14 Sep 2022 | 16:36

The film reveals how scientists and affected communities can work together to bring new advances to those still suffering on the front lines of the crisis.

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  Christina Zyders
  

  

  Christina Zeiders is a Communications Specialist for WITF. She helps spread the word about all WITF programs, events and community conversations.

ending HIV in America1 hour special from Novaexplores the astonishing scientific progress that has been made in the fight against HIV, sheds light on the actions and commitments of communities still hardest hit by the virus, and shows how much we can do in ways never before thought possible. Revealing What We’re Nearing – The End of HIV in America.

The film follows the twists and turns of HIV treatment since scientists identified the virus nearly 40 years ago, set against the backdrop of two very different American cities: San Francisco, California and Birmingham, Alabama. It represents a real-world problem. Bringing care to those who need it most.

What began as a ferocious disease that frustrated scientists on all fronts led to a long-term global scientific quest that led to a series of extraordinary discoveries. Reaching those who are in need required forging equally innovative partnerships between the public health community and communities often ignored or discriminated against by health authorities.

“HIV is a very difficult virus to fight, and the journey of science over the last 40 years has been a dramatic roller coaster filled with hope, frustration and some truly amazing discoveries. Nova Co-Executive Producer Julia Court. “It all continues to this day when public health experts say ending HIV transmission in America is within our grasp.”

ending HIV in America How could scientists gain the upper hand in one of the most elusive and deadly pathogens ever known? Can the deep-rooted challenge of stigma be addressed? Will innovative treatment regimens bring new infections to zero?

In 2019, the U.S. government set an ambitious goal of reducing new infections by 90% by 2030. As with any disease, final cases are the most difficult to eradicate, but the so-called last mile appears to vary by region. Country.

Home to Ward 86, the nation’s oldest HIV/AIDS clinic, San Francisco rolled out plans in 2013, pledging to be the first city to completely eradicate the virus. New infections he has dropped by more than 60%, even though the COVID pandemic has brought new challenges.

The film follows health workers who run clinics that provide HIV care and other services tailored to the city’s homeless and transgender communities. It also presents her HIV-positive activists like Cecilia Cheung, who have lived through different times of the HIV/AIDS pandemic over the last 40 years.

In Birmingham, Alabama, the last mile of the battle feels long. For many residents, the state does not offer the same level of support as San Francisco, making the cost of a highly effective preventive treatment known as PrEP prohibitive.

The film follows a group of staff at the 1917 Clinic, run by the University of Alabama at Birmingham, helping patients cope with a variety of challenges. Among this group are Reverend Chris Hamlin, former minister of the city’s historic 16th Street Baptist Church, and Tommy Williams, who connects clients with the clinic’s services and shares a bond with many of its patients. There is He is also HIV positive.

With unforgettable portraits and interviews with HIV science pioneers and community leaders, ending HIV in America A story of struggle and victory, showing how the fight against HIV reshaped the worlds of science and medicine.

clock NOVA: Ending HIV in America Stream on demand on WITF TV from 9pm on Wednesday, September 21, or via the PBS Video app.