In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we dive into the insights and challenges presented in the 2024 World Malaria Report. Joining us is Prof. William Moss, Deputy Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute, who sheds light on the progress made in malaria control over the past two decades, the advent of malaria vaccines, and the critical inequities that still need addressing.

We discuss the spread of the urban-friendly Anopheles stephensi mosquito, the challenges of drug and insecticide resistance, and the exciting yet complex future of genetically modified mosquitoes. Prof. Moss also shares lessons learned from decades of malaria control and offers a call to action for stable and increased funding to combat this persistent global health challenge.

Tune in for an engaging conversation about science, innovation, and the collective fight against one of the world’s deadliest diseases.

🎧 Listen now and join the discussion!

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we explore the transformative impact of Project ECHO, a global initiative that's bridging health inequities by democratizing expertise and empowering underserved communities.

Dr. Sanjeev Arora, founder of Project ECHO, shares the powerful story of how a heartbreaking patient encounter inspired him to create this innovative hub-and-spoke model that’s now helping millions worldwide. We’re also joined by Dr. Daniel Jose Fofi from South Africa, who explains how he’s using Project ECHO to revolutionize cancer care in the Northern Cape, addressing late diagnoses, resource gaps, and access challenges.

This episode ties closely to my recent article published in The Lancet, where I delve deeper into Project ECHO’s global health implications. You can read the article here: The Lancet - Project ECHO.

Tune in to discover how knowledge sharing and collaboration are saving lives and creating a more equitable future for healthcare.

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I sit down with Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, the inspiring founder and CEO of Healthtracka. Driven by a deeply personal loss, Ifeoluwa shares her journey of transforming grief into action by founding a health tech startup that's revolutionizing diagnostics in Africa. We explore the challenges of tackling non-communicable diseases, the nuances of gender health disparities, and the innovative solutions Healthtracka has developed to decentralize access to healthcare.

One compelling story from our conversation is also featured in Devex. Dive deeper into how Healthtracka and other African health startups are proving that saving lives can be profitable. Read the article here: Can saving lives be profitable? These African health startups think so.

Tune in to learn how Healthtracka is making early detection accessible, one test at a time, and the bold vision that could shape the future of African healthcare.

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, we delve into groundbreaking research led by Dr. Carl Chen, PhD, Medical Scientist and Researcher at the Strengthening Oncology Services Research Unit, Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience, University of the Witwatersrand.

Dr. Chen and his team recently published a landmark study in Nature Genetics titled “Genomic risk loci for prostate cancer in men of African descent” (DOI: 10.1038/s41588-024-01931-3). This largest genome-wide study of prostate cancer in Africa uncovered unique genetic markers that provide critical insights into why men of African descent face higher prostate cancer risks.

In this conversation, Paul Adepoju, PhD, explores the challenges of studying cancer in Africa, the importance of genetic diversity in research, and how these findings could reshape prostate cancer care globally. Learn about the cutting-edge tools used by the team, the collaborative power of African scientists, and what this research means for healthcare equity and innovation.

🎧 Hit play to uncover the genetic secrets transforming prostate cancer research in Africa.

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How is polarization shaping the way we approach healthcare? In this episode of Paul Talks Science, I sit down with Dr. Kai Ruggeri to explore how group affiliations and ideological divides are influencing decisions about vaccines, health guidelines, and public health strategies.

Dr. Ruggeri shares fascinating insights into the role of trusted voices, the global patterns of healthcare mistrust, and how we can rebuild confidence in public health systems.

This episode ties into my recent article for Harvard Public Health—"Political and public health structures are increasingly intertwined". Check it out for a deeper dive into these critical issues.

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🎙️ #Healthcare #Polarization #PublicHealth #Trust

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, host Paul Adepoju sits down with Michael Moreland, founder of Field, to explore groundbreaking innovations in maternal, newborn, and child healthcare across Africa. They discuss how Field’s tech-driven solutions are helping save lives by optimizing health supply chains, supporting local pharmacies, and enhancing care at the grassroots level. With a recent $11 million commitment from the Gates Foundation, Field is scaling up access to life-saving interventions in regions where maternal mortality rates remain critically high. Tune in to learn how practical, scalable tech is transforming health systems, empowering communities, and redefining the future of healthcare access worldwide.

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, host Paul Adepoju, PhD, sits down with Paul Cheruiyot, head of programs at the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Together, they delve into the vital role the Red Cross plays in responding to global health emergencies. From navigating the complexities of COVID-19 vaccine distribution across continents to addressing emerging threats like Monkeypox, the conversation highlights how the Red Cross mobilizes communities, partners with organizations like African CDC and the MasterCard Foundation, and supports public health infrastructure.

Cheruiyot shares insights on how the Red Cross's strategic approach to public health has evolved, not just in conflict zones but also in times of peace. Whether through emergency response, community health workforce development, or preparing for the next pandemic, this episode provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most important humanitarian organizations.

Tune in to learn more about the Red Cross’s work at the intersection of health and humanitarian aid, and how it’s helping to shape the future of global health.

Perfect for listeners interested in public health, global health policy, and humanitarian response!

Welcome to the Paul Talks Science podcast. On this episode, I have a timely and important conversation about the race to develop a vaccine for the Marburg virus. Marburg is a rare but deadly viral haemorrhagic fever that has recently emerged in Rwanda, sparking global concern.

Read my interview with the health minister of Rwanda on how the country is controlling the disease. The interview was published by Scientific American, and you can read it here.

You can read an article that I wrote for The Lancet on the Marburg virus vaccine efforts here.

Joining me on this podcast is Mark Feinberg, the President and CEO of the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI). IAVI has been working on a Marburg vaccine candidate for years, and their efforts have taken on new urgency with this latest outbreak.

In this interview, Mark will share insights on IAVI's vaccine development process, the current state of the pipeline, and the challenges of preparing for unpredictable outbreaks like Marburg. We'll also discuss the broader landscape of global health preparedness and the need for coordinated responses to emerging infectious diseases.

This is a fascinating look at the high-stakes work happening behind the scenes to protect us from deadly viruses. Let's dive into the conversation.