HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change

In this bonus episode of HIV Reimagined, our host Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (Sr. Advisor, HIV and AIDS, UNICEF) explores what it takes to eliminate mother-to-childtransmission (EMTCT) of HIV and syphilis, spotlighting the remarkable public health achievements in Jamaica and Belize. Through powerful stories from frontline healthcare workers, health managers and community leaders, the episode unpacks the critical role of trust, education, confidentiality, and community engagement in reaching and sustaining EMTCT goals. From adolescent empowerment to government investment, this episode reveals the human side of policy and practice—and what must be done to keep progress on track. Speakers:

In the final episode of our first season of HIV Reimagined, we speak to Dr. Nathan Ford (Scientific Officer, World Health Organization) and Dr. Lydia Mpango (Senior Clinical Services Advisor, ASPIRE Project, EGPAF) about multi-month dispensing (MMD), a service approach where clients receive several months’ worth of their medications at once. MMD can apply not only to antiretroviral therapy but also other medications. Hear more about how this approach evolved and how it works in practice. This episode features:

In this episode, Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (Senior Advisor, HIV and AIDS, UNICEF) speaks to studio guest, Dr. Trevor Peter (Senior Director, Medical Diagnostics, Clinton Health Access Initiative) about innovations in HIV diagnostics, including exciting trends like the next generation of lab-based testing, the rise of self-testing, and ongoing efforts to diagnose multiple health conditions with one test. This episode features: Dr. Musaed Abrahams of AviroHealth on the Aviro Pocket Clinic A peer educator through UNICEF Côte d'Ivoire on the U-Test project For more information: ⁠www.childrenandaids.org/HIVreimagined⁠

Have you seen our host? Stephanie Ndlovu – actress and health advocate from South Africa – takes over this episode of HIV Reimagined to discuss all things youth. She is joined in the studio by young leaders from around the world: Nicholas Kee, Miriam El-Mahdi, Viet Minh Trinh, Mutua Ndereva. They discuss the pitfalls and opportunities of health technology, challenges faced by young people from marginalised communities, the impact of COVID-19, and much more. What should health care designed for young people by young people look like? This episode features: Jay Shapiro and Arnold Mwanjila from Usiku Games Nelma Passe from VSO International Vuyokazi Vuyolissa from MTV Shuga For more information: ⁠www.childrenandaids.org/HIVreimagined⁠

On Episode 2 of HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change, our host Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (Senior Advisor, HIV and AIDS, UNICEF) and studio guest Emily Nicholson (Health Specialist, Digital, UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office) as they ask a few big questions about the role of technology and innovation in health: What makes a digital health tool truly impactful? Does innovation only refer to new technology? How can digital spaces parallel the success of existing interventions? Speakers: Isabell Mutasa and Sostain Moyo, ⁠Boost⁠ through ⁠OPHID⁠ and ⁠Avert⁠ Tshepiso Lola Molete, The Cookie Jar through ⁠⁠FHI360⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Advancing Partners and Communities⁠⁠ Leah Newman, ⁠Viamo⁠ Lucila Suarez Battan, ⁠Talk2U⁠ For more information: ⁠www.childrenandaids.org/HIVreimagined⁠/healthtech Since this episode was recorded, Emily Nicholson has transitioned to Health Specialist, Digital at UNICEF Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Office.

Welcome to the HIV Reimagined podcast, where we feature stories and perspectives on innovation from the frontlines of health service delivery. Join our host Dr. Shaffiq Essajee (Senior Advisor, HIV and AIDS, UNICEF) to discuss mental health, a topic close to our hearts in the HIV space. Studio guests: Mariwala Health InitiativeBasicNeeds-Ghana With speakers: Anova Health InstituteMENA MovesFriendship Bench For more episodes notes, visit www.childrenandaids.org/hivreimagined/mentalhealth

The UNICEF HIV/AIDS team introduces HIV Reimagined: Conversations for Change, a new podcast featuring conversations with changemakers on the frontlines of health service delivery. Launching soon!