Spring Speaker Series: Patricia Siplon

Today Patricia Siplon, Professor of Political Science at Saint Michael’s College, joined us for an exciting and motivating talk entitled, “Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory: The Rise and Potential Fall of Global HIV/AIDS Treatment Access.” Ms. Siplon spoke to us from the stance not only of one who studies the issue, but who also agitates and advocates in the AIDS movement. Scientific breakthroughs in recent years have enabled the possibility of an AIDS-free generation, provided enhanced treatment programs in developing countries. However, political motivation is lacking to make this possibility a reality. Ms. Siplon believes we are at a divergent point that will determine whether we will achieve the ultimate goal of eradicating AIDS, or historians will write about these efforts in years to come as a monumental failure. She discussed the current barriers to treatment of HIV/AIDS in developing countries, and potential mechanisms by which these obstacles can be overcome. Among her many achievements, Ms. Siplon has worked in Tanzania, where she contributed to the progressive unfolding of the PEPFAR programs and was instrumental in developing the model by which those in need acquire effective antiretroviral treatment. For more on Ms. Siplon’s talk, see here: globemed2013_siplontalk