Tom Catena

Medical Director at the Mother of Mercy Hospital, Nuba Mountains, Sudan | Chair of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative | 2017 @AuroraPrize_ Laureate

[African Mission Healthcare @AMHorg]

When Dr. Tom first arrived in the Nuba Mountains, MMRTH had 80 beds and a staff of 15 local healthcare workers.

Today, it has grown into a 485-bed national referral hospital with more than 250 local staff, including physicians, nurses, midwives and specialists.

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

With Aurora 2.0, Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is advancing a renewed approach that continues to directly help local responders while ensuring sustained support for the Aurora Humanitarian Network through an expanded program model. Aurora is deepening its commitment to put the “human” back in humanitarian and awaken the humanitarian in every human through storytelling, community-building, and global action.

Learn more about Aurora 2.0: https://t.co/vGi8qRq120

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

At a time when the gap between humanitarian need and the world’s capacity to respond is widening, Aurora is entering a new strategic chapter.

Over a decade of Aurora Prize cycles, we have established a global network of more than 100 courageous humanitarian leaders. Aurora 2.0 builds on that foundation to elevate the “human” in humanitarian, moving beyond recognition alone to provide more sustained support to those serving on the frontlines of today’s most pressing crises through capacity-building opportunities, deeper network convening, and flexible funding.

Learn more: https://t.co/6WzkHAdFrX

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

Aurora 2.0 is the answer to the widening gap between humanitarian need and the world’s capacity to meet it. Our mission is to elevate individual humanitarians through partnership, sustained support, and narrative change.

In practice, that means backing locally led action with long-term assistance that matches real conditions on the ground. See how Aurora 2.0 will deliver on it: https://t.co/mFuapaQsKo

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

More than a decade ago, Aurora was founded on behalf of survivors of the Armenian Genocide and in gratitude to those who saved them. That spirit of Gratitude in Action has shaped everything we have built since.

Today, we are beginning to share Aurora 2.0, a new strategic chapter rooted in a clear vision: a world that empowers individual humanitarians and awakens our collective humanity.

Explore Aurora 2.0 and see how it will elevate frontline leaders and help sustain and expand their impact over time: https://t.co/mFuapaQsKo

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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: https://t.co/IHcIQj20MN @GoodMenProject

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

“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: https://t.co/EXDC0aEWtb @EWTNews

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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.

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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.”

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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. https://t.co/571yOk7p9e

[Peter Attia @PeterAttiaMD]

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.

https://t.co/kjcx4pcYlu

[Tom Catena @CatenaTom]

This giving season, consider supporting Aurora. Your help goes a long way for people living in very difficult circumstances: https://t.co/wjFKEk5yxe

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

This #GivingSeason, your generosity can reach the places most people never see. It can help educators protect children, doctors deliver care under fire, activists defend dignity, and leaders rebuild peace.

Be the reason their impact multiplies. Donate today։ https://t.co/7D8cfD5bPz

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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: https://t.co/yWmUipSLKL

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

In America Magazine, 2017 Aurora Prize Laureate Dr. @CatenaTom reflects on what it truly means to stand with communities in crisis. https://t.co/SzwmtiI9fp

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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

[Declan Walsh @declanwalsh]

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.
https://t.co/uVYwK5BGro

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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

[Aurora Humanitarian Initiative @AuroraPrize_]

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: https://t.co/rM4QlHEJ75

[African Mission Healthcare @AMHorg]

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:
https://t.co/YmOwArIrkK

Don't forget DAF Day is tomorrow, October 9th. AMH makes it easy to give through DAFs!