Episode Title: World AIDS Day 2024: Human Rights In Action Against HIV

Guests:

Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, South Africa

Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal, Director of the HIV and Health Group, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Description:

In this powerful episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley dives deep into the intersection of human rights and global health with two inspiring leaders: Honorable Deputy Minister Steve Letsike from South Africa and Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal, head of HIV at the UN Development Programme (UNDP) — Together, they explore the evolving HIV response, challenges in addressing stigma and discrimination, and the critical role of governance and community leadership in achieving the global goal of ending AIDS as a public health crisis by 2030.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The Hon. Steve Letsike’s transition from LGBTQ+ and HIV activist to a key governmental leader.


• Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal’s insights on the UNDP's role in driving global change in HIV policies and human rights advocacy.


• How human rights are intrinsically linked to HIV prevention and care.


• The global and local implications of criminalization and stigma on HIV responses, with examples from countries like South Africa and Uganda.


• The significance of integrating diverse issues like gender-based violence, poverty, and structural inequalities into the fight against HIV.

Key Moments:

• [00:01:08 ] Hon. Steve Letsike reflects on moving from activism to governance.


• [00:10:52 ] Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal discusses how governance and policies shape HIV responses globally.


• [00:22:22 ] Connecting human rights to effective HIV prevention and care strategies.


• [00:27:15 ] The balance between donor aid reliance and self-sustained national HIV programs.


• [00:30:22 ] The path toward achieving the goal of ending AIDS by 2030 and the obstacles that remain.

Notable Quotes:

• "Governments belong to the people. We all have to contribute differently to achieve a just and equal society." - Hon. Steve Letsike


• "Without human rights, we won't realize the potential of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030." - Dr. Mandeep Dhaliwal

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