EP75: Living an Unexpected Life: Aging with HIV as a Female with Martina Clark

Period To Pause

Join Amanda in a stirring narrative following Martina Clark's journey from being diagnosed with HIV in 1992 and defying the prognosis of being given 5 years to live, to thriving three decades later. Tune in as she challenges stereotypes, advocates for HIV awareness and education, and sparks a vital shift in societal perspectives.

1. The prejudice received for being diagnosed with HIV and the decades of stigma surrounding it

2. Drawbacks of women's underrepresentation in HIV clinical trials

3. What it's like to age with HIV and its impact on a woman’s body

4. Advice for women recently diagnosed with HIV

5. Assistance programs and cost of treatment for people with HIV

Resources mentioned in this episode

• WomenHIV.org
• The Daily | Apple Podcast and Spotify
• Why One Drug Company Held Back a Better Drug
• My Unexpected Life by Martina Clark | Kindle, Audiobook, and Paperback
• UNAIDS
• ADAP Directory

About Martina Clark

In 1992, Martina Clark was told she had HIV and maybe a “good five years to live.” Today, 31 years later, Martina Clark is a professor and the award-winning author and narrator of My Unexpected Life: An International Memoir of Two Pandemics, HIV and COVID-19. She writes memoirs, personal essays, and travel narratives. Before teaching, she worked for the United Nations system (including UNAIDS, UNICEF, and Peacekeeping) for decades.

She has lived with HIV for over half her life – 31 years and counting – and survived COVID-19, the original recipe. Martina has traveled to over 90 countries and conducted condom demonstrations in at least 50. She's traveled by boat, bus, and plane but never by elephant or camel.

Connect with Martina

Website: Martina Clark

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