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.

In this insightful episode, host Paul Adepoju, PhD sits down with Professor Patrick Arbuthnot, a leading expert in gene therapy and antiviral research, to explore the transformative potential of gene therapy in addressing Africa's viral health challenges. Patrick shares his fascinating journey from working in Paris to setting up the Antiviral Gene Therapy Research Lab in South Africa, and discusses how gene therapy could revolutionize treatments for hepatitis B, HIV, and other viral diseases across the continent.

Together, they delve into the technological advancements that have made antiviral gene therapy a tangible solution, and why Africa needs to take the lead in developing these innovations. They also tackle some of the critical challenges, including the high costs and public skepticism surrounding gene therapy, and discuss the growing global support for this research.

Tune in for a deep dive into the future of healthcare in Africa and how gene therapy is poised to change the game.

In this episode of Paul Talks Science, host Paul Adepoju, a seasoned science journalist, sits down with Professor Gozde Ozakinci, Professor and Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Psychology, University of Stirling, UK. Together, they dive into the psychological impact of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship, exploring the often-overlooked mental health challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors.

Professor Ozakinci shares her extensive research on anxiety, depression, and the fear of cancer recurrence, offering valuable insights into how emotional well-being plays a critical role in cancer recovery. From psycho-oncology to holistic approaches in patient care, this conversation sheds light on the importance of addressing mental health alongside physical health in cancer treatment.

Tune in to discover how advancements in psychology are transforming cancer care and why a holistic approach to patient support is essential for long-term recovery.

Read a story written by Paul, on the research that sparked the conversation here.

Africa's public health landscape is again at the centre of global health attention with a series of actions now in play to stem the spread of mpox. This week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention will officially declare mpox a public health emergency of continental concern. This is expected to be historic since this is the first time that the centre would be making such a declaration. Similarly, a closed virtual meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations 2005 regarding the upsurge of mpox has been set for Wednesday, 14 August 2024, starting the official process that could lead to declaration of mpox as a public health emergency of international concern by the director general of the WHO. In this episode, I am joined by Aggrey Aluso who is Pandemic Action Network’s Director for the Africa region. The conversation focused on Africa's rapidly evolving public health landscape, particularly in relation to the MPOX outbreak. We discussed the challenges Africa faces in responding to infectious disease outbreaks and the need for increased capacity and resources, highlighting the importance of early action and collaboration, both within Africa and globally, to contain outbreaks. The conversation also touched on the need to prioritize health in national budgets and the role of civil society in holding governments accountable. My name is Paul Adepoju, and I welcome you to this episode.

In this episode, we explore how South Africa is leveraging genomic sequencing to tackle some of its most pressing health challenges, from HIV to non-communicable diseases. Our guest, Rizwana Mia, Senior Programme Manager: Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships - NCD/Precision Medicine, shares insights on the country's ambitious plans to develop a 110,000-genome programme, and how this data can unlock the power of precision medicine for their diverse population.

We delve into the delicate balance between personalized care and population-wide public health and discuss the importance of data sharing and responsible research practices to accelerate progress. Discover how investments in genomics can not only improve health outcomes, but also drive economic growth and innovation in Africa.

Across the world, some individuals are able to naturally control HIV without requiring antiretroviral therapy, due to the uniqueness of their genetic composition. Several of these individuals have been identified in South Africa which has the world's highest HIV/AIDS burden. Dr Veron Ramsuran, associate professor at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is leading a team that also includes researchers from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) to study this crucial population in South Africa, whose unique genetic makeup could contain the secrets to more effective AIDS prevention tools. The ultimate goal is to develop therapeutic interventions that mimic the natural protective mechanisms found in elite controllers. In this episode, Dr Veron speaks to Paul about the landmark research that highlights the global relevance of the differences in genetic factors between African and other populations, highlighting the importance of studying diverse populations.