In this opening episode, Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Regional Director for UNAIDS in East and Southern Africa, breaks down the current state of the HIV response in Africa at a time when global funding cuts are reshaping the landscape.

We hear directly from those on the front line — health workers facing job losses, community organisations under strain, and people living with HIV who share their fears, frustrations, and concerns about what reduced support means for their treatment and wellbeing. Yet this episode also highlights resilience.

Across the region, communities and governments are mobilising, reallocating resources, and finding new ways to keep essential services alive. Their determination underscores a powerful message: even in the face of disruption, progress must not be allowed to slip.

Welcome to the journey of Crossing the Last Mile — a space for honest voices and urgent conversations about sustaining Africa’s HIV response.

This podcast is made possible by the partnership 2gether4SRHR and is made ay SemaBOX.

NOTES

This episode includes additional audio from the following sources: 

CNN -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PN9DMYRVb8E

DW NEWS-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5_7hjNZNl4

DW AFRICA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ug8WKJpmlZQ&t=17s

ALJAZEERA -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoXhYZtFsW0&t=223s

UNAIDS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR33F9UfAkU

UNAIDS - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwyLzcMhWkA

ENCA p https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqAO_5i7M3Y

Executive producers: Anne Githuku-Shongwe, Bathsheba Okwenje

Producers: Koketso Madubye, Aude Labbe-Videau

Creative Lead; Dan Aceda 

Writers: Dan Aceda, Bathsheba Okwenje

Engineering: Dan Aceda, House of Dillie 

Narration by Susan Kimashia

Mix and Mastering - SemaBOX

All righst reserved.

Episode ID: 1000740173971

GUID: https://api.spreaker.com/episode/68939580

Release Date: 08/12/2025, 12:01:53