How Have the Disruptions of Covid-19 Affected HIV/AIDS Testing, Treatment, and Care Around the World?

In this episode, CSIS Senior Associate Jeffrey L. Sturchio talks with Chris Beyrer, Desmond M. Tutu Professor of Public Health and Human Rights of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, about issues at the intersection of the HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 pandemics – and the prospects for an integrated and sustained global response. Professor Beyrer explores why people living with HIV/AIDS are at greater risk of being infected with Covid-19, and the impact this new virus has had on disparities in HIV/AIDS care for different key populations – including people who are incarcerated, refugees and migrants, and adolescent girls and young women. He also discusses how the global research infrastructure and networks for HIV/AIDS pivoted to conducting clinical trials for Covid-19 therapeutics and vaccines. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the steps needed to ensure a more integrated response to both Covid-19 and HIV/AIDS with a focus on solidarity and equity for improved global health security in the long run.