leader, and HIV expert" David J. Malebranche, MD, MPH Photo credit Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler, David J. Malebranche
On World AIDS Day, the Wake Up With Dee Morning Show welcomed Dr. David J. Malebranche, a nationally recognized physician, public health leader and HIV expert with more than two decades of experience in clinical care, research and health equity advocacy. Dr. Malebranche, who serves as the Senior Director of Global HIV Medical Affairs at Gilead Sciences, joined the conversation to provide clarity on the ongoing impact of HIV and the importance of community engagement.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Malebranche spoke about the continued need for education and awareness, highlighting the significance of understanding the epidemic beyond statistics. He explained that World AIDS Day serves as a reminder to reflect, educate and recommit to supporting those affected by HIV in the United States and globally.
Dr. Malebranche emphasized the historical context surrounding HIV awareness and how many communities still struggle with stigma. He stated, “We can’t normalize conversations about HIV if we can’t normalize conversations about sex,” noting the barriers that silence continues to create in prevention and treatment. He stressed that open dialogue remains one of the strongest tools for addressing misconceptions and promoting testing.
During the discussion, Dr. Malebranche also addressed the lingering impact of the epidemic on Black communities, including the importance of acknowledging social and structural factors that contribute to disparities. He explained that public health efforts require not only medical responses but also community-level engagement, culturally competent messaging and consistent outreach.
The conversation also touched on the global landscape of HIV. While progress has been made in treatment and prevention, Dr. Malebranche explained that the disease continues to affect millions of people worldwide, with high-burden regions requiring sustained support. At the same time, he noted that progress must also occur locally. “You can’t put out fires in other houses without putting out the fire in your own,” he said, underscoring the importance of strengthening education and access within U.S. communities.
Dr. Malebranche encouraged listeners to take practical steps, including regular testing, reducing stigma through informed conversations and offering support to people living with HIV. He highlighted the importance of accurate information and encouraged the public to seek trusted sources for updates on prevention, treatment and public health guidelines.
As a respected physician and public health advocate, Malebranche has led or contributed to numerous studies funded by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, focusing on HIV prevention and health disparities among Black men who have sex with men.
His work has included more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and participation in national advisory committees for the CDC, NIH and the American Medical Association.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.