HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change
Introducing HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change, a podcast featuring conversations with changemakers on the frontlines of health service delivery.
This podcast includes an array of compelling and contemporary topics, spanning from mental health and well-being to youth-oriented services, cutting-edge health technologies and advanced diagnostics. We also delve into the realm of innovations accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and their significance in an evolving world with shifting needs.
Hosted by Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (Senior Advisor, HIV and AIDS, UNICEF) and developed with the programme and policy expertise of the UNICEF HIV and AIDS team.
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The views and opinions expressed by the contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of UNICEF or any entities they represent. The content here is for information purposes only.
Trailer
Episode 1 – Rethinking Mental Health: Health care from the inside out
In this first episode, our conversations focus on mental health programming and practice. Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (UNICEF) speaks to Raj Mariwala (Mariwala Health Initiative) and Peter Badimak Yaro (Basic Needs-Ghana) about how mental health is perceived, the needs and challenges for mental health programmes in their respective regions, and the changes they have seen in the field through their careers. We also discuss and learn about the Friendship Bench, MENA Moves, and Youth Care Clubs. >> Read More
Episode 2 – Apps, Bots, and Chats: Innovations in health tech
In Episode 2, host Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (UNICEF) and studio guest Emily Nicholson (UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office) discuss what makes digital health tools impactful as well as opportunities and considerations for innovations in health technology. They speak to the founder of Talk2U, a product expert from Viamo, service users of the Boost app for community health workers and the manager of Cookie Jar, a digital space facilitating peer support. >> Read More
Episode 3 – A Youth Takeover! Health care designed for the next generation
In Episode 3, we are joined by a dynamic panel of youth advocates speaking about making health care better for adolescents and young people. This episode is hosted by Stephanie Ndlovu with studio guests Nicholas Kee, Miriam El-Mahdi, Viet Minh Trinh, and Mutua Ndereva. The group discuss the challenges of mental health services for young people, the promise of peer support models and digital tools, and the critical role young people play in shaping effective health care policies and programs. The episode also features MTV Shuga, Usiku Games, and the Yaya app. >> Read More
Episode 4 – From Big Labs to Pocket Tests: The story of HIV diagnostics and what’s next
In Episode 4, studio guest Dr. Trevor Peter (CHAI) speaks to Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (UNICEF) about the evolution of HIV diagnostics through the years and the exciting trends changing testing for the better. This episode also features the founder of AviroHealth introducing its innovative Pocket Clinics and a peer educator from the U-Test Project in Côte d'Ivoire discussing the impact of HIV self-tests. >> Read More
Episode 5 – Treatment Made Easier: The promise of multi-month dispensing
In Episode 5, studio guests Dr. Nathan Ford (World Health Organization) and Dr. Lydia Mpango (Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation) describe the evolution and implementation of multi-month dispensing (MMD) for antiretroviral treatment. MMD is a service approach where clients receive the medications they need for longer period, such as three months or six months, at a single clinic visit. This episode features service user Paballo ‘Mota with EGPAF HIV Clinical Nurse Sister Motekoa Monaheng, mentor mother Makaletso from mothers2mothers, and Dr. Arinatiwe Ivan from the Uganda Ministry of Health. >> Read More
Acknowledgements
HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change is presented by the HIV and AIDS Section, Health Programme Group, UNICEF. Beth Garrod produced this series, supported by research and inputs from Rikke Le Kirkegaard, Carthi Mannikarottu, and Bouchra Benghomari. Matt Part served as the sound designer. We are grateful to the speakers and the many supporters within and outside UNICEF, who generously shared their contact lists and feedback for this podcast.
Learn more about the UNICEF HIV Programme.
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Share your feedback by email to childrenandaids@unicef.org. We look forward to your suggestions for other topics, stories, and speakers to feature in our next season. What did you like about this podcast? What would you like us to improve? Please share and stay in touch.
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