In this episode recorded during the International AIDS Conference in Montreal, Katherine speaks with Eamonn Murphy, Deputy Executive Director of Programmes at UNAIDS, the Joint UN Program on HIV and AIDS, about the agency’s latest report, “In Danger.” Sounding the alarm regarding faltering progress in HIV prevention and treatment over the course of the pandemic, the report calls for greater attention to implementing legal protections for vulnerable populations and highlights the particular challenges girls and young women have faced in preventing infections and accessing testing and treatment. Katherine and Eamonn also discuss the lessons that can be learned from countries that have managed to make progress despite pandemic-related challenges, and what opportunities the greater uptake of self-testing and use of digital communications technologies during the pandemic may mean for HIV services.
Eamonn Murphy, Deputy Executive Director of Programmes, leads UNAIDS’ efforts in promoting an expanded and integrated United Nations system response to HIV at the country, regional, and global levels. Previously he was Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, where he supported countries across the region in achieving the goals outlined in the United Nations Political Declaration on Ending AIDS as well as the Global AIDS Strategy.