Global Health Unfiltered podcast

1:15:17

Send us a text In this episode of the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, host Desmond Jumbam speaks with Dr. Seye Abimbola about his book, 'The Foreign Gaze: Essays on Global Health.' They discuss how personal experiences, especially familial influences, shape views on global health. Dr. Abimbola shares his mother's impact on his understanding of health systems and social determinants. They also explore 'colonial love' and its effects on current global health practices, alongside the issue of the 'foreign gaze' in academia, highlighting power dynamics in research and policy. The conversation covers health equity, audience dynamics, local knowledge, and health system history. Dr. Abimbola critiques the colonial legacy in global health, stresses the need for connection within systems, and addresses the role of activism. They examine reactions to US foreign policy and advocate for localized health interventions. The discussion also tackles belief in global health and foreign aid, contemplating the 'America First' concept, the perception of aid, the role of health journals, and calls for a reimagined research approach, underscoring local perspectives and robust discourse in global health. Download Seye's book: https://www.editions.ird.fr/produit/728/9782709930437/the-foreign-gaze To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Scaling funding for local climate-health solutions with Vanina Laurent-Ledru 39:52

16 weeks ago39:52

39:52

Send us a text In this episode of the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, host Desmond Jumbam discusses the critical intersection of climate change and health with Vanina Laurent-Ledru, Director General of Foundation S. They explore the urgent need for locally-led health adaptation solutions, the barriers to effective funding, and the importance of collective action in addressing climate health impacts. The conversation highlights key recommendations from Fondation S's report, innovative climate resilience models, and young advocates' role in driving change. Read the report from Foundation S: From Risk to Resilience To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Racing to AI - Is Africa Being Left Behind? with Adji Bousso Dieng 47:58

18 weeks ago47:58

47:58

Send us a text Our guest is Dr. Adji Bousso Dieng, AI researcher at Princeton University and Google. We explore Dr. Dieng's journey from Senegal to Princeton University, the role of Africa in the global AI landscape, the challenges faced in AI development on the continent, and the importance of education and awareness in leveraging AI for development. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to address local problems and the need for infrastructure and investment to support this growth. We also discuss various initiatives to improve AI education in Africa, Dr. Adji NGO 'The Africa I Know', the challenges of AI biases, and the importance of diversity in AI research. We explore the opportunities AI presents for the continent, particularly in education and resource transformation, and provide valuable advice for young innovators looking to make an impact in the field of AI. To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Uncovering the root causes of the mpox outbreak with Boghuma Titanji 59:13

26 weeks ago59:13

59:13

Send us a text This week's conversation focuses on the current spread of M-Pox (formerly Monkeypox) in Africa and the response to the outbreak. Dr. Boghuma Titanji, an infectious disease expert at Emory University, discusses the history of M-Pox outbreaks in Africa and the factors contributing to its spread. The conversation also explores the role of African governments, the Africa CDC, and the international community in addressing the outbreak. The need for increased investment in healthcare, research, and development in Africa is highlighted, as well as the importance of holding governments accountable and promoting grassroots education on healthcare funding. The conversation explores the challenges and potential solutions for Africa to produce its own vaccines and medications, emphasizing the untapped potential of the continent. It highlights the low percentage of vaccines and basic drugs manufactured in Africa and the competition with established manufacturing hubs in other countries. Trust in locally produced vaccines is also discussed, with the need to shift the mindset of consumers. The conversation emphasizes addressing infrastructure and resource limitations before focusing on vaccine production. Considering the different transmission patterns and populations affected, the need for a tailored vaccination approach for M-POX outbreaks is highlighted. Exciting developments in infectious disease research and vaccine trials in Africa are also mentioned. 00:00 The Current Spread of M-pox in Africa 14:20 The Response to the M-pox Outbreak 19:00 Underlying Issues: Lack of Investment and Prioritization 23:21 The Role of Global Solidarity in Public Health 25:45 Accountability and Self-Reliance in Healthcare 29:35 Accountability and Local Ownership 37:47 The Role of the Private Sector in Vaccine Production 50:26 Tailoring Vaccination Strategies 55:20 Promising Developments in Infectious Disease Research Follow Boghuma Titanji on LinkedIn To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Expanding the Circle of Knowledge in Global Health 1:06:37

37 weeks ago1:06:37

1:06:37

Send us a text In this episode, our guests, Sipho Dlamini, Esmita Charani, Everisto Benyera, and Kwesi Amoak, discuss their research projects on decolonizing global health. They explore topics such as the definition of global health, indigenous knowledge practices, mentorship in global health partnerships, and cross-pollination between Universities and local communities in Africa. Our guests highlight the need to challenge the Western-centric approach to global health and to recognize and value indigenous knowledge and practices. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration, equity, and inclusivity in global health research and practice. We discuss the need to expand the definition of knowledge and include diverse perspectives, and highlight the importance of qualitative research in generating contextual knowledge and the need for epistemic humility. The role of Africans in addressing these issues is emphasized, including the need for agency, collaboration, and perseverance. Cited: Mentorship as an overlooked dimension of research capacity strengthening: how to embed value-driven practices in global health The studies discussed were funded by the Decolonization and Global Health Research Exchange Network , a multidisciplinary network of academics, practitioners, and activists with a shared interest in unpacking and analysing decolonisation debates in global health. To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Striking for Doctor's Rights in Kenya with Nicholas Okumu 36:11

43 weeks ago36:11

36:11

Send us a text Guest: Dr. Nicholas Okumu, Orthopedic Oncology Specialist and CEO of Stratos Medical Key Points: Kenya faces a shortage of healthcare workers, with around 4,000 trained physicians, dentists, and pharmacists currently unemployed. Recurring strikes by healthcare workers are common, often related to compensation disputes and lack of implementation of collective bargaining agreements. Poor remuneration and lack of opportunities have led to brain drain, with many Kenyan healthcare workers seeking employment abroad. Public perception often lacks empathy for healthcare workers' demands, viewing them as privileged individuals. Potential solutions discussed include pay-for-performance models, public-private partnerships, and incorporating entrepreneurship and management training into medical education. Dr. Okumu's venture, Stratos Medical, focuses on medical imaging, teleradiology, and developing a platform for accessing electronic health records. The ongoing strike has limited healthcare services to emergency care, causing disruptions and delays in crucial treatments. Dr. Okumu emphasizes the importance of advocacy, collaboration across disciplines, and interdisciplinary approaches to address systemic issues in healthcare. Follow Nicholas on LinkedIn To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Battling Tuberculosis and Big Pharma with Nandita Venkatesan 45:04

50 weeks ago45:04

45:04

Send us a text Nandita Venkatesan, a Tuberculosis (TB) survivor and advocate, shares her journey of becoming a TB survivor and the challenges she faced in diagnosing, treating, and recovering from the disease. She discusses the stigma and misconceptions associated with TB and the need for greater awareness and understanding. Nandita also highlights her involvement in a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson to improve access to TB treatment. The outcome of the lawsuit resulted in reduced prices for TB medications, demonstrating the power of advocacy efforts. She emphasizes the importance of improving access to shorter regimens, developing a new TB vaccine, and empowering patients with knowledge and information. Connect with Nandita on X To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Going viral: Social Media & Health Education with Chinonso Egemba aka Aproko Doctor 1:01:39

1 year ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Send us a text Dr. Chinonso Egemba, also known as Aproko Doctor, shares his journey of becoming an influential health educator on social media. He discusses the challenges of balancing medical practice and content creation, as well as the importance of using humor and storytelling in health education. Dr. Egemba also addresses the issue of misinformation and fake news in the health space and highlights the need for collaboration and credible sources. He shares his experience with a brain tumor and how it has impacted his work. The conversation also touches on the banter between Nigeria and Ghana, the importance of support systems, and tips for getting into the healthcare field. Dr. Chinonso emphasizes the power of storytelling and collaboration in healthcare. Takeaways Using humor and storytelling can make health education more engaging and relatable. Collaboration and fact-checking are essential in combating misinformation and fake news in the health space. The future of online education in health will involve storytelling, movies, and music to reach a wider audience. Overworking can be a coping mechanism, but it's important to prioritize self-care. Collaboration can lead to bigger impact in healthcare. Don't be afraid of criticism, but be self-aware and open to making amends. Integrate work and life to avoid burnout. Start taking action towards your goals, even if it's not perfect. Rest and pacing yourself are important for sustainability. Follow Aproko Doctor on Instagram: @aproko_doctor Learn more about Aproko Doctor here To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Unpacking fake prophets, healers and healthcare in Africa with Catherine Kyobutungi 56:37

1 year ago56:37

56:37

Send us a text We are thrilled to have Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi back on the show. Our conversation explores the impact of prophets and spiritual healers on people's health across Africa and beyond. We discuss the disturbing revelations from the documentary about TB Joshua and the manipulation, abuse, and exploitation committed by him and other religious leaders. We examine the prevalence of faith healing in Africa and the reasons behind the strong religious beliefs on the continent. The need for integration between science and religion is highlighted, along with the challenges faced by African scientists and healthcare practitioners. We also explore the lack of accountability and the difficulty of achieving justice when there is collusion between politics and religion. Catherine emphasizes the importance of resisting oppression and treating patients with respect and calls for reevaluating power dynamics in science and policy, urging scientists to listen and engage with communities. Enjoy! Takeaways Accountability is often lacking in cases of wrongdoing, particularly in religious and political contexts. Collusion between politics and religion can make accountability even more challenging. Resisting oppression and treating patients with respect is crucial in healthcare and research. Power dynamics in science and policy need to be examined, and scientists should listen to and engage with communities. Humility and creating space for discussions are essential in addressing pervasive problems. Follow Catherine on X: @CKyobutungi To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Exploring Afrocentric Mental Healthcare with Ismahan Soukeyna Diop 57:44

1 year ago57:44

57:44

Send us a text Dr. Ismahan Soukeyna Diop, a psychologist and psychotherapist from Senegal, discusses her groundbreaking work in African mythology and storytelling in the field of mental health care. She introduces TAMPSY, a revolutionary psychotherapeutic tool rooted in a decolonial approach that is transforming mental health care in Africa. The conversation explores the importance of culturally appropriate approaches in mental health care, the differences between Western and African approaches, the role of African mythology in psychology, and the impact of TAMPSY (Tales of African Mythology Psychotherapy) on patients and practitioners. Dr. Diop also highlights her book on adornment, masquerade, and African femininity. Takeaways - Culturally appropriate approaches are crucial in mental health care to ensure that interventions are relevant and effective for individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. - African mythology and storytelling can significantly contribute to mental health care by providing a framework for understanding and addressing psychological challenges. - There is a need to challenge the colonial influence on psychology and embrace diverse cultural perspectives in mental health care. - TAMPSY, a psychotherapeutic tool rooted in African mythology, is positively impacting mental health care in Senegal, providing a more contextualized and culturally relevant approach. To learn more about TAMPSY, visit tampsy-optoa.com Dr. Soukeyna's books can be found here To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Become a sponsor…

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Fostering the next generation of African Leaders with Patrick Awuah 53:23

1 year ago53:23

53:23

Send us a text In 2002, Patrick Awuah left his lucrative job as an executive at Microsoft, moved back to Ghana, and founded Ashesi University. Realizing that a root cause of underdevelopment was poor leadership, Patrick set up Ashesi University to train the next generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Ghana and Africa. Today, Ashesi University is one of the leading Universities on the continent and has had a tremendous impact on higher education in Ghana. In this episode, Patrick shares the inspiring story around the founding of Ashesi University, its vision and impact, and his outlook on higher education in Africa. He also has some wonderfully honest advice for young people looking to take audacious steps to contribute to the continent's sustainable development. Learn more about Ashesi University Follow Patrick Awuah on X and LinkedIn To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Season 3 Trailer: We're taking it up a notch 2:21

1 year ago2:21

2:21

Send us a text We are delighted to bring you Season 3 of the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, a podcast about the unspoken realities of global health in Africa and the world. We've got a great lineup of exciting guests from across the continent and beyond. Subscribe to this podcast and consider giving us a five-star review if you enjoy the work we do. Your support goes a long way to ensure we keep bringing your enlightening and thought-provoking conversations about global health. To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal . Follow us on X ( @unfiltered_gh ), LinkedIn , Instagram , and TikTok .…

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Improving Health Systems in Africa Through Pharmacy with Dr Ruth Musila 41:47

2 years ago41:47

41:47

Send us a text Welcome to the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, a podcast about the unspoken realities about global health in Africa and the world. Our guest today is Dr. Ruth Musila, Global Policy and Industry Partnerships Lead at Takeda. Dr Musila holds a PhD in Pre-Clinical Drug Development. She has held Research Fellow positions at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, and the Kenya Medical Research Institute. Dr. Musila’s work has focused on improving access to essential medicines in low- and middle-income countries.…

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Bonus: How to Write Opinion Pieces for Change 1:17:05

2 years ago1:17:05

1:17:05

Send us a text Do you have an opinion on a current event or topic in global health? Do you want to share your voice with the world? If so, then you need to learn how to write a powerful opinion piece! In this training session, you will learn: How to identify a timely and relevant topic How to develop a strong thesis statement How to support your thesis with evidence How to write a clear and concise argument How to craft a persuasive call to action How to identify and pitch your idea to an outlet This training session is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to write an opinion piece that will get noticed and lead to social change. Whether you are a student, a blogger, a researcher, or a policy maker, this training will give you the skills you need to make your voice heard.…

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Decolonizing Our Minds With Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi 1:00:28

2 years ago1:00:28