AIDS Epidemic: Life & Death On The Frontline

How do we understand something as huge as a global epidemic?

Similarly to Covid, the AIDS epidemic, which was most destructive in the 1980s and 90s, had such universal reach. Yet within that, there were millions of personal experiences.

What was it like to work on the frontline with people who were hit by this cruel virus? How did a Canadian air steward come to be wrongly blamed for introducing AIDS to North America?

To mark World AIDS Day, today Kate is joined by two special guests. Firstly, Flick Thorley, who speaks about why her experience as a nurse on an AIDS ward was a blessing. Secondly, we’re joined by Richard McKay, author of Patient Zero And The Making Of The AIDS Epidemic to unpack the larger societal reaction.

Click here to find out more about the amazing work the Terrence Higgins Trust do.

This episode was edited by Tom Delargy. The producer was Stuart Beckwith. The senior producer was Charlotte Long.

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