The HIV Podcast

With so much rapid change in the last 7 days, this week Sarah and Jess take a look at the impact that President Trump's administration continues to have on people living with HIV in America, as well as globally. SourcesUNAIDS welcomes US decision to keep funding life-saving HIV treatment | UN NewsTrump White House Erases, Silences HIV, LGBTQ and Health Content - POZConcern and confusion as Trump freezes assistance programs | Positively AwareCDC webpages go dark as Trump targets public health information | Trump administration | The GuardianFederal grant freeze: Trump White House rescinds order | AP Newshttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/health/trump-usaid-pepfar.html Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HIV… The Wizard of Oz… The Sound of Music… Ghost.......Stick with us!This week Sarah and Jess continue their quest to show that HIV is connected to everything, even the places you’d least expect. If you’ve ever felt there are no connections to HIV in your life, this episode is an invitation to see some of the links hiding in plain sight, through films, culture, and a bit of classic HIV Podcast curiosity!SourcesRuby Slippers Wizard of Oz - History, Pairs & Ownership | MuseumKent Warner - Wikipedia10 facts you might not know about Ghost starring Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore - SmoothRick Aviles - Wikipedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this opening episode of our year long African Voices series, we look at Nigeria, beyond the funding cuts that so often dominate global headlines. While international reporting focuses on donor decisions and political shifts, this conversation centres what’s happening on the ground, the people, the initiatives, and the communities continuing to respond to HIV with creativity, care, and determination.Through lived experience of both a beneficiary and health care worker, we explore both the challenges being faced and the progress being made, highlighting what’s working, what’s changing, and what deserves far more attention than it usually gets.A huge thank you to Project HOPE for helping connect us, so these stories can be shared authentically, directly from the people living and working within them.Project HOPE | Advancing Global Health & Saving LivesAfrican Voices is a year-long series from The HIV Podcast, sharing perspectives from across the African continent.How to get involved:We’re inviting people living with or affected by HIV to share short voice notes about what’s happening in their country, what the world needs to understand, and what education they want to share. These voice notes may be played on the podcast as part of the series.Episodes will be released monthly, on the last Friday of each monthVoice notes may be played on the podcastSend a voice note (max 5 minutes, no minimum) to: 07727 666791Each country has a submission deadline, see image for detailsIf you’re from one of the 12 countries featured, we’d love to hear from you.How to take partPlease send us a voice note (maximum 5 minutes, no minimum) to:07727 666791In your recording, please include:• Your name (or a preferred name if you would like to remain anonymous)• Your connection to HIV (for example: person living with HIV, peer educator, counsellor, activist, doctor, community worker, volunteer)• The country you are inThen tell us:What do you want the world to know about HIV in your country?This could include access to care, stigma, funding cuts, community realities, or anything you feel the world should understand.What education would you like to share?A myth to bust, a message for others, or knowledge that could help support your community.For more information, please contact:office@tvps.org.ukDeadlines for submissions by country 2026January 22nd - NigeriaFebruary 19th- TanzaniaMarch 19th - South AfricaApril 17th - KenyaMay 22nd - UgandaJune 19th - MozambiqueJuly 24th - MalawiAugust 21st - ZambiaSeptember 18th - ZimbabweOctober 23rd - BotswanaNovember 20th - Lesotho & EswatiniSources https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/nigeria/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria https://www.beintheknow.org/understanding-hiv-epidemic/data/glance-hiv-nigeria https://www.phis3project.org.ng/phis3-resources/ https://www.severemalaria.org/countries/nigeria/nigeria-health-systemhttps://nphcda.gov.ng/bhcpf/ https://naca.gov.ng/ https://data.theglobalfund.org/location/NGA/access-to-funding https://nepwhan.org/our-history/ https://www.theglobalfund.org/en/updates/2024/2024-02-05-nigeria-global-fund-launch-new-grants-reinforce-progress-against-hiv-tb-malaria/ https://naca.gov.ng/sustainability/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess take a look at one of the greats...and Elton John’s greatest legacy might not be musical. This episode explores the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF) and how it has shaped the HIV response for over 30 years, funding services, fighting stigma and supporting communities worldwide!Sources Elton John at Aids conference: 'I should be dead. I nearly died' | Sexual health | The GuardianElton John AIDS Foundation - WikipediaElton-John-AIDS-Foundation_Annual-Report_2024-Digital.pdf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The HIV Podcast is back for 2026! This week's episode takes a look at the amazing work Cher has done for the HIV community and then we look at the CHER clinical study, so this week really is all about Cher-ing.SourcesCher - WikipediaCher, Demi Moore entertain guests at glamorous Cannes fundraiser for AIDS | ReutersCHER | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah sits down with the brilliant Garry Brough, HIV advocate and Programme Manager for Fast-Track Cities London. Together they unpack what peer support actually is and why it's such a game-changer: empowering, grounding...a reminder that sometimes what we really need is a conversation with someone who gets it.From Isolation to Empowerment: The Power of Peer Support in HIV Care - Fast-Track Cities London Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess are diving into the history of STIs! We take you on a whistle-stop tour of humanity’s long, complicated, and occasionally ridiculous relationship with sexually transmitted infections. Expect myths, medicine, and a few moments that will make you grateful for antibiotics.Sources‘Groundbreaking’ HIV prevention programme aims to end transmissions by 2030 | The IndependentSTIs through the centuries – UK Health Security Agency The History of STIs - Broadgate GPSexually transmitted infection - Wikipedia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess celebrate World AIDS Day by talking about the need, and break down why support still matters, bust a few myths, and remind everyone that HIV isn’t “sorted” just because the meds are brilliant.Donate now Donate — TVPS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess go back to where it all began, uncovering the story of Nora Wattie, the woman who pioneered the foundations of modern contact tracing. They explore how her work shaped public health and also take a diversion into 'period chat'.....enjoy!SourcesNora Wattie - WikipediaFirst doses of HIV prevention drug lenacapavir delivered to Zambia, Eswatini | Reuters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Chantelle joins Jess to talk about cabotegravir, the long-acting injectable PrEP that’s changing how people can protect themselves from HIV! And there is also come 'C' word chat, so avoid this episode if it's too soon for festive cheer!Sourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/10/nhs-to-roll-out-first-long-acting-injection-to-prevent-hiv/https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/first-hiv-prevention-injection-for-people-unable-to-have-daily-prep-recommendedhttps://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2025-who-recommends-injectable-lenacapavir-for-hiv-preventionhttps://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/24/hiv-prevention-jab-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep-lenacapavir-120-poorer-countries-2027https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenacapavir Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess get into the fascinating world of contact tracing, how it works, why it matters, and what really happens. Oh, and since it’s Halloween, there’s also a quick detour into scary movies and a bit of hot air balloon chat!Sources What is partner notification or contact tracing? • SHL.UK Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Sarah and Jess take a curious wander through the origins of sexual health clinics, from the hush-hush beginnings to the open, empowering spaces we know today. Expect all the usual side-chat like why Jess hates collecting prescriptions and what happens when Sarah takes her husband to weddings. Never a dull moment when you're learning about sexual health history with these two!Sources The history of sexual health | ADPHChancroid - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best PracticeOur Story - MSI Reproductive Choices Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part 2, Sarah and Jess slip into their metaphorical lab coats (don’t worry, no Bunsen burners involved) to find out exactly how PrEP works in the body. Spoiler: it’s less “magic pill” and more “tiny molecular bodyguard” that blocks HIV from setting up shop. Expect easy science, bad analogies, and at least one “ohhhh, that’s clever” moment. If you’ve ever wondered what PrEP actually does after you swallow it, this is the episode that finally explains it, minus the biology degree.Sources What’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention? | aidsmapAbout Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHSHow and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of two episodes, Sarah and Jess are diving into the world of HIV prevention, and trust us, it’s not as confusing as it sounds once you know your PEP from your PrEP! We’ll be breaking down what each one does, when they’re used, and why DoxyPEP is the newest buzzword in sexual health circles.Sources Dick Donato - WikipediaWhat’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention? | aidsmapDoxyPEP — QueerHealthAbout Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHSHow and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHSFirst clinical guidelines published on the use of DoxyPEP | Terrence Higgins TrustDoxyPEP & Bexsero - 56 Dean Street - Sexual Health Clinic LondonDoxy-PEP | CNWL Sexual Health ServicesSyphilis cases at highest level for 75 years in England last year | Sexual health | The Guardian Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess are exploring what it means to grow older with HIV. From the insights of Sarah’s surprise client survey to discovering who holds the title of the oldest person living with HIV! We would also like to dedicate this episode to Dr Steve Dawson, a remarkable HIV consultant and an even more remarkable person. His work and kindness touched countless lives and he will be missed.HIV The Naked Truth - AboutSourceshttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgmzn8802d7oHIV charity hosts nude photography exhibit for World AIDS Day - AttitudeThe Lisbon patient: exceptional longevity with HIV suggests healthy aging as an ultimate goal for HIV care | BMC Infectious Diseases | Full TextA 100-year-old man living with HIV shares his secret to a long life Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Sarah and Jess take a look at a news story that broke last week, the case of Jonathan Carl, sentenced to 17 years for rape and reckless HIV transmission. Police believe he may have had contact with hundreds of men and are urging potential victims to come forward.Anyone who may have had contact with Jonathan Carl is urged to contact detectives directly on 0207175273, you can also email, survivors@met.police.uk.To contact police, you can dial 101 or via our online reporting system and state reference CAD2972/19Sept25.You can also seek confidential support through NHS sexual health services or charities by following these links: NHS, SHL, Galop, Positive East, NAT, The Havens or SARCs.Sourceshttps://news.met.police.uk/news/appeal-for-victims-to-come-forward-following-the-sentencing-of-jonathan-carl-501222https://www.itv.com/news/london/2025-09-19/hundreds-of-men-urged-to-get-tested-for-stds-after-sex-attacker-convicted  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are talking about the brilliant Ian Charleson, yes, the Chariots of Fire star with the unforgettable grin. Behind the Hollywood buzz, Ian quietly made history by being open about his HIV status at a time when hardly anyone dared. And if that wasn't enough, the segment nobody asked for is back! Condiment Corner makes a continental return...Sources Ian Charleson - WikipediaChariots of Fire' star Charleson dies of AIDS - UPI Archives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah swap test tubes for tech talk as they explore the world of Artificial Intelligence. From chatbots that could answer your HIV questions to the ethical dilemmas of letting machines into healthcare, we’re asking: is AI the future of HIV support, or just another shiny distraction?SourcesCan AI Spark New Progress Against HIV? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah are back from their summer break and diving straight into the future. Sarah shares her slightly wacky idea that virtual reality might just hold the key to helping us reach the 2030 HIV goal...yes, you heard that right! Could VR goggles really make a difference in the fight against HIV? We’ll let you be the judge. Strap in, this one’s a bit bonkers.Support The HIV Podcast & people affected by HIV - DonateSourcesHow Virtual Reality is changing gaming and intimacyVR Can Trick the Brain to Feel Sexual Touch | Psychology Today United KingdomAugmented Reality: The Future Of Interactive Sex ‹ Onya MagazineVirtual Reality Erotica: Exploring General Presence, Sexual Presence, Sexual Arousal, and Sexual Desire in Women Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The HIV Podcast, Jess and Sarah take a stroll down memory lane as they dust off two of TVPS’s vintage newsletters, because what better way to mark our 40th anniversary than with a peek into our own archives? From animal adoption to Sarah's editorial input, we’re uncovering what was making headlines (and raising eyebrows) back then. Expect a few giggles, a touch of history, and a whole lot of appreciation for how far we’ve come.We’re also pressing pause for a summer break, but don’t worry, we’ll be back in September, refreshed and ready to bring you even more untold stories from the HIV community! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.