Country Leadership To Transform Global AIDS Responses: Insights from Dr. Nduku Kilonzo and Dr. Thembisile Xulu

Jul 16, 2025

55:51

Episode Description

The sudden termination of US overseas funding jolted AIDS programs in countries hardest hit by the epidemic. Yet the leaders of national AIDS programs had already been preparing for the day when donor funding ended. The HIV Leadership Forum, a community of practice of Directors General of National AIDS Councils from around the world has
recently published a report setting out steps on how resilient and sustainable national programs can be achieved.

Ben is joined by Dr Nduku Kilonzo, Chair of the UNAIDS Global HIV Prevention Coalition, and Dr. Thembisile Xulu, CEO of the South African National AIDS Council, to explore the strategies and challenges in the post-donor era for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. Key topics include the importance of sustainability, integrating HIV programs into broader health systems, and rethinking donor-country partnerships. Both experts
offer valuable insights into how African countries are navigating the reduction in international funding while striving to meet their health goals.

00:00 Introduction
and Episode Overview

01:11 Meet Dr. Nduku
Kilonzo

01:38 Key Findings
from the International Aid Society Scientific Conference

03:09 The HIV
Leadership Forum and Sustainability Report

05:11 Challenges and
Lessons in HIV Prevention

17:42 Interview with
Dr. Thembisile Xulu

21:16 South Africa's
Response to Funding Cuts

32:03 The Future of
HIV Programs and Donor Relationships

47:49 Concluding
Thoughts and Reflections

53:07 Closing Remarks
and Call to Action

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