Science Magazine Podcast Losing years of progress against HIV, and farming plastic on Mars
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Jul 3, 2025 Jon Cohen, a Senior News Correspondent for Science Magazine, shares his insights from reporting in Lesotho and Eswatini, highlighting the devastating effects of U.S. funding cuts on HIV treatment, especially for vulnerable populations. Robin Wordsworth, the Gordon McKay Professor at Harvard, delves into the exciting potential of using microbes to cultivate plastics, drugs, and food on Mars, envisioning innovative ways to sustain life in extreme environments. The discussion ties together critical global health issues and pioneering solutions for future human habitation beyond Earth.
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HIV Progress in Lesotho and Eswatini
- Lesotho and Eswatini have the world's highest HIV prevalence but made remarkable progress due to US aid.
- Before 2003, diagnosis meant imminent death and stigma was worse, but treatment changed everything.
Early Achievement of 95-95-95 Targets
- Lesotho and Eswatini already reached the ambitious 95-95-95 UNAIDS targets early.
- Their success owes much to US programs that built healthcare systems and aggressive prevention like PrEP.
Funding Cuts Reverse HIV Gains
- Clinics in Lesotho lacked HIV tests for pregnant women and babies after funding cuts.
- Pregnant women on treatment can nearly eliminate mother-to-child HIV transmission, but staff cuts undo this progress.