Kim H. was diagnosed with HIV in the early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. She said back then it felt like a “death sentence.” She experienced isolation and discrimination, even by members of her own family. Almost four decades later, Kim continues to advocate and raise awareness for HIV/AIDS. She lived to witness the evolution in treatment and is joined by Jean-Bernard Simeon, head of ViiV Healthcare U.S. Together, they discuss how new treatment options like long-acting injectables have transformed HIV/AIDS from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic condition, though more needs to be done to erase the stigma and eradicate the virus for good.
Guests:
- Jean-Bernard Simeon, SVP, head of ViiV Healthcare US
- Kim H., HIV/AIDS patient advocate
A different worldview
Debbie Allen’s prolific career has spanned stages and screens as an actress, director, writer and choreographer. She’s known for her roles in A Different World, Fame and Grey’s Anatomy. But perhaps her most influential role is her decades-long behind-the-scenes advocacy work, using her platform to bring HIV/AIDS into the national conversation. She reflects on the friends and colleagues she lost to the disease and her continued effort to address the stigma that still persists for HIV/AIDS patients. She also details Your Hive of Whole Health campaign, a community support initiative for those living with HIV/AIDS.
Guest: Debbie Allen, actress, choreographer and HIV/AIDS advocate