SE2EP12: Undetectable: A critique on the gatekeepers that have stopped the world from becoming HIV/AIDS free

pozcast

The TELUS Original documentary, Undetectable looks at the early history of HIV/AIDS in North America, the roadblocks along the way, and critiques the gatekeepers that have stopped the world from becoming HIV/AIDS free. It also includes a sharp analysis of the hysteria, misinformation and stigma that has surrounded HIV since it was identified—and initially associated with gay men—in the early 80s. Host James Watson discusses the film and the issues with director and producer Laura O’Grady and cast members Tiko Kerr, Mark Randall and Dr. Julio Montaner.

• Laura O’Grady has produced, coordinated, written or directed hundreds of hours of content, and 2021 marks the release of Undetectable, a project three years in the making.
• Tiko Kerr joined the Undetectable team in 2019 as Art Director, contributing style frames, composites, original pieces and overall visual direction to further the film’s animation sequences. His artistic practice explores painting, collage, murals, performance and set design.
• Mark Randall is a person living with HIV, a HIV advocate, activist and educator. In his role, Randall provides information, capacity building, access to testing and prevention services and harm reduction resources in a nonjudgmental way.
• Dr. Julio Montaner played a key role in establishing the efficacy of NNRTI based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Since the late 90’s he also pioneered the concept of Treatment as Prevention® (TasP®) and was the first to advocate for the expansion of HAART coverage to curb the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, in terms of decreasing progression to AIDS and death, as well as decreasing HIV transmission.

Join us for this riveting discussion on World AIDS Day, a day for reflection on what we have achieved with regard to the national and global response to HIV, and what we still must achieve. Check out The Positive Effect for more information about the film, U=U and TasP.

Full episode details

Visit the pozcast episode page on The Positive Effect website for full episode details and to learn more about the guests featured on the show. Click here for the full audio transcript.