things running when no one else can get in.” Dr. @CatenaTom, 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate, courageously serves more than 2 million people in Sudan's Nuba Mountains. As he perseveres amid war, blockades and extreme resource shortages, he reminds us of the critical need to support on-the-ground humanitarians and local leaders. Learn more about his work and convictions: ewtnnews.com/world/africa/o… @EWTNews

Statement by Armine Afeyan @ahafeyan and the Aurora Humanitarian Foundation on the Sentencing of @RubenVardanyan_ We strongly condemn the unjust conviction and 20-year prison sentence imposed on Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder Ruben Vardanyan. We call for Ruben’s immediate release and urge the international community to stand firm in defending the principles of justice, human rights, and due process. The charges against Ruben, tied to his humanitarian work in Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), represent a troubling disregard for fundamental human rights. For decades, Ruben has been a tireless advocate for education, humanitarian aid, and social progress, dedicating his life to strengthening communities and advancing human dignity. His co-founding of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative in 2015 was a testament to his unwavering commitment to honoring those who risk their lives to protect others. This verdict, delivered by a military court in Azerbaijan, is not only a profound injustice but also a painful moment for his family, who have endured immense hardship throughout this ordeal. Our thoughts are with his wife, children, and grandchild, who continue to show remarkable strength in the face of such adversity. Ruben’s work, especially during a time of escalating conflict, reflects the very values upon which Aurora was built: compassion, courage, and a steadfast belief in the power of humanity. His sentence sends a concerning message to those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian action, particularly at a time when the region faces significant challenges, with tens of thousands displaced and in need of urgent assistance. We remain committed to supporting Ruben’s family, advocating for his freedom, and defending the rights of all those unjustly detained. Aurora was founded to shine a light on acts of courage and humanity, even in the darkest times. Ruben – your legacy continues to inspire us, and we will not waver in our efforts to see justice served.

2017 Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. @CatenaTom’s Mother of Mercy hospital in the Nuba Mountains is the only lifeline for two million Sudanese ensnared by conflict. His unambiguous message to donors in this powerful @ABC news segment: “Without funding, you can't do anything. You can be the best doctor in the world and have the best staff. You're totally useless without funding. That's just how it is.”

Facing funding cuts and drone strikes, Aurora Humanitarians are providing life-saving assistance to civilians on the front lines of Sudan’s devastating civil war. abcnews.go.com/International/…

How Dr. Tom Catena has saved countless lives as the sole surgeon in the war-torn Nuba region of Sudan—and how you can help. Full article linked below. bit.ly/3KWgXvO

This giving season, consider supporting Aurora. Your help goes a long way for people living in very difficult circumstances: aurorahumanitarian.org/en/donate

Grassroots humanitarians are THE story of Sudan, and we need more of them to meet this crucial moment. Among them are the Sudanese of the Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) distributing food and medicine and Aurora Laureates Dr. Jamal Eltaeb (2025) and @CatenaTom (2017), keeping hospitals open that serve and save millions. We applaud longtime friend of Aurora @NickKristof, who just released his highly anticipated annual giving column and named the ERRs among the deserving beneficiaries of funding from @nytimes readers: nytimes.com/2025/11/22/opi…

In America Magazine, 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. @CatenaTom reflects on what it truly means to stand with communities in crisis. americamagazine.org/short-take/202…

On November 6, 2025, Aurora’s global community gathered on Ellis Island — once a symbol of new beginnings — to celebrate those who keep that hope alive today. The 2025 #AuroraPrize Ceremony honored Dr. Jamal Eltaeb, the new Laureate, alongside the Aurora Humanitarians and philanthropists whose work embodies Gratitude in Action. Watch the highlights from Aurora’s 10th anniversary event. #GratitudeInAction #10YearsOfImpact #Aurora10

Dr. Jamal Eltaeb is the 2025 #AuroraPrize Laureate, recognized for keeping Al Nao Hospital open through the war in Sudan and standing firm when everything else collapsed. Watch the moment a little girl named Aurora took the stage to uphold one of the Ceremony’s most cherished traditions, announcing this year’s Laureate. #GratitudeInAction

The Aurora Prize — a $1m award that honors people who risk their lives to save others — has gone to Dr. Jamal Eltayeb, director of the Al Nao hospital in Omdurman, Sudan. aurorahumanitarian.org/en/2025-aurora…

Guests are arriving on Ellis Island for the 2025 Aurora Prize Ceremony — a historic evening marking ten years of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative. Stay tuned for more updates throughout the day as we mark a decade of #GratitudeInAction and catch a glimpse of Aurora’s next chapter. #10YearsOfImpact #Aurora10

On November 6, the #AuroraPrize Selection Committee met in New York under the leadership of Lord Ara Darzi to deliberate and choose this year’s Aurora Prize Laureate. Following their deliberations, Dr. Jamal Eltaeb from Sudan has been named the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate, selected from among the 2025 Aurora Humanitarians for his remarkable courage, commitment, and impact. Learn more: aurorahumanitarian.org/en/aurora-priz…

One month until Dr. Tom's Fireside Chat! Don't forget to register! November 8th, 1pm PST/4pm EST. 🌍Register using the link below or through the LinkTree in our bio: zoom.us/webinar/regist… Don't forget DAF Day is tomorrow, October 9th. AMH makes it easy to give through DAFs!

The Aurora Prize Ceremony is happening in just one month on Ellis Island, New York, where the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate will be revealed. Secure your spot now: events.auroraprize.com/event/2025-aur…

What does it mean to put the human in humanitarian? At the #CGI2025 Annual Meeting, Aurora CEO Armine Afeyan @ahafeyan shared how Aurora’s model keeps people, not systems, at the center of response. By recognizing and supporting frontline leaders, Aurora ensures communities are strengthened from within, even as global aid declines. Watch the video to find out more. @ClintonGlobal

On September 22, 2025, Aurora announced the four 2025 Aurora Humanitarians (finalists) for the $1 million Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity at a media briefing in New York City, held in partnership with the @opcofamerica (OPC). In the beginning, Lord @Ara_Darzi, Chair of the Aurora Prize Selection Committee and Co-Director of the Institute of Global Health Innovation @Imperial_IGHI at Imperial College London @imperialcollege, highlighted the deepening global crises and the urgent need for compassion, and noted that Aurora exists to honor those who bring hope through courage and selflessness. Dame Louise Richardson, Aurora Prize Selection Committee Member and President of @CarnegieCorp of New York, then introduced the finalists: Sally Becker @sallybecker121, Jamal Eltaeb, @zouhairlahna, and Jill Seaman. One of them will be named the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate at the ceremony in New York on November 6.

The wait is over. We are proud to announce the 2025 Aurora Humanitarians։ - Sally Becker @sallybecker121 (UK), a humanitarian who evacuated hundreds of children from besieged areas during conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo and founded organizations providing emergency pediatric care. - Jamal Eltayeb (Sudan), a medical doctor who has kept Al Nao Hospital in Omdurman functioning as one of the last referral hospitals in greater Khartoum since the war escalated in April 2023. - Zouhair Lahna @zouhairlahna (Morocco), an obstetrician–gynecologist who has worked in conflict zones and disaster areas for over two decades, delivering care, training local staff, and mobilizing support. - Jill Seaman (USA/South Sudan), a physician who co-founded South Sudan Medical Relief and has provided critical care in the conflict-affected town of Old Fangak for more than three decades, treating around 40,000 patients annually. On November 6, one of them will be named the Aurora Prize Laureate, receiving $1 million to continue the cycle of giving. Learn more: bit.ly/46DYRWj

The Aurora Prize Selection Committee, a distinguished body of global humanitarians, @NobelPrize and @PulitzerPrizes Laureates, and world leaders, has convened in New York to choose the 2025 Aurora Humanitarians. Soon, we will introduce the extraordinary individuals who risk their own lives to save others. One of them will become the 2025 Aurora Prize Laureate on November 6, continuing Aurora’s mission to put the human at the center of humanitarian action.