Elizabeth Pisani

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ElizabethPisaniAtQEDcon2014-2

Elizabeth Pisani is a British epidemiologist, journalist, and public health advocate known for her work in HIV/AIDS research and policy. Pisani has made significant contributions to the understanding of HIV epidemiology, particularly in Indonesia and other parts of Asia. Her work has focused on the behaviors that contribute to the spread of HIV and the implementation of evidence-based interventions to control the epidemic.

Early Life and Education

Elizabeth Pisani was born in the United Kingdom. She initially pursued a career in journalism, earning a degree in Classical Chinese from the University of Oxford. Pisani later transitioned into the field of public health, driven by a desire to address tangible health crises. She obtained a Master's degree in Medical Demography from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology, focusing on the dynamics of HIV transmission.

Career

Pisani's career spans several roles, including journalist, researcher, and public health consultant. As a journalist, she worked for various notable publications, reporting on health and science issues. Her transition into epidemiology led her to work with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), where she contributed to global HIV surveillance and policy development.

In Indonesia, Pisani conducted extensive fieldwork, studying the country's HIV epidemic among high-risk populations, including injecting drug users, sex workers, and men who have sex with men (MSM). Her research has highlighted the importance of targeted interventions and the need for policies that support harm reduction and access to healthcare for marginalized groups.

Publications

Elizabeth Pisani is the author of "The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels, and the Business of AIDS," a book that offers an insider's perspective on the global AIDS industry. In it, Pisani critiques the politics and mismanagement within the AIDS response, advocating for a more evidence-based and pragmatic approach to disease control. Her writing is known for its candidness, humor, and insightful analysis of complex public health issues.

Advocacy

Beyond her research and writing, Pisani is an outspoken advocate for public health policies that are informed by scientific evidence rather than political or moral considerations. She has been a vocal critic of policies that hinder effective HIV prevention and treatment, such as criminalizing drug use or sex work. Pisani argues for the decriminalization of these behaviors as a means to reduce HIV transmission and improve public health outcomes.

Legacy and Impact

Elizabeth Pisani's work has had a significant impact on the field of HIV/AIDS research and policy. Her advocacy for evidence-based interventions and her critique of the global response to AIDS have contributed to a broader understanding of the epidemic and the factors that influence its spread. Through her research, writing, and public speaking, Pisani has challenged policymakers, researchers, and the public to rethink their approaches to HIV prevention and care.