A Shot in the Arm Podcast

Ben Plumley sits down with Dr. Benjamin LaBrot to discuss innovation and equity in global health diagnostics, focusing on diagnostics' pivotal role in addressing HIV Disease. The conversation covers key themes in diagnostic integration, barriers in middle-income countries, and the critical role of diagnostics in disease prevention and management for other conditions as well, like hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Host: Ben Plumley, Global Health Strategist Guest: Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, Physician and Global Health Advocate, Roche Diagnostics Key Topics Covered Diagnostics and Patient Empowerment Diagnostics are essential for individual treatment and monitoring, especially for diseases like HIV. LaBrot emphasizes that diagnostics need to evolve to provide integrated testing options for a holistic patient approach. Integration in Global Health Services Dr. LaBrot highlights the need for integrated diagnostic services to reduce fragmentation in healthcare, where separate tests for HIV, STI, hepatitis, and TB are offered. This integration can streamline diagnosis and improve patient care, particularly in low-resource settings. Middle-Income Country Challenges Middle-income countries feel underserved in global health funding and support, often excluded from international resources aimed at lower-income nations. Dr. LaBrot advocates for a more inclusive funding approach, arguing these countries have the infrastructure to maximize benefits from increased diagnostic support. Advances in Diagnostic Technology Dr. LaBrot shares how innovative approaches like plasma data separation cards offer practical solutions for remote and low-resource settings, enabling stable blood sample transport without refrigeration. This innovation bridges the gap between point-of-care testing and lab-based diagnostics, crucial for rural and underserved areas. The Role of Influencers and Education in Health Communication Both Ben Plumley and Dr. LaBrot stress the importance of reaching patients through trusted community influencers and digital platforms. Highlighting Panama’s COVID-19 communication strategy, they underscore how trusted leaders and influencers can combat misinformation and promote health education effectively. Memorable Quotes “In a fragmented healthcare system, diagnostics integration is not just optimal; it’s essential for the effectiveness of any treatment.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot “Middle-income countries feel left out—too well-off to receive international aid but lacking resources to implement comprehensive healthcare.” - Dr. Ben LaBrot Connect with Us If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate us five stars, and share the conversation on global health equity. For more updates, follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Spotify. Facebook and Instagram: @ShotArmPodcast Youtube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shotarmpodcast Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/69XpqCLn9oL2yU3votRIlO?si=8c14b13f7b8b48b3 Website: www.ashotinthearmpodcast.com Production Team Produced by Erik Espera (NewsDoc Media)  Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael

In this episode, Ben reflects on the recent US Presidential Election and its implications for democracy and global health. Key points discussed include: Democracy in Action: The election showcased the importance of daily democratic engagement in a divided country. Transition Team Priorities: The new administration must focus on health, including rebuilding trust in medical science, pandemic preparedness, and funding frontline services. Global Risks: The triple threats of pandemics, climate change, and conflict pose unprecedented risks to our way of life. AIDS Response: Concerns about the US investment in PEPFAR and the Global Fund, and the need for shared global responsibility to end AIDS. Future of AIDS Response: Plans to launch a dedicated podcast series addressing the long-term AIDS response post-2030, costs, and protecting vulnerable communities. Digital Technology's Role: The significant impact of digital technology and social media on our lives and the need to understand and utilize them effectively. Call to Action: Join Ben, Eric, and the team on this essential journey. Stay tuned for ways to get involved and support their mission. Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast

In this special episode of the Global Health Diplomats, hosted by Ben Plumley and Professor Eric Goosby, the focus is on the upcoming US presidential election and its implications for global health diplomacy. The discussion covers the lack of attention to global health in the current election campaigns, the potential future of global health diplomacy under different administrations, and the critical issues facing global health - the polycrises of pandemics, climate and conflict, as well as the ongoing demands of the global response to AIDS. Key Topics Discussed: US Election and Global Health Diplomacy: The lack of attention on global health in the campaigns. The importance of global health for US security and global stability. Future Administration's Role: The risks of vaccine skepticism and hostility to evidence-based decision making that could fundamentally undermine over 50 benefits to society from biomedical research. How realistic is bipartisan support and the challenges in achieving it. Global Health Challenges: The ongoing threat of pandemics and climate-related diseases. The emergence of new and existing infections due to climate change. HIV/AIDS Response: The future of the AIDS response post-2025 and 2030. The need for sustainable funding and local resource mobilization. Ethical and Policy Considerations: The ethical implications of withdrawing support for HIV/AIDS treatment. The importance of evidence-based decision-making in health policy. Call to Action: If you haven't already voted, make a plan to vote and ensure your friends and family do the same. Your vote is crucial for the future of global health and beyond. Production Team: Director and Producer: Erik Espera, NewsDoc Media Production Coordinator and Assistant Producer: Y-Isha Rafael Closing Remarks: Ben and Eric emphasize the importance of voting and staying safe. They promise to return with more discussions on what needs to happen next in global health diplomacy. Listen to the full episode for an in-depth discussion on these critical issues and more. You can also watch the video at youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast or on Spotify.

We are Sharing The Mic again with Frontline AIDS to highlight the latest mpox outbreaks that have started in the Democratic Republic of Congo, spread to Burundi and beyond. From lack of access to accurate, updated information, diagnostics - and of course - vaccines, communities - particularly partners of Frontline AIDS - are calling out for urgent, concerted action from governments, and international agencies, including the WHO. Joining Ben are: Ntombizodwa Mthembu, Programs Adviser, Frontline AIDS Aggrey Aluso, Pandemic Action Network, Director, Africa Region, Kenya Dr. Egide Haragirimana, Co-Founder & Co-Chair Village Health Action, Burundi. https://frontlineaids.org https://www.pandemicactionnetwork.org https://www.vh-a.org #mpox #vaccineaccess #commodities #communityleadership #healthequity

At the end of September’s UN events fest at the UN in NY, Ben and friend of the pod, Wame Jallow, catch up and ask, was it worth it? Lots of talking, lots of walking, declarations on the future, on anti-microbial resistance, and a dizzying number of receptions sprinkled across Manhattan, did we really learn anything more than we’re facing trouble ahead? And don’t forget the MTV Shuga Prep Fairy! https://youtu.be/fxxsfrTFN3E?si=W9W17-aw29QLSFDn https://www.un.org/en/summit-of-the-future https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/09/26/default-calendar/un-general-assembly-high-level-meeting-on-antimicrobial-resistance-2024 https://restlessdevelopment.org/youthpowersummit/ https://mtvstayingalive.org #UN #AMR #summitofthefuture #polycrises #climate #conflict #pandemics #youth #fitforpurpose #prepfairy

Ben recently sat down with Dr. Petro Terblanche, the head of Afrigen, Africa’s first mRNA vaccine researcher and manufacturer. From the calamities of COVID-19 vaccine populism, the African public health community & its allies swore that never again would Africa be last in the line when it came to life saving pandemic vaccines, and Petro sets out how this can - and is - being achieved, notwithstanding a wide array of challenges - and opposition. https://www.afrigen.co.za https://medicinespatentpool.org https://www.who.int/initiatives/the-mrna-vaccine-technology-transfer-hub https://www.gavi.org https://cepi.net//home-page #mRNA #vaccines #access #equity #platformtechnology #mRNAhub

Jeff Sturchio catches up with friend of the pod, Dr. Meg Doherty, WHO’s Director of HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Diseases. It has been a busy week at the Munich AIDS Conference for the World Health Organization, and Jeff gets Meg to unpack their conference program, particularly the release global data on HIV, viral hepatitis and STIs.

With the #PUTPEOPLEFIRST being the call to action here at the International Aids Society Conference 2024, youth advocate Sinentlantla Gogela catches up with Y-isha Raphael about the work she has been doing at the conference, her views on the current state of youth activism and advocacy.  Sinentlantla Gogela is one of the current APHA CHAMPIONS based in South Africa, passionate about uplifting her community, keeping young girls period positive and taking all the haters to task be it in meeting rooms or on social media. She is a student at UWC pursuing her BA in physiotherapy and psychology and hoping to use that education to further her community work and advocacy. Together they delve into the complexities of young African people taking on these big issues, keeping up with their mental health and standing up for their peers.

Jeff and Ben sit down with Heidi Larson from the Global Listening Project, reflecting on how the HIV movement influenced pandemic preparedness.

Yvette and Ben meet Gilead’s Dr. Moupali Das to discuss the latest clinical trial results for a new prevention technology that reduces HIV transmission by 100 percent in women. How did the research go and what plans does the company have to provide for the 100s of thousands of girls and women in need across Africa?

The first full day of #aids2024, sees Ben and Jeff reflecting on the some powerful presentations from the opening plenary - all while Yvette is off chairing sessions of her own. Then friend of the pod, Emily Bass joins Ben and Jeff to discuss the perilous state of the largest funder of HIV services - the US tax payer, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.  https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024 https://www.unaids.org/en https://www.state.gov/pepfar-aids-2024 https://thinkglobalhealth.org https://phc.org.ua/en https://www.tht.org.uk #aids2024 #HIV #diagnostics #treatment #Prevention #PrEP #ARVs #bipartisan #pepfar #protest #puttingpeoplefirst

In the first episode from #aids2024, Yvette Raphael and Jeff Sturchio join Ben to highlight the scientific data they are excited about that will be presented this week, and take stock of the panoply of pre-conferences, satellite symposia and press conferences they’ve already been to - and the conference hasn’t even started! https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024 https://www.unaids.org/en https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/07/20/default-calendar/who-at-aids-2024 https://www.state.gov/pepfar-aids-2024 #aids2024 #HIV #diagnostics #treatment #Prevention #PrEP #ARVs #longacting #cabotegravir #lenacapavir #doxy-prep #doxy-pep #choicemanifesto

We’ll be at AIDS2024 podcasting daily, and to give us a primer on what to expect, Ben is joined by infectious disease specialist, Ben LaBrot - on everything from the difference between epidemic control and elimination to how to get prevention and care services to communities hardly reached by conventional clinical services. This podcast is supported by Roche Molecular Diagnostics. https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024 https://keck.usc.edu https://diagnostics.roche.com/gb/en/home.html https://floatingdoctors.com https://www.unaids.org/en #aids2024 #HIV #AIDS #epidemiccontrol #elimination #marginalisedpopulations #PrEP #treatment #diagnostics

Since its ‘birth’ in 1994, Frontline AIDS has worked local communities best placed to carry the shared mission to end AIDS for everyone, everywhere. In this episode, we explore how this unique approach to localization has delivered effective community-led results from Kenya to Ukraine - and ask what the future holds for the partnership.  Panelists: David Clark, Head: Programmes, Frontline AIDS Andriy Klepikov, Executive Director, Alliance for Public Health, Ukraine Dr. Lilian Otiso, LVCT Health  https://frontlineaids.org https://aph.org.ua/en/home https://lvcthealth.org #HIV #AIDS #communities #CBOs #impact #prevention #treatment #humanrights #stigma #ukraine #kenya

Ben is joined by two friends of the pod, Christine Stegling, Deputy Director of UNAIDS, and Vuyiseka Dubula, Department Head, Community Rights & Gender at the Global Fund, to reflect on what this week’s developments at the WHA, mean for the global AIDS response, and why the lessons of HIV do not seem to have been learned in access to medicines and pandemics preparation. And that's a wrap from the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland! Thanks for joining us! https://www.unaids.org/en https://www.theglobalfund.org/en #WHA77 #HIV #AIDS #pandemicspreparedness #accesstomedicines

Vanina Laurent-Ledru, the Director General of Foundation S, the philanthropic organization of Sanofi, joins Ben live on the podcast to chat about the impact of climate change on global health.

Ben sits down with Elisha Dunn-Georgiou from the Global Health Council to reflect on decisions made, agreements missed, and funding committed to at the 77th WHA in Geneva, Switzerland.

Some good news to report from Geneva - albeit from an independent cinema in downtown Geneva. The Medicines Patent Pool premiered a short documentary highlighting 10 years of 10 billion doses, and 24 million people on a new, transformational treatment regimen it helped coordinate with generics manufacturers and the originator pharmaceutical company. We tell the story, speaking with ViiV Healthcare CEO, Deborah Waterhouse and MPP’s Director of Policy, Strategy and Advocacy.  https://medicinespatentpool.org https://viivhealthcare.com https://unitaid.org #Dolutegravir #DTG #HIV #accesstomedicines #voluntarylicensing #pediatrics #medicinespatentpool #MPP

Ben is joined by Katri Bertram, Berlin-based global health policy strategist, to reflect on yesterday’s WHA developments on international health regulations & the pandemics accord. She also challenges the global health community to accept that we don’t live in an era of never ending progress, but must address the stagnation, even regression in our impact on health outcomes. It’s a powerful and direct call to action. https://katribertram.wordpress.com/ http://linkedin.com/in/katri-bertram-85025787 https://www.who.int/about/accountability/governance/world-health-assembly #WHA77 #WHO #globalhealth #Germany #globalhealthsecurity #pandemicsaccord #refugees #climatehealth #ukraine #gaza

While the WHA grapples with pandemics preparation today, we go behind the headlines to chat with World Health Organization’s Dr. Teo Wi about a report on the dramatic rise of sexually transmitted diseases presented to the World Health Assembly later this week - and her refreshing, direct views on how to address the surprising causes driving these increases.  https://www.who.int/about/accountability/governance/world-health-assembly New report flags major increase in sexually transmitted infections, amidst challenges in HIV and hepatitis #WHA77 #WHO #STIs #sex #syphilis #diagnostics #antibiotics #datingapps #erectiledysfunction #stigma #guilt #shame #sexeducation