STIIX and Stones

STIIX /Bird Lime Media

Voices of people from across the globe who are changing the face of sexual health for the better. Hosted by Nick Malhomme, head of the STI International Exchange - or STIIX.

  1. 03/03/2025

    How to navigate infectious disease management with Rebecca Scranton from the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Services in Arizona

    In this episode Nick interviews Rebecca Scranton, the Deputy Bureau Chief for the Bureau of Infectious Disease and Services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Rebecca discusses her multifaceted role in managing infectious disease outbreaks, particularly syphilis and HIV, and the importance of collaboration with local health departments and tribal communities. She emphasises the need for effective communication, community engagement, and innovative testing strategies to combat rising infection rates.   Key takeaways: There is no typical day in public health management. Outbreak response requires long-term data analysis. Community awareness is critical for effective control measures. Collaboration with local health departments is essential. Tribal communities present unique challenges and opportunities. Testing access is a major barrier to outbreak control. Syndemic approaches can improve service delivery. Building relationships takes time and patience. Public health work is rewarding despite its challenges. Future efforts should focus on expanding testing in emergency and correctional settings. The Stiix and Stones podcast brings together voices of people from across the globe who are changing the face of sexual health for the better. Find us on Twitter @stiix_sti This podcast is hosted by Nick Malhomme, head of the STI International Exchange - or STIIX, sponsored by OraSure and produced by Bird Lime Media.

    34 min
  2. 03/26/2023

    REACH Nexus: Working to end Canada’s HIV epidemic by 2025

    Dr Sean B. Rourke and Rick Galli work for REACH Nexus - they are part of a team of implementation science experts working to end Canada’s HIV epidemic by 2025 with bold approaches and pragmatic solutions. Sean B. Rourke is a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Scientist with MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael’s Hospital, and Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. He is an international expert in the neurobehavioural complications of HIV.  Rick Galli began his extensive career in research and diagnostic laboratory sciences with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Public Health Laboratory in Toronto in 1973. Rick joined REACH in 2019 and currently serves as the Director of Testing and Clinical Trials Implementation. REACH Nexus is an ambitious national research group working on how to address HIV, Hepatitis C and other STBBIs (sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections) in Canada. Their focus is on reaching the undiagnosed, implementing and scaling up new testing options, strengthening connections to care, improving access to options for prevention (PrEP and PEP) and ending HIV stigma. REACH Nexus is part of MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions at St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, and is funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.   The Stiix and Stones podcast brings together voices of people from across the globe who are changing the face of sexual health for the better. Find us on Twitter @stiix_sti   This podcast is hosted by Nick Malhomme, head of the STI International Exchange - or STIIX, sponsored by OraSure and produced by Bird Lime Media.

    49 min
  3. 01/03/2023

    Living with HIV: Tackling stigmas and raising awareness with Harun Tulunay

    Warning: this episode discusses suicidal thoughts. Harun Tulunay was born in Turkey and moved to the UK to escape the stigma and discrimination he faced as a gay man. When he was diagnosed with HIV in 2016, he decided to become an ambassador for good sexual health and mental health and started to volunteer for charities including Positively UK. Harun delivers public speeches and shares his life experiences to tackle stigma and raise awareness of HIV and mental health.    You can connect with Harun on Instagram: @haruntulunay   Positively UK provides peer-led support, advocacy and information to everyone living with HIV to effectively manage any aspect of their diagnosis, care and life with HIV.  Working in partnership with the NHS,  Positively UK run a range of peer-led support groups for women, heterosexual men and women, gay men and young people and  host events and workshops for recently diagnosed people – those who are planning parenthood or currently pregnant, including talks with activists, clinicians and life coaches. Find out more about Positively UK here. The Stiix and Stones podcast brings together voices of people from across the globe who are changing the face of sexual health for the better. Find us on Twitter @stiix_sti This podcast is hosted by Nick Malhomme, head of the STI International Exchange - or STIIX, sponsored by OraSure and produced by Bird Lime Media.

    42 min

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Voices of people from across the globe who are changing the face of sexual health for the better. Hosted by Nick Malhomme, head of the STI International Exchange - or STIIX.