In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley engages in a comprehensive discussion with journalist and author Emily Bass about the current state of global health, specifically focusing on HIV/AIDS. Recorded in sunny Sacramento, they reflect on the extraordinary events of the past few months and assess the alignment of innovation and equity in global health. Their conversation covers a wide range of topics, including the importance of community-based care and accountability, the evolving role of international NGOs, and the critical nature of differentiated service delivery in HIV treatment. They also discuss the geopolitical uncertainties affecting global health funding and the influence of recent political changes in the US on the future of the global HIV response. They touch upon the significant role of entities like PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and UNAIDS, and the necessity for national contributions and regional procurement in sustaining HIV programs. Emily emphasizes the need to preserve community-based accountability and the value of innovative, country-led solutions for delivering healthcare. They conclude with a commitment to delve deeper into HIV prevention in a future episode, recognizing the ongoing challenges and opportunities in achieving global HIV/AIDS objectives.

Emily’s book:

To End a Plague: America's Fight to Defeat AIDS in Africa

https://www.amazon.com/End-Plague-Americas-Defeat-Africa/dp/1541762436

Emily’s recent essay in the New York Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/14/opinion/pepfar-hiv-foreign-aid.html

Emily’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@emilysbass

Ben’s Substack:

https://substack.com/@benplumley1

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

00:36 Guest Introduction: Emily's Expertise

02:26 Global Health Check-In

03:11 Humanitarian Crises and HIV

05:00 Impact of Global Health Policies

06:44 HIV Treatment Challenges

08:57 Sustainability and Ownership in HIV Response

12:47 Global Health Architecture and Funding

16:33 The Role of PEPFAR and Global Fund

22:25 Future of Global Health Initiatives

38:25 Global Fund's Role in Procurement and National Contributions

40:33 US Congress and Global Health Budget

42:15 Innovation in Global AIDS Response

49:30 The Importance of Differentiated Service Delivery

01:00:58 Community Accountability in Public Health

01:09:38 Challenges and Future of HIV Prevention

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