A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Ben Plumley

In this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, hosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley discuss the resilience of South Africa's healthcare system amidst U.S. aid cuts, particularly through USAID and PEPFAR. They highlight the devastating impacts on HIV treatment, TB care, and broader healthcare services due to the sudden cessation of funding. But the country is markedly more prepared than critics might have feared, to assume full responsibility for its infectious diseases strategies - including procurement and surveillance strategies that the US maintained control over in exchange for the aid. Their conversation extends to cover issues around mental health, future healthcare innovations like long-acting antiretrovirals, and the broader geopolitical implications of donor aid cuts.   00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene 00:33 Impact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa 03:08 Healthcare Challenges and Government Response 07:04 The Role of Civil Society and Future Preparations 10:21 Consequences of Sudden Aid Withdrawal 14:17 Future of HIV Treatment and Advocacy 16:55 The Threat of Drug-Resistant TB 17:35 Government Investment in Healthcare 19:01 Mental Health Crisis Among Youth 19:41 Impact of USAID Funding Cuts 20:57 Soft Power and International Relations 22:37 South Africa's Self-Reliance 26:43 Addressing Racism and Emigration 32:42 Parting Thoughts and Optimism   Join the Conversation How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions -  @shotarmpodcast⁩ 

Hosted by Ben Plumley & Professor Ambassador Eric Goosby Episode Summary In this episode of Global Health Diplomats, Ben Plumley and Eric Goosby take a hard look at the state of global health in the wake of major funding shifts and policy changes. With U.S. global health programs facing an uncertain future, can they be salvaged, or are we witnessing the dismantling of decades of progress? Ben and Eric discuss: The impact of U.S. policy changes on PEPFAR, USAID, and global health funding The realities of restarting health programs amid political roadblocks How countries are shifting towards self-sufficiency in health systems Lessons learned from HIV programs pivoting to COVID-19 responses The role of European and global players—can they fill the funding gap? The future of long-acting HIV treatments and barriers to adoption The ethics of global health governance—are programs being abandoned? The human cost of these decisions on communities and health professionals This episode is a must-listen for anyone engaged in global health, policy advocacy, and public health strategy. Timestamps for Key Moments 00:00 - Welcome & opening remarks: Ben and Eric set the stage for a critical conversation 00:38 - Is global health dead? A frank discussion on where things stand 02:31 - U.S. policy shifts & the fallout for global health programs 07:12 - Can shuttered programs be restarted? The logistical and ethical challenges 13:52 - Global health self-sufficiency: Are countries ready to take control? 17:23 - Can Europe or others step up? The feasibility of alternative funding sources 22:19 - What national programs must prioritize to survive funding cuts 26:29 - Procurement & supply chain challenges—what's at risk? 27:52 - Surveillance & monitoring—a critical piece of the puzzle 29:34 - Long-acting HIV treatments—revolutionary but at risk 32:37 - The politics of health funding—will programs be forced to regress? 36:32 - Clinical guidelines vs. financial and political realities—who decides? 37:55 - Key populations at risk: Why marginalized communities may suffer the most 40:02 - Beyond government funding: Can faith-based organizations & business leaders help? 41:06 - The personal toll on health professionals: How this crisis is affecting those in the field 44:32 - Global solidarity under threat: How shifting geopolitics impact health 47:16 - What happens next? Ben and Eric’s final reflections on the way forward Join the Conversation How do you see the future of global health unfolding? Share your thoughts in the comments! Subscribe & Stay Updated - Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform - Watch on YouTube & subscribe for more in-depth global health discussions Follow Us YouTube: @shotarmpodcast  

Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette Raphael Guest: Gregg Gonsalves Recorded in: Tembisa Mall, Greater Johannesburg, South Africa & New Haven, Connecticut, USA   Welcome to the first A Shot in the Arm podcast of 2025! In this powerful episode, Ben Plumley is joined by co-host Yvette Raphael and Yale professor & activist Gregg Gonsalves to unpack critical global health and equity issues amidst the shifting political landscape.   From the unraveling of public health commitments to rising misinformation, we ask: Are we living in a coup yet? Our guests reflect on the past, draw lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement, and strategize about the road ahead in fighting for public health and human rights.   Key Topics:  [00:00] Welcome & Introductions  [00:50] The US’s commitment to global health: Is it unraveling?  [02:00] Yvette’s 50th birthday & 25 years of living with HIV  [04:00] Misinformation, stigma, and fear in HIV advocacy today  [06:45] The US’s attack on LGBTQ+ health and the implications for global funding  [10:30] RFK Jr. and the growing anti-science movement  [15:40] Is there a method to this madness? Or just chaos?  [22:15] Lessons from the HIV/AIDS movement: How activists fought back  [30:00] The collapse of USAID and its impact on African healthcare  [38:30] Mobilizing the private sector & faith-based organizations  [41:00] The power of digital activism: TikTok, Instagram & misinformation  [45:00] Protest & activism: What tactics work in 2025?  [50:00] Final thoughts: Solidarity, hope & making “beautiful trouble”   Takeaways: The rollback of global health initiatives, including HIV/AIDS funding, could have devastating effects worldwide.  History has shown that activism works—we must organize, mobilize, and push back.  The fight for public health is interconnected with the fight for democracy and human rights.  Digital media and grassroots organizing will be key tools in countering misinformation and mobilizing support.  Now is the time for action, unity, and resistance.   Join the conversation: What are your thoughts on the current state of public health?   Subscribe & share this episode to keep the movement strong!   Follow & Connect: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast Bluesky: @ashotinthearm.bsky.social @ben-plumleybsky.social Instagram: @ashotinthearmpodcast TikTok: @ashotinthearmpodcast Links: Youtube: www.youtube.com/@ledbydonkeys Bluesky: @gregggonsalves.bsky.social   #GlobalHealth #PublicHealth #HIVAdvocacy #Activism #Podcast #AShotInTheArm #HealthEquity #HIV #LGBTQHealth #USAID #ScienceMatters

Global Health Diplomats | Two weeks of Trump: Our Reaction Welcome to Global Health Diplomats, a special project of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, brought to you with the support of the John Martin Foundation. Host Ben Plumley joins Ambassador Eric Goosby to discuss the shocking recent announcements from the U.S. administration regarding foreign aid, global health funding, and the withdrawal from the World Health Organization (WHO). With sweeping stop-work orders on PEPFAR, USAID, and State Department programs, the global health community is in turmoil. How will these changes impact HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, and global health diplomacy? Can we find a path forward, or is this a wholesale dismantling of decades of U.S. leadership in global health? Ben and Eric also discuss the domestic implications of the administration’s controversial policies, including temporary disruptions in federally funded healthcare programs, attacks on transgender rights, and the controversial nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as Secretary of Health and Human Services. Episode Highlights & Timestamps [00:00:15] Introduction from the Mall of Africa, South Africa [00:01:42] Uncertainty and anxiety over U.S. foreign aid decisions [00:02:36] The importance of U.S. global health funding—how much influence does it really have? [00:03:45] Is there a method to the madness, or is this a chaotic approach to policy? [00:06:40] PEPFAR’s funding threat: How a stop-work order could dismantle 23 years of progress [00:09:15] The attack on "soft power"—is the U.S. retreating from global leadership? [00:12:40] Will the Trump administration engage in dialogue, or is this a unilateral shift? [00:14:55] The devastating consequences of withdrawing from the WHO [00:19:06] The impact on partner countries—will they be left to pick up the pieces? [00:22:22] The chaos surrounding U.S. domestic health programs [00:28:53] The rollback of transgender rights and its broader implications [00:34:59] HHS nominee RFK Jr.—a deeply controversial choice [00:41:55] What’s next? A call for pragmatic dialogue and action The stakes for global health, HIV/AIDS funding, and human rights have never been higher. What can advocates, organizations, and individuals do in the face of these challenges? Listen in as we break it all down. Subscribe for More Global Health Insights! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts Like & Subscribe on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@shotarmpodcast Produced & Directed by Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media Supported by The John Martin Foundation Imara Jones on MSNBC - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8YRnAyU #GlobalHealth #PEPFAR #PublicHealth #HIV #WHO #USPolitics #ForeignAid #TrumpAdministration #LGBTQRights #TransRights #HHS #AIDSPolicy #HealthDiplomacy

Co-hosts Ben Plumley and Ambassador Eric Goosby press the case for continued major investments in biomedical innovation to treat, diagnose, prevent and ultimately cure HIV disease.  While excited by the potential of new medicines, there’s still no short term end to one of the most deadly epidemics of the modern era. A renewed strategic focus on balancing basic science with delivery and implementation is at the heart of the long term HIV response - not least the challenge of maintaining uninterrupted treatment access, especially as funding mechanisms evolve globally. Key themes include the role of advocacy, the intersection of politics and public health, and the need to empower civil society to hold governments accountable for healthcare delivery. Ambassador Goosby outlines the necessity of building coalitions that combine public, private, and multilateral efforts to ensure sustainable healthcare solutions. 00:00:00 - Introduction: Ben Plumley and Ambassador Eric Goosby discuss the high stakes of 2025. 00:02:01 - Reflecting on misinformation: The influence of tech leaders on public health narratives. 00:05:34 - Post-2030 HIV agenda: Is the focus on research or implementation? 00:08:52 - Long-acting antiretrovirals: The promise and limitations of lenacapavir. 00:20:12 - Funding the response: Challenges of sustaining global HIV treatment. 00:31:48 - Global health diplomacy: Mobilizing new donors and local government commitments. 00:39:01 - Civil society’s role: Encouraging accountability in health investments. 00:46:25 - Closing thoughts: Shaping the future of the HIV response through collaboration. Call to Action: Subscribe to A Shot in the Arm Podcast on your favorite platform and join us on YouTube for more in-depth discussions. Don’t forget to like, comment, and share your thoughts on this critical global health issue. Links and Resources: Visit A Shot in the Arm Podcast on YouTube to stay updated. Follow us for future episodes addressing long-term HIV response strategies and the evolving role of global health diplomacy. Acknowledgments: Special thanks to Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media, the John Martin Foundation, and our listeners for their ongoing support.

In this first episode of 2025, A Shot in the Arm Podcast host Ben Plumley explores the major global health challenges and opportunities for the year ahead. He covers topics like politics in global health, innovations in HIV treatment, pandemic preparedness, and strategies for building trust in healthcare systems. Discussion Highlights: [00:00:00] Introduction Ben welcomes listeners to the new year, setting the stage for an exciting year of accessible global health content. He encourages viewers to subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel for expanded content. [00:01:00] Policy vs. Politics Ben discusses the growing tension between policy and politics in global health, with examples from HIV denialism in South Africa and the impact of Brexit on healthcare. [00:03:00] Trans Rights and Health Equity  A new podcast series will address the challenges faced by the global trans community and explain why trans rights are essential for everyone. [00:04:00] HIV in 2025 Updates on groundbreaking HIV treatments, including capsid inhibitors for long-term injections. Ben also explores the future of PEPFAR, the Global Fund, and the rhetoric around ending AIDS by 2030. [00:06:30] Pandemic Preparedness The risks of avian flu (H5N1) are highlighted, along with lessons learned from COVID-19. Ben discusses the importance of vaccine manufacturing hubs and progress on the WHO pandemic treaty. [00:09:00] Innovations in Healthcare Exciting developments in cancer treatments, viral hepatitis research, and inflammation studies. These advancements offer hope for improving global health outcomes. [00:10:30] Elderly Care Personal reflections on caregiving and a preview of an upcoming episode on the outdated systems of elderly care. [00:11:40] Building Trust in Health Systems Ben reflects on insights from the Global Listening Project, which studied trust in medical institutions and how to combat misinformation. Check out the results of its country survey at https://global-listening.org/societal-preparedness-insights [00:13:00] Social Media and Misinformation A critical look at the role of social media in spreading health misinformation and the need for better communication strategies. [00:17:00] Partnerships for Change Ben explores collaborations with business leaders and religious organizations to address gender norms and promote health equity. [00:18:30] Expanding the Podcast’s Reach Plans to collaborate with other podcasts and bring diverse voices to global health discussions. Check out Devex at https://www.devex.com Key Takeaways: Global health faces immense challenges in 2025, from political polarization to misinformation. Innovations in treatments are promising, but equitable access and building trust in health systems remain top priorities. Listener Engagement: What topics should we explore this year? Share your ideas on BlueSky, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube. Credits: Hosted by Ben Plumley. Directed and produced by Erik Espera (NewsDoc Media) with production coordination by Y-Isha Raphael. Call to Action: Like, follow, and subscribe to A Shot in the Arm Podcast on your favorite platforms. Join us in tackling the biggest health challenges of 2025 and stay engaged for more episodes!

A Shot in the Arm Podcast is proud to bring you another installment of Global Health Diplomats! In this compelling episode, co-hosts Ben Plumley and Eric Goosby dive deep into the future trajectory of the global HIV response. Following World AIDS Day, the discussion spans a 38,000-foot view of where the HIV epidemic stands, its critical challenges, and the evolving strategies needed for a sustainable, long-term response. From the impact of geopolitical shifts on access to treatment and care to the integration of HIV programs with broader primary healthcare systems, this episode unpacks the most pressing issues in global health today. Key Highlights: HIV Goals for 2030: Reality Check Are we close to ending AIDS as a public health crisis? Dr. Eric Goosby reflects on the progress made and the significant hurdles ahead. Quote: "We've built breathtaking infrastructure over 25 years, but it’s clear we won’t cross the 2030 finish line without major shifts." (Eric Goosby, 00:01:24) The Role of Targets in the HIV Response Are political targets still relevant in today’s complex world? Ben and Eric debate the pros and cons of target-driven approaches in global health. Quote: "Targets have driven investment and expanded care, but we may need to rethink them in light of new challenges." (Eric Goosby, 00:05:26) Primary Care Integration Why the HIV response must pivot toward integrated primary healthcare to address non-communicable diseases and pandemic preparedness. Quote: "For people living with HIV, coronary artery disease, hypertension, and cancer are now the bigger threats. Primary care is key." (Eric Goosby, 00:07:46) The Geopolitical Impact on HIV Care Rising anti-rights movements and geopolitical challenges make it harder to bring marginalized populations into care. Quote: "The rights-based approach to care is under siege globally, making access for key populations even tougher." (Ben Plumley, 00:10:04) Funding Sustainability Beyond 2030 Exploring innovative funding mechanisms, domestic ownership, and the evolving role of multilateral agencies like the Global Fund. Quote: "Transitioning to country-driven funding is essential. It’s time for governments to take ownership." (Eric Goosby, 00:30:01) HIV Prevention’s Urgent Need for Innovation Despite treatment advancements, global prevention efforts lag behind, especially for at-risk populations. Quote: "Prevention needs to focus on behavior, access, and new technologies like PrEP for real impact." (Eric Goosby, 00:37:26) Upcoming Episodes in the Series: Rights-Based Approaches in HIV Care Funding the Future: Domestic Resource Mobilization for HIV Programs Prevention Innovation: From Behavioral Change to Biomedical Solutions Reimagining Global Health Architecture Post-2030 Acknowledgments: This podcast is made possible by the generous support of the John T. Martin Foundation. Produced by Erik Espera of NewsDoc Media. Subscribe and Share: Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions on the future of global health. Subscribe to Global Health Diplomats wherever you download podcasts, and leave us a five-star review to support the conversation! Share your thoughts and join the discussion on social media using #GlobalHealthDiplomats and #WorldAIDSDay2024!

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   Subscribe for more episodes focusing on global health equity and innovation!   Follow us on Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. #WorldAIDSDay2024 #EndAIDS2030 #HumanRights #GlobalHealth #UNAIDS #HIVAwareness #UNDP