Shows
A Shot in the Arm PodcastTo End a Plague… Again: A Conversation with Emily BassIn 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...2025-08-111h 13
A Shot in the Arm PodcastEpisode 05 – Colon, Meet Cancer: Finding ChemoAs Ben starts his first chemotherapy cycle, he explores the controversial yet essential role of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. He looks at its historical roots and tries to understand the scientific mechanisms of various chemotherapies. He shares an intimate look at the highs and lows of his first cycle of treatment, the importance of comprehensive, multidisciplinary care, as well as the physical and emotional aspects of cancer therapy.
Ben’s t-shirt this week celebrates the Ukrainian Alliance for Public Health. You can find out more about the Alliance and how you can help at https://aph.org.ua...2025-08-0830 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastBiomedical Innovation Needs Local Community Participation with Solange Baptiste (ITPC) & Rosemary Mburu (WACI)In this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley discusses the Kigali International AIDS Society Conference with guests Solange Baptiste from ITPC and Rosemary Mburu from WACI Health. They explore the importance of community voices in global health innovations, the challenges of funding cuts, and the significance of long-acting antiretroviral therapies. Additionally, they touch upon the roles of UNAIDS and the Global Fund, advanced HIV disease, and the critical need for prioritizing global health and HIV funding.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Kigali International AIDS Society Conference Overview
2025-07-2236 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastEpisode 04 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Ouch!Ben delves into the multifaceted experience of pain, beginning with a literary reference from Margaret Atwood. He shares personal anecdotes about blood draws, the insertion of a chemotherapy port, and the challenges of effectively communicating pain levels to healthcare professionals. Ben reflects on his nearly forty years’ experience living with Crohn's disease, exploring different ways to describe pain, and examines various strategies for pain management, including medications like acetaminophen and oxycodone, and the antidepressant duloxetine. The episode also highlights historical and cultural contexts of pain and invites listeners to contribute to a virtual medicine cabinet of motivational and entertaining re...2025-07-2221 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastDr. mike Reid’s 7 Dead Ideas in Global Health and What Comes AfterIn this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley welcomes Dr. mike Reid, Associate Director of Global Health Delivery and Economics at UCSF. The discussion centers on Reid's analysis of the 'seven dead ideas' in global health, criticizing outdated approaches such as the overreliance on donor directives and vertical programs. Reid emphasizes the need for context-sensitive solutions informed by rigorous implementation science and local realities. The conversation also touches on how health, intrinsically political, demands both donor and recipient nations to prioritize equitable solutions. Additional insights include the inefficiencies in current funding models, the dangers...2025-07-2034 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastFaith Communities and Public Health Strategies with Professor Heidi Larson and Dr. Nduku KilonzoIn this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, co-founder of the Global Listening Project, and Dr. Nduku Kilonzo, managing director of Yemaya Health Advisory. Recorded in during IAS 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda, the discussion centers on the essential contributions of faith leaders to global health, particularly in engaging communities and influencing public health decisions. The episode explores findings from the Global Listening Project's studies in Kenya and Nigeria, highlighting the deep trust communities place in faith leaders and the necessity of including them in health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes...2025-07-2030 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastLong-Acting Injectibles’ Halo Effect on all HIV Prevention Options with Yvette Raphael and Gilead Sciences, Dr. Alex KintuIn this episode, host Ben Plumley, along with co-host Yvette Raphael, reports from the International AIDS Society Scientific Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. They discuss significant advancements in HIV prevention, particularly the recent FDA approval of Lenacapavir, with Dr. Alex Kintu from Gilead Sciences. The conversation covers the clinical journey and delivery mechanisms of Lenacapavir, its impact on young people and pregnant women, and the urgency of making this innovation widely accessible amidst funding challenges. The episode also highlights the critical role of community engagement and accountability boards in informing and driving HIV prevention strategies. Tune in for an in-depth...2025-07-1939 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastReimagining the Global HIV Response: The Kigali Call to ActionIn this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, host Ben Plumley is joined by Dr. Judy Auerbach, Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, and Dr. Mumbi Chola to discuss the 2025 Kigali Call to Action, a call to action for the global HIV response. The conversation highlights the need for meaningful partnerships, sustained research, prioritization of prevention, protection of human rights, and rejection of science politicization. The guests emphasize the importance of local leadership and community involvement in redesigning and rethinking the HIV response. The episode also addresses the challenges posed by reduced U.S. funding and the shifting roles of...2025-07-1947 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastStrengthening the Health Ecosystem with the GLP’s Heidi Larson & GSK’s Susie BarnesBen Plumley is joined by Professor Heidi Larson, Co-founder and Chair of the Global Listening Project (GLP), and Susie Barnes, Senior Vice President of Global Medical Affairs for the Vaccines Division at GSK to discuss the importance of building trust and motivating awareness about new technologies in global health. The conversation covers the collaboration between the GLP and GSK, insights from their research on trust during COVID-19, and how community engagement and innovative communication strategies play a crucial role in vaccine confidence and public health. They emphasize the need for holistic approaches to prevention and the challenges of addressing...2025-07-1043 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastEpisode 3 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Hurry Up and WaitA quick trip to the surgeon reveals that all is not as it seems, and Ben’s colon cancer journey takes a sharp turn almost as immediately as it starts. Multiple tumors during a surgery initially meant to remove a single cancerous mass lead to a diagnosis of metastasized colorectal cancer. And the expensive nuclear diagnosis machine shorts – in much the same way Ben’s Father’s brand new (at the time) Vauxhall Victor broke down on a Sunday afternoon drive. A potential podcast subject that Ben dismissed years ago as not being interesting enough (Italian data on a barrage...2025-07-0417 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastA Preface to Colon, Meet CancerHealthcare just got personal for A Shot In The Arm Podcast’s Ben Plumley, who brings his offbeat insights & humor to a surprise advanced colon cancer diagnosis. Join him on an odyssey around cancer treatment and the vagaries of the Californian health system. New episodes weekly… hopefully.
https://www.mycrohnsandcolitisteam.com/
https://www.cancer.gov/types/colorectal
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer.html
2025-07-0405 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastEpisode 2 - Colon, Meet Cancer: Should I Be Worried?Ben has a routine colonoscopy and comes out with an unexpected diagnosis – an ulcerated mass in his ascending colon. The gastroenterologist gives him his first tattoo ever, which is sadly visible only to the surgeon who will remove it. Ben has been living with Crohn’s Disease since he was a teenager, so the news of an intestinal polyp turning cancerous is not shocking. An easy snip-snip excision by the surgeon, and all will be back to normal…. Or will it?
00:00 Introduction & Diagnosis
01:11 Personal Reflections and Stigma
02:58 Living with Crohn’s Diseas...2025-07-0420 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastViral Hepatitis in Asia Pacific: Innovation & Equity In Action With Social Entrepreneur Thomas CaiJoin host Ben Plumley from Phnom Penh Cambodia, in conversation with Thomas Cai, a visionary Chinese-born entrepreneur and CEO of Open Source Technologies. Thomas, a pioneering figure in Asia’s rapidly growing biopharmaceutical industry, shares his journey from HIV advocacy to leading high-impact hepatitis public-private partnerships in Southeast Asia. He offers a critical analysis of the effectiveness of traditional providers of global aid including NGOs and the Global Fund, while also envisioning a self-reliant future led by local health authorities, businesses and communities, calling only on the expertise and funding from northern partners as needed.
...2025-06-161h 09
A Shot in the Arm Podcast78th World Health Assembly Recap with Yvette RaphaelCohosts Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley unpick the major news coming out of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva. – from the new pandemic treaty, to WHO budget and staffing cuts, to increases in membership fees and voluntary contributions. They ruminate on how the current seemingly-unstoppable geopolitical chaos is affecting the ability of global health institutions like the World Health Organisation to deliver – and deliver on what exactly? What can the WHO actually do in such a fractured political climate? They reflect on US Secretary
of Health and Human Service’s video presentation to the World Health Assembly, which at the...2025-05-2646 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastCommunities Deploy AI to Expand Affordable Healthcare with Solange Baptiste ITPC Executive DirectorHost Ben Plumley is joined by Solange Baptiste of ITPC, an influential non-profit expert in strengthening healthcare access in developing countries, employing the strengths and minimizing the risks of new technology, particularly AI. Its an even more urgent challenge in the wake of massive funding cuts from the US. Solange shares her insights on the
state of global health and how communities are adapting to new healthcare realities. They discuss ITPC's efforts in community-led monitoring, the impact of data collection on global health initiatives, and potential global health funding alternatives to donor aid. The conversation also explores how AI...2025-05-1651 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastBreaking! Yvette Raphael receives the AAAS Mani L Bhaumik Breakthrough AwardIn this special episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, hosts Ben Plumley and Yvette Raphael share the exciting news of Yvette receiving the Mani L. Bhaumik Breakthrough Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science. They discuss the significance of African women's involvement in clinical trials, particularly the Global Advisory Board’s active participation in the design of trials of new long acting injectables for HIV prevention - particularly the groundbreaking way pregnant women were, for the first time, able to continue to participate in these studies. They also delve into the current challenges faced by...2025-05-0838 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastBe a Man about it: Redefining Healthy Masculinity with Kenyan Celebrity Anto NeoSoulBen Plumley is joined by musician, DJ, and influencer Anto NeoSoul to explore the evolving concept of masculinity in the 21st century. Reflecting on their personal experiences and societal observations from Kenya to the UK, Ben and Anton discuss the impacts of traditional gender roles, the rise of toxic masculinity, and the importance of gender equity. The conversation delves into the influences of matriarchal societies, personal stories involving media and cultural icons, and the significance of positive male mentoring. They also touch on sensitive topics such as the relationship with firearms and the role women play in shaping a...2025-05-0650 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastResilience and Realignment: Preventing Global Infectious Disease with AVAC’s Mitchell WarrenMitchell Warren, AVAC's Executive Director, joins Ben to scope out a forward-looking infectious disease prevention strategy. It is urgently needed, amidst political and economic turmoil caused by the dismantling of US aid and declines in funding from European donors. With HIV as the poster child of what once was global health solidarity, it is an opportunity for a resurgent and resilient Global South to take the reins and set priorities in how to deploy new biomedical innovations, and protecting the rights of communities affected by HIV and other pandemics. Ben and Mitchell also delve into the various legal actions the publ...2025-05-0149 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastKennedy vs. Braidwood: ACA Free Prevention Services Go Back to the Supreme CourtIn this episode of A Shot in the Arm podcast, Ben Plumley discusses an ongoing potentially highly significant legal challenge to the Affordable Care Act with Eric Waskowicz, Senior Policy Manager at the United States of Care. The case involves a small group of employers in Texas seeking to eliminate mandates for free preventative services, positing both constitutional issues and religious objections. Eric explains the potential widespread impacts on access to healthcare if the Supreme Court rules against the ACA provisions. He emphasizes the importance of no-cost preventative services and the economic and social benefits of maintaining them. The...2025-04-1931 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastAI and the Future of HealthcareIn this episode of A Shot in the Arm Podcast, Ben Plumley talks with Professor Eyal Zimlichman, Chief Transformation Officer and Chief Innovation Officer for the Sheba Medical Center in Israel. They discuss the transformative role of artificial intelligence in global healthcare, from innovations that reduce mortality rates to AI-driven diagnostic tools. Prof. Zimlichman shares insights on leveraging AI for efficiency, reducing healthcare costs, and driving economic growth by fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. The conversation also delves into how developing countries can leapfrog traditional healthcare models using AI technology, and the importance of AI governance and...2025-04-0139 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastIs Trump's Global Health Strategy Emerging?Join Eric Goosby and Ben Plumley as they delve into the latest global health news coming out of Washington DC, including funding cuts from the US government to key international health programs, whether the administration will abide by the continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund all global health programs approved by Congress for 2025, and the implications for the UN, Gavi and US academic institutions. They also try to make sense of the significant job cuts announced by the administration to the Department of Health and Human Services today , and the continuing outbreak of measles in the US. These...2025-03-2849 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastImpact of US Aid Cuts on South Africa's HealthcareIn 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 a...2025-03-2434 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastThe Fight to Keep Global Health AliveHosted byBen Plumley & Professor Ambassador Eric GoosbyEpisode SummaryIn 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 fund...2025-03-0849 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAre We Living in a Coup Yet?Hosts: Ben Plumley, Yvette RaphaelGuest: Gregg GonsalvesRecorded 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, dr...2025-02-0949 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastTwo weeks of Trump: Our ReactionGlobal Health Diplomats | Two weeks of Trump: Our ReactionWelcome 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...2025-02-0146 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastHIV Isn’t Over - Pressing Needs in Biomedical Innovation Post 2030Co-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...2025-01-2052 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastLooking Ahead: Global Health in 2025In 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] IntroductionBen 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.2025-01-0620 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastThe Future of the Global HIV Response: A Post-World AIDS Day ReflectionA 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...2024-12-0956 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastWorld AIDS Day 2024: Human Rights In Action Against HIVEpisode Title: World AIDS Day 2024: Human Rights In Action Against HIVGuests:Hon. Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, Deputy Minister Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, South AfricaDr. 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, he...2024-12-0132 minA Shot in the Arm Podcast2024 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report: The Rights Way to End the Epidemic?Episode Title:2024 UNAIDS World AIDS Day Report: The Rights Way to End the Epidemic?Host: Ben Plumley, Global Health StrategistGuest: Christine Stegling, Deputy Executive Director, UNAIDSEpisode Summary:Welcome to A Shot in the Arm Podcast! In this first of a set of special World AIDS Day 2024 episodes, host Ben Plumley chats with Christine Stegling, Deputy Executive Director of UNAIDS. They delve into the key themes of this World AIDS Day’s UNAIDS report, "Taking the Rights Path to End AIDS", which profile...2024-11-3047 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastEbola, Bombs, and Migrants: A conversation with Dr. Joanne LiuTitle: Ebola, Bombs, and Migrants: A conversation with Dr. Joanne LiuHost: Ben PlumleyGuest: Dr. Joanne Liu, Pediatric Emergency Physician and Former International President of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders)Episode Summary: In this episode, Ben Plumley interviews Dr. Joanne Liu, a pediatric emergency physician from Montreal, Quebec, and former international president of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders). Dr. Liu discusses her new book, "L’Ebola, les bombes et les migrants," which delves into the interconnected crises of pandemics, conflict, and migration. The conversation covers her experi...2024-11-1853 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastIntegrating Diagnostics for Global Health Equity with Dr. Ben LaBrotBen Plumley sits down with Dr. Benjamin LaBrot to discuss innovation and equity in global health diagnostics, focusing on diagnostics' pivotal role in addressing HIV Disease. The conversation covers key themes in diagnostic integration, barriers in middle-income countries, and the critical role of diagnostics in disease prevention and management for other conditions as well, like hepatitis, and tuberculosis.Host: Ben Plumley, Global Health StrategistGuest: Dr. Benjamin LaBrot, Physician and Global Health Advocate, Roche DiagnosticsKey Topics CoveredDiagnostics and Patient Empowerment2024-11-1147 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastPost Election Blues & RedsIn this episode, Ben reflects on the recent US Presidential Election and its implications for democracy and global health. Key points discussed include:
Democracy in Action: The election showcased the importance of daily democratic engagement in a divided country.
Transition Team Priorities: The new administration must focus on health, including rebuilding trust in medical science, pandemic preparedness, and funding frontline services.
Global Risks: The triple threats of pandemics, climate change, and conflict pose unprecedented risks to our way of life.
AIDS Response: Concerns about the US investment in PEPFAR and the Global Fund, and the need for shared glob...2024-11-0704 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastGlobal Health Diplomats: The 2024 US ElectionIn this special episode of the Global Health Diplomats, hosted by Ben Plumley and Professor Eric Goosby, the focus is on the upcoming US presidential election and its implications for global health diplomacy. The discussion covers the lack of attention to global health in the current election campaigns, the potential future of global health diplomacy under different administrations, and the critical issues facing global health - the polycrises of pandemics, climate and conflict, as well as the ongoing demands of the global response to AIDS.Key Topics Discussed:US Election and Global Health Diplomacy:
The lack...2024-11-0350 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAIDS 2024: A Prescription for PEPFARThe first full day of #aids2024, sees Ben and Jeff reflecting on the some powerful presentations from the opening plenary - all while Yvette is off chairing sessions of her own. Then friend of the pod, Emily Bass joins Ben and Jeff to discuss the perilous state of the largest funder of HIV services - the US tax payer, through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024https://www.unaids.org/enhttps://www.state.gov/pepfar-aids-2024https://thinkglobalhealth.orgh...2024-07-2348 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAn AIDS 2024 Primer with Infectious Disease Specialist, Ben LaBrotWe’ll be at AIDS2024 podcasting daily, and to give us a primer on what to expect, Ben is joined by infectious disease specialist, Ben LaBrot - on everything from the difference between epidemic control and elimination to how to get prevention and care services to communities hardly reached by conventional clinical services.This podcast is supported by Roche Molecular Diagnostics.https://www.iasociety.org/conferences/aids2024https://keck.usc.eduhttps://diagnostics.roche.com/gb/en/home.htmlhttps://floatingdoctors.com...2024-07-2148 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAll About ViiV: An Interview with CEO Deborah Waterhouse at CROI 2024ViiV Healthcare is the world’s only pharmaceutical company dedicated exclusively to HIV, and in this episode, Ben meets its CEO, Deborah Waterhouse, to explore the company’s approach to HIV R&D and commercial success - as well as the controversies its global access strategy has attracted for its new long acting injectables. Deborah and Ben find they have much in common beyond both being Brits growing up in the 70s and 80s, from being students of the humanities choosing to make careers in health, to their favorite pop music. https://viivhealthcare.comht...2024-03-1338 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastUganda’s Legalized Persecution of LGBTQ+ / Personal & Public Health ThreatsRecorded in June 2023, Yvette Raphael and Ben Plumley catch up with Dr. Frank Mugisha, a leading Ugandan advocate at the forefront of the fight against the country’s persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. After the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill became law in Uganda, Frank explains the direct threats to the safety of the LGBTQ+ Ugandans and their supporters. He points to the outsize funding and influence of Western, particularly North American, right-wing Christian evangelists. The conversation serves, not only as an insight into the growing anti-rights movement that targets women’s as well as LGBTQ+ rights, but also a call to act...2024-02-1853 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastThe Global Trust Crisis with 70,000 People from 70 CountriesThe Global Listening Project has teamed up with the Global Health Diplomats and A Shot In The Arm Podcast, to bring you the release of the Project’s new 70 country 70,000 people study into how public trust in governments and health policies have been affected by COVID-19. It’s the first data set of this size to capture comprehensive information about people’s sense of preparedness for future crises. Coming just before the Munich Security Conference, Co-host Ben Plumley catches up with GLP founder, Professor Heidi Larson in Bengaluru, along with friend of the podcast, Prasada Rao JVR, former Health Secret...2024-02-141h 03A Shot in the Arm Podcast“Make We Talk” - Hopes and Dreams for Nigeria’s Young WomenIn a feature-length episode, Y-Isha Raphael meets three young women from Lagos, Nigeria who reflect on their hopes and dreams - and how society’s social norms help - and hinder - them in achieving their goals. They explore everything from HIV to family planning, careers - and whether, when they have teenage kids of their own, they will be allowed to have cell phones and use social media!Joining Y-Isha areAdeola Ajetunmobi, Secretary of Association of Positive Duties NigeriaHassana Ireti Adams, Lagos State Coordinator fo...2023-10-251h 17
A Shot in the Arm PodcastIs the UN Excluding Communities?Ben got together recently at the UN with the representatives of Frontline AIDS’ community-based organization partners from Cambodia, Ukraine and Namibia to get a grip on why civil society groups are increasingly being excluded from international negotiations and high- level meetings, what we all need to do to rectify this situation - and how Frontline AIDS partners continue to be at the sharp end of innovation and care for people affected by HIV.Ben’s guests are
Choub Sok Chamreun Executive Director KHANA, Cambodia
Zahed Islam, Director Supply Management Alliance for Public Health, Ukra...2023-10-0223 minA Shot in the Arm Podcast76th World Health Assembly - What To ExpectThe Global Health Council is joining A Shot In The Arm Podcast to provide accessible, daily updates on all the news coming out of the 76th World Health Assembly. In this introductory episode, Ben Plumley and GHC President & CEO Elisha Dunn-Georgiou explore what to expect, from a pandemics treaty, Universal Health Coverage, non-communicable diseases, a diagnostics declaration, to the fight to secure greater transparency & accountability in how decisions are made by this august body, in the age of polycrisis.https://globalhealth.orghttps://www.who.int/about/governance/world-health-assemblyhttps://www...2023-05-2138 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastHIV Prevention for Girls & Women - Real Choice, Not Theoretical OptionsIn the first episode of this new season of Sharing The Mic with Frontline AIDS, we talk choice in HIV prevention, why it’s essential to protect girls and women in sub Saharan Africa, and why the world needs to step up to make exciting new biomedical innovations available to them, as a matter of urgency. Introduction: Lois Chingandu, Interim Executive Director, Frontline AIDSHosts:Ben Plumley, Host A Shot In The Arm PodcastLeora Pillay, Lead, HIV Prevention Advocacy, Frontline AIDS2023-04-2454 min
A Shot in the Arm PodcastLive From CROI 2023!Join Ben Plumley and Yvette Raphael, live from CROI 2023 (the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections - THE conference for the latest science on viruses, bacteria and other pandemic threats), as they profile the data they want to learn about - from HIV prevention, treatment and cure, to Mpox, COVID and other bugs - as well as Yvette’s opening plenary speech on the leadership of women scientists, doctors and community advocates - and she has A LOT to say!https://www.croiconference.orghttps://www.ashotinthearmpodcast.comhttps://www.ni...2023-02-2036 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastFestive Bonus Episode: But Our Emails!In between mince pies and braais, Yvette and Ben answer your emails and messages - contentious and occasionally comic from all over the world of global health innovation and equity.Don’t forget to keep your questions and coming - find us on all your favorite podcast platforms and social media sites!Yvette’s and Ben’s Bucket Hats are handmade in South Africa by Pozie athttps://latobyveresources-pozie.business.site2022-12-3034 minA Shot in the Arm Podcast2022 World AIDS Day from Tembisa, South AfricaYvette Raphael welcomes co-host Ben Plumley to Tembisa, South Africa, for a World AIDS Day special, to reflect on the sometimes bumpy response from the country with the largest number of people living with HIV. And catch Yvette’s interview with Lolo Saliso, HIV & human rights activist from Advocates for the Prevention of HIV in Africa on how it is young people’s time to lead, building on the legacy of older “dinosaur” activists like Yvette and Ben. https://www.unaids.org/enhttps://sanac.org.zahttps://apha.org.za#worldaids...2022-12-0431 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastPandemics Preparation For Whom?We are sharing the mic with Frontline AIDS again, to reflect on the recent Berlin World Health Summit, the G20 Summit in Indonesia, and ongoing negotiations towards a World Bank Pandemics Fund through the lenses of grass-roots communities on the frontline, and to ask, these pandemics preparation and response initiatives - who are they for?Joining Ben Plumley areLois Chingandu, Director of Evidence and Influence Frontline AIDSChristian Acosta, Coordinator of the HIV-FM Project for Frontline AIDS partner Kimirina (Ecuador)RD Marte, Executive Director of APCASO (Thailand)2022-11-151h 05A Shot in the Arm PodcastCurrent & Future Pandemics - How Resilient are we?Ben is joined by two giants of global health diplomacy, Ambassadors Mark Dybul and Eric Goosby, to take stock of how resilient the world is in sustaining existing infectious disease responses and preparing for future pandemic threats, by building on existing infrastructure - particularly optimized lab-based diagnostic networks.A Shot In the Arm Podcast is a member of the Health Podcast Network, and is a project of the Global Health Reporting Center. This episode is brought to you with the kind support of Roche Diagnostics. GuestsAmbassador Ma...2022-11-121h 02A Shot in the Arm PodcastDiagnostics: The Gateway for Managing PandemicsBen catches up with infectious disease physicians Tamar Tchelidze and Ben La Brot, on how networks of lab-based and point of care tests can drive better diagnosing and management of infectious disease - and can PrEP and HIV treatment be the poster-child to prove this to skeptical policy makers? Sponsored by Roche Diagnostics.GuestsDr. Tamar Tchelidze, Disease Partner, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Roche DiagnosticsDr. Benjamin LaBrot, Medical Affairs Leader, Infectious Disease, Medical & Scientific Affairs, Roche Diagnosticshttps://www.who.inthttps://www...2022-11-0757 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastFinancing the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and MalariaWorld leaders meet in New York this week, to commit - hopefully - $18 billion over the next three years to the Global Fund in its fight to end AIDS, TB and Malaria - as well as COVID-19, and in this episode, we are again sharing the mic with Frontline AIDS to explore how communities themselves lead country programs funded by the Global Fund, as well as the critical advocacy role they are playing right now to keep the world’s attention focused on the three diseases.Joining Ben are:Kanna Dharmarajah Lead HI...2022-09-2053 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastDoomsday Watch Meets Global Health (with Guest Arthur Snell)Ben meets Arthur Snell, former UK diplomat, host of the Doomsday Watch Podcast, and author of the Amazon UK bestseller “How Britain Broke The World” to explore how the greatest challenges facing the international community are radically changing global health priorities. Arthur reflects on the wide-ranging impacts of Russia’s ill-fated invasion of Ukraine, NATO’s retreat from Afghanistan, and what to expect from the new British Prime Minister Liz Truss - particularly whether the UK will follow the lead of the US and European partners and support the 7th replenishment of the Global Fund. https...2022-09-0853 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastGlobal Health Security - Part 2Just prior to AIDS 2022, Ben sat down with Steve Morrison, one of the world’s leading thinkers on how health fits into new trends in global security. He shares his views on the impact of the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, COVID-19 and other current and future infectious outreaks on nations’ security. Guest: J. Stephen Morrison, Senior Pice President at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Director of its Global Health Policy Center.https://www.csis.org/people/j-stephen-morrison#CSIS #globalsecurity #globalhealthsecurity #pandemics #pandemicspreparation #pandemicsresponse #HIV #AIDS #malaria #tb #covid2022-08-0250 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastHIV and COVID-19: A Private Sector Example of Transferable and New SolutionsCOVID-19 has upended society, from vaccine inequity, to healthcare and to the way we work. In this #aids2022 podcast, we look at how one San Francisco Bay Area-based multinational - Chevron - has responded to COVID-19, by building on its heritage of partnerships forged over 30 years of the AIDS response.Joining Ben, are friends of the podcast:Dr. Huma Abbasi, Chief Medical Officer, ChevronDr. Chinwe Okala, Lead Physician Chevron NigeriaAmbassador Eric Goosby, UCSF and UN Special Envoy on TBLance Toma, CEO of the SF Community Health...2022-07-311h 13A Shot in the Arm PodcastManaging Pandemics: Pathways to Better Diagnostics in Infectious DiseaseIt’s obvious really, that you can’t treat your way out of a pandemic without the right diagnostics to tell you who is infected, and with which variant of virus or bacterium - and in this episode Ben chats with two leading experts on how laboratory and point of care diagnostics form the essential backbone to any effective infectious disease public health program. Sponsored by Roche Molecular.Ben is joined by Dr. Tamar Tchelidze, and Dr. Ben La Brot, physicians from Roche Molecular Systems Inc, both with deep frontline expertise in combating pandemics....2022-07-2856 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAIDS 2022: New Report on Human Rights ViolationsIn this episode we provide our listeners and viewers with an overview of the key Frontline AIDS activities at the upcoming AIDS 2022 conference in Montreal – particularly the launch of the Report “Protectors or Perpetrators?” – highlighting how unlawful policing practices are affecting the communities most affected by AIDS – and showcasing the leadership of those same communities in documenting and responding to human rights violations. The panelists for this episode are− Host, Ben Plumley− Oratile Moseki, Lead Human Rights Advocacy (Human Rights), Frontline AIDS− Micheal Ighodaro, Prevention Access Campaign & Trustee of Frontline AIDS ...2022-07-281h 00A Shot in the Arm PodcastReversing Roe vs Wade: Global Health RamificationsThe reversal of Roe vs Wade has sent shockwaves around the world. In this second “Sharing the Mic” with Frontline AIDS, we explore the impacts on global health - sexual and reproductive health services, the response to HIV, and, above all, the rights, hopes and futures of girls and women.Joining Ben Plumley, are panelistsYumnah Hattas, Senior Adviser, Gender and Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights, Frontline AIDSPatriciah Jeckonia, Senior Technical Adviser, LVCT Health, KenyaCrystal Lander, Chief Strategic Engagement Officer, Pathfinder InternationalDir...2022-06-251h 06A Shot in the Arm PodcastWhere's the Health in Global Security? A conversation with Gayle Smith, CEO of ONEInternational efforts are concentrated on securing funding to tackle one of the greatest challenges facing global security today - the fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria. Of course all eyes are turned towards Ukraine and mitigating the impact of Russia’s invasion, but COVID and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have transformed our understanding of global security, with health – particularly pandemic responses – now a central challenge the World faces. Gayle Smith, CEO of ONE, joins Ben to explore new definitions of global health security, the World Health Assembly in Geneva, advocacy to ensure the Global Fund is fully funded, and what...2022-06-0359 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastUkraine - The Frontlines of War & a Public Health CrisisIn the first of a short series of special podcasts, we “Share The Mic” with Frontline AIDS to highlight the critical role communities themselves have to play in defeating AIDS and other pandemics. We head to Ukraine, and learn more about how Frontline AIDS’ national partner, the Alliance for Public Health is delivering HIV medications and health services, despite desperately difficult circumstances, to people in need. And we dig deep into how global funding for the global response to AIDS is being squeezed by both the radical disruption of the global security order precipitated by the war, and the global...2022-05-111h 31A Shot in the Arm PodcastMedicine & Humanity: A Profile of Dr. Julie GerberdingIn this episode we meet internationally renowned infectious disease specialist, Dr. Julie Gerberding, and profile her life from young HIV doc in San Francisco, to the head of the CDC, and onto the pharmaceutical company Merck, where she most recently Chief Patient Officer. Another new chapter of her life begins as she was recently announced as the new CEO of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed t...2022-03-311h 07A Shot in the Arm PodcastJonna Mazet tackles big, wicked problems armed with lessons from COVID-19Internationally respected epidemiologist Jonna Mazet returns to A Shot in the Arm Podcast after being recently appointed Vice Provost of the Grand Challenges initiative at University of California, Davis — a program aimed at responding to the world’s biggest problems. She joins Ben to discuss the need for a multidisciplinary approach to building trust in science, as well as the biggest lessons scientists have learned from the two-year battle against COVID-19.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- al...2021-12-2152 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastHazell Dean’s Hi-NRG Hits Turn Activism into LoveHazell Dean rose to Hi-NRG fame across the UK at the dawn of the global HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s, embraced by loyal LGBTQ fans as a dance-pop queen whose hits fueled nightclub beats and her personal advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and the transgender community. In our special World AIDS Day episode, Hazell speaks with host Ben Plumley about her career, the re-release of her greatest hits, and her love for the queer community.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits...2021-12-0828 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastMartina Clark: UNAIDS’ First Openly HIV+ Staffer Publishes New MemoirFormer UNAIDS staffer Martina Clark chats with Ben about her new memoir, My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and COVID-19. The first openly HIV-positive person hired to work at UNAIDS, she shares insights gained throughout her 20-year career with the United Nations and the lessons she has applied to her own personal fight against COVID-19.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to advancing global health equity and #innovation....2021-12-0158 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastPeter Staley: Acting Up Against AIDS and COVID-19Legendary activist Peter Staley joins us for a conversation on lessons learned from the fight against AIDS that have informed today’s global battle with COVID-19. We also discuss the evolution of Peter’s decades-long friendship with NIAID Director Dr. Anthony Fauci, the lives that have been saved as a result, as well as Peter’s recently published memoir "Never Silent" which chronicles his activism journey with the iconic New York-based group Act Up. Movies referenced in the episode:How to Survive a Plague - https://surviveaplague.comCrip Camp - https://cripcamp.comThe n...2021-11-0552 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastPolicy Briefing with Global Health Council's President and CEO Elisha Dunn-GeorgiouIn this recording of a live policy briefing, Ben chats with Elisha Dunn-Georgiou, the new President and CEO of Global Health Council, who shares policy and funding updates on Capitol Hill. It is a busy fall, with UN General Assembly meeting and the subsequent Biden COVID-19 summit just behind us, and the global climate summit about to take place in Glasgow, Scotland. The Global Health Council, the collective voice for the global health community, advocates in the U.S. and multilateral forums for sound, strong global health policies and resources to improve global health systems, security, equity a...2021-10-2756 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastBuilding COVID-19 Confidence Through Social Media Campaigns (S04 Ep24)To coincide with the 20210 UN General Assembly, PSI pulled together a panel to explore how social media campaigns, often a key approach to building COVID-19 vaccine confidence among connected consumers at scale, can combat vaccine misinformation and hesitancy. The Panel looks at the impact of multi-sectoral partnerships (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #17) with Facebook, PSI, CARE & UNICEF.Guests:- Martin Dale, Director of Digital Health & Monitoring, PSI- Lu'Chen Foster, Director of Health Partnerships, Facebook- Lateefah Mosley, Project Manager, Scaled Support Program, UNICEF- Jessica Kirkwood, Associate VP, Supporter Engagement CARE2021-09-241h 01A Shot in the Arm PodcastDiscussing the Next Wave of Nonprofit Leadership with Jeanne Bell (S04 Ep23)Ben catches up with Jeanne Bell, Nonprofit leader and consultant, on the challenges facing nonprofit organizations in the 2020s, from attracting funding from the new generation of philanthropies, to stepping aside to invest in the leadership of communities for whom non-profit services were designed to support in the first place.For more information:Nonprofit Sustainability: Making Strategic Decisions for Financial Viability(Jan Masaoka, Steve Zimmerman, Jeanne Bell)https://bit.ly/nonprofitsustainabilityhttps://nonprofitquarterly.orghttps://www.compasspoint.orghttps://sfcommunityhealth.orghttps://www.cdc.gov...2021-08-3134 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastAccelerating Cross-sector Pandemics Innovation During Covid (S04 Ep22)This is a recording of a networking session organized by the American Society for Microbiology at the World Microbe Forum in June 2021. Ben met Professor Jonna Mazet, UC Davis, Professor Simon Frost, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Principal Data Scientist at Microsoft and Dr Jay Wohlgemuth, CMO of Quest Diagnostics. Opening remarks were made by ASM's Past President, Professor Victor DiRita and its CEO, Dr Stefano Bertuzzi. And the event was organized by the ASM's Chief Business Development Officer, Dr Christine Rousseau.Among many innovations, the session highlighted developing diagnostic tests now for the "r...2021-07-301h 27A Shot in the Arm PodcastLiving Out Loud with Global Human Rights Advocate, Micheal Ighodaro (S04 E21)Ben is joined by Micheal Ighodaro, a Nigerian-born human rights activist, who is profiled in the new HBO documentary, "The Legend of the Underground," a film about the struggle against rampant LGBTQ discrimination in Nigeria, as experienced by several young men who fight for the right to live their truth.You can find this episode and past episodes of A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Ben Plumley on this (and other) podcast platforms. Please subscribe and give us 5 stars!https://www.hbo.com/documentaries/the-legend-of-the-undergroundhttps://www.avac.orghttps://www.gbgmc...2021-07-1351 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastLeveraging Technology to Scale Outcomes in Global Health (S04 Ep20)This is a recording of webinar discussion, facilitated by Ben, about the importance of digital infrastructure, the role of collaboration to strengthen these systems and empower digital innovation, and the future of digital health. Brought to you by the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, with Co-creation Hub, Mastercard and Zenysis Technologies, as part of Resonance's Inclusive Innovation Exchange.Introduced by Resonance's Marissa Gilman, Ben is joined by Clay Sader, the Chief Operating Officer and former Director of Product at Zenysis Technologies. As the company’s first hire, Clay developed product strategy, shaped embedded delivery models, and launched pr...2021-07-1158 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastTaking a Look at PEPFAR with Journalist-Activist, Emily Bass (S04 E19)Ben chats with Emily Bass, journalist, AIDS activist and author of To End A Plague - a new review of PEPFAR - President George W Bush's multibillion investment in life-saving HIV treatment in Africa, and why this was the US's first moonshot of the 21st century. You can find this episode and past episodes of A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Ben Plumley on this (and other) podcast platforms. Please subscribe and give us 5 stars!For more information, please visit:https://www.state.gov/pepfarhttps://www.avac.orghttps://ww...2021-07-081h 01A Shot in the Arm PodcastAdapting Private Sector Strategies for Global Health (S04 E18)In this recently recorded live web event, we explore what private strategies ideas can be adopted by the global health community to develop, distribute, and market products for those most in need in low and middle income countries. With the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, Medicines 360, PSI and Resonance. Joining Ben are:Andrée Sosler, Senior Director, Impact and Global Access, Medicines360Margot Fahnestock, Vice President, Strategic Development, Medicines360Brandon Soloski, Senior Manager, Strategic Partnership, PSIMarissa Gilman, Global Health Practice Lead, ResonanceMedicines360 is a nonprofit organization that operates as...2021-07-071h 01A Shot in the Arm PodcastIndia’s Continuing COVID Crisis (S04 Ep17)This is a zoom recording of a lovely and fascinating conversation between two global health leaders, Purnima Mane and Geeta Rao Gupta, as they reflect on how India’s cultural and structural barriers - particularly towards girls and women - have enabled SARS CoV2 to spread so widely. While the headlines may have faded away, the huge damage done by this pandemic are far from over.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to advancing gl...2021-06-2758 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastDesign & the Art of Public Health (S04 Ep16)Ben chats with Nancye Green, co-founder of Donovan/Green and pioneer of the use of design to improve public health communications & engagement with communities. They discuss the CDC’s latest COVID-19 masks guidance, pharma TV ads, and their shared passion for one health.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to advancing global health equity and #innovation.You can find this episode and past episodes of A Shot in the Arm Podcast with Be...2021-05-3130 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastIndia’s COVID LGBTQI Crisis (S04 Ep15)This special episode is a recording of a webinar organized by international and India-based organizations, with San Francisco Bay Area groups to find out how the pandemic is impacting India’s LGBTQI communities, and how we can help.It is part of a special series organized by the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, and the other cohosts of this episode are Parivar, Save Indian Trans ALL INDIA Lives (SITAL), Frontline AIDS, the India HIV/AIDS Alliance, the San Francisco Community Health Center, and the Horizons Foundation.You can find this episode and past episodes of A...2021-05-2259 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastWorkplace Wellbeing in the Age of COVID (S04 Ep14)Ben catches up with leading physician, Dr. Huma Abbasi, General Manager Global Health and Medical and Chief Medical Officer at Chevron, to explore how the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the emotional wellbeing of employees around the world, what we have learned from HIV workplace strategies, and what employers can do to support their workers and families, especially in environments where governments can't or won't.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to...2021-05-0838 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastGlobal Health Innovation Financing with Krista Donaldson, CEO of Equalize Health (S04 Ep13)Ben meets Krista Donaldson, CEO of Equalize Health to make sense of the evolving global health innovation financing landscape, and how young social entrepreneurs can attract investment - a special podcast for students participating in the Bay Area Global Health Innovation Challenge. http://www.bayareaglobalhealthchallenge.comThis episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to advancing global health equity and #innovation.You can find this episode and past episodes of A Shot in the...2021-04-2424 minA Shot in the Arm PodcastEXTREME HUMANISM: A Conversation About Engagement & Human Connection with Management Guru Tom Peters (S04 Ep12)Ben catches up with Tom Peters, internationally respected business management leader and author, who has turned his attention to the impact of COVID-19 and the urgent need for extreme humanism - a dramatic scale up of leadership at the individual, company and societal level to address COVID 19 and prepare for future pandemics.This episode was made in partnership with the Bay Area Global Health Alliance, a network of academic institutions, nonprofits, and innovative tech, biotech and pharmaceutical companies -- all committed to advancing global health equity and #innovation.You can find this episode and past...2021-04-1042 min