The HIV Podcast

The HIV Podcast is back for 2026! This week's episode takes a look at the amazing work Cher has done for the HIV community and then we look at the CHER clinical study, so this week really is all about Cher-ing.SourcesCher - WikipediaCher, Demi Moore entertain guests at glamorous Cannes fundraiser for AIDS | ReutersCHER | MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL

This week Sarah sits down with the brilliant Garry Brough, HIV advocate and Programme Manager for Fast-Track Cities London. Together they unpack what peer support actually is and why it's such a game-changer: empowering, grounding...a reminder that sometimes what we really need is a conversation with someone who gets it.From Isolation to Empowerment: The Power of Peer Support in HIV Care - Fast-Track Cities London

This week Sarah and Jess are diving into the history of STIs! We take you on a whistle-stop tour of humanity’s long, complicated, and occasionally ridiculous relationship with sexually transmitted infections. Expect myths, medicine, and a few moments that will make you grateful for antibiotics.Sources‘Groundbreaking’ HIV prevention programme aims to end transmissions by 2030 | The IndependentSTIs through the centuries – UK Health Security Agency The History of STIs - Broadgate GPSexually transmitted infection - Wikipedia

This week, Sarah and Jess celebrate World AIDS Day by talking about the need, and break down why support still matters, bust a few myths, and remind everyone that HIV isn’t “sorted” just because the meds are brilliant.Donate now Donate — TVPS

This week, Sarah and Jess go back to where it all began, uncovering the story of Nora Wattie, the woman who pioneered the foundations of modern contact tracing. They explore how her work shaped public health and also take a diversion into 'period chat'.....enjoy!SourcesNora Wattie - WikipediaFirst doses of HIV prevention drug lenacapavir delivered to Zambia, Eswatini | Reuters

This week Chantelle joins Jess to talk about cabotegravir, the long-acting injectable PrEP that’s changing how people can protect themselves from HIV! And there is also come 'C' word chat, so avoid this episode if it's too soon for festive cheer!Sourceshttps://www.england.nhs.uk/2025/10/nhs-to-roll-out-first-long-acting-injection-to-prevent-hiv/https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/first-hiv-prevention-injection-for-people-unable-to-have-daily-prep-recommendedhttps://www.who.int/news/item/14-07-2025-who-recommends-injectable-lenacapavir-for-hiv-preventionhttps://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/sep/24/hiv-prevention-jab-pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep-lenacapavir-120-poorer-countries-2027https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenacapavir

This week, Sarah and Jess get into the fascinating world of contact tracing, how it works, why it matters, and what really happens. Oh, and since it’s Halloween, there’s also a quick detour into scary movies and a bit of hot air balloon chat!Sources What is partner notification or contact tracing? • SHL.UK

This week, Sarah and Jess take a curious wander through the origins of sexual health clinics, from the hush-hush beginnings to the open, empowering spaces we know today. Expect all the usual side-chat like why Jess hates collecting prescriptions and what happens when Sarah takes her husband to weddings. Never a dull moment when you're learning about sexual health history with these two!Sources The history of sexual health | ADPHChancroid - Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment | BMJ Best PracticeOur Story - MSI Reproductive Choices

In part 2, Sarah and Jess slip into their metaphorical lab coats (don’t worry, no Bunsen burners involved) to find out exactly how PrEP works in the body. Spoiler: it’s less “magic pill” and more “tiny molecular bodyguard” that blocks HIV from setting up shop. Expect easy science, bad analogies, and at least one “ohhhh, that’s clever” moment. If you’ve ever wondered what PrEP actually does after you swallow it, this is the episode that finally explains it, minus the biology degree.Sources What’s the difference between PrEP and PEP for HIV prevention? | aidsmapAbout Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHSHow and when to take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) - NHS