HIV activism in Turkey - with Ali

What happens when people living with HIV become the ones translating HIV science for their own communities? In this episode, OurCARE founder Ozla is joined by activist, researcher, and long-time collaborator Ali to discuss the story behind OurCARE's very first project—translating ART in Pictures into Turkish. Originally developed by UK-based HIV organization i-Base, ART in Pictures explains how HIV treatment works using simple language and illustrations. Together with Pozitif Dayanışma (Positive Solidarity) and with support from the European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), OurCARE adapted and expanded the resource to make it accessible to Turkish-speaking communities living with and affected by HIV. The conversation goes far beyond translation. Ozla and Ali explore why health literacy matters, why communities should have access to scientific knowledge in language they understand, and how community-led organizations can bridge the gap between medicine and everyday life. They also discuss the realities of living with HIV in Turkey, the barriers migrants face when accessing treatment, and why solidarity remains one of the most powerful tools in the HIV response. TALKING POINTS The story behind OurCARE's first-ever project: translating ART in Pictures Why HIV science should be accessible to everyone—not just healthcare professionals Community-led knowledge and improving health literacy Living with HIV as a migrant in Turkey and barriers to treatment access Why reliable HIV information can reduce fear, anxiety, and stigma The importance of solidarity between HIV communities across borders TIME STAMPS 00:00 – Meet Ali: Activism, migration & living with HIV 07:00 – HIV in Turkey: Stigma, healthcare & activism 17:30 – Translating HIV science for the community (ART in Pictures) 28:20 – HIV-phobia awards & refugee access to treatment 33:20 – Would I choose an HIV cure? Identity, belonging & hope RESOURCES & REFERENCES 🔗 OurCARE Website: https://ourcare.ch 🔗 Pozitif Dayanışma (Positive Solidarity): https://pozitifdayanisma.org 🔗 Pozitif Dayanışma Instagram:   / pozitifdayanisma   🔗 Ali on Instagram:   / imbbeerr   🔗 Follow OurCARE Instagram:   / ourcaresocials   TikTok:   / ourcaresocials   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32c0j5v... YouTube:    / @ourcaresocials   If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who could benefit from understanding HIV treatment in a more accessible way. SUPPORT OURCARE ❤️ Subscribe to the channel 👍 Like this episode 💬 Share your reflections in the comments 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode Every share helps us make science more accessible and amplify the voices of communities too often left out of the conversation. CREDITS Host & Producer: Ozla Nuh Guest: Ali