Global Health Conversations

A Storytime: The story of Cholera in London in the 1800s and how John Snow’s famous experiments revolutionised epidemiology and public health as we know it in modern, western history has always been a favourite for me. I was reminded of this story strolling through Soho past the John Snow pub recently and past the famous Broad Street pump. This podcast episode is a public health bedtime story; one of science and pioneering innovation. It’s a story we know, but one that ignited something i...

A walkthrough. The Pandemic Accord is a proposed global agreement aimed at strengthening pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. Emerging in the aftermath of COVID-19, the accord aims to address gaps in international coordination, surveillance, and equitable access to medical countermeasures, globally. This episode takes a high level overview of the Pandemic Accord, it’s purpose and a walkthrough of some of its most pertinent Articles GHC Newsletter: PANDEMIC ACCORD - Negotiation...

This fortnight's Newsletter We need to talk about Mpox - July 21st 2024 Newsletter Timstamps: Overview: 00:00 What happened? 03:47 What does it mean? 05:55 What’s next? 11:09 _______________ tl;dr On August 14, 2024, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus declared the ongoing Mpox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), the second such declaration in two years. The Africa CDC had also declared Mpox a Public Health Emergency of Conti...

Subscribe here to the Global Health Conversations Newsletter Read the full Project 2025 document here: Mandate for Leadership the Conservative Promise In this fortnight's episode, we explore Project 2025's proposed policies, which could dramatically impact health, women’s health and safety. The plan includes lifetime caps on Medicaid, reducing coverage for millions, and increased out-of-pocket costs for Medicare recipients. It threatens reproductive rights and seeks to curtail the CD...

In this BONUS episode, we delve into the true crime-style medical scandal of Real Water. The company’s negligence led to severe health issues, including acute liver dysfunction in consumers like Megan Fisher’s son, Tommy. Real Water’s aggressive marketing of its unproven E2 technology claimed extraordinary health benefits, but the FDA found a potentially toxic compound in the water, that caused acute hepatitis in some consumers. The ensuing lawsuits and investigations revealed a lack of quali...

In this mini solo episode, we take a high level look at Philippines' health system. In under twelve minutes, we take an overview of the health system dynamic, payer mechanisms and the fiscal policies the nation has employed to boost health expenditure 6-fold! We delve into the multifaceted nature of the ongoing epidemiological transition from communicable to non-communicable diseases. Additionally, we explore the impact of the 2024 World Health Assembly on climate-resilient healt...

In this episode, we explore the economics of thinness and the phenomenal rise of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the weight loss market. Novo Nordisk, the Danish pharmaceutical company behind Ozempic and Wegovy, has become Europe's most profitable company, surpassing even the luxury giant LVMH. We delve into the social and economic capital associated with thinness, examining how societal attitudes toward body image drive the profitability of weight loss drugs. We also break down the science behind...

In this week’s episode, we look at Colombia's recent move in issuing its first compulsory license. The country challenged ViiV Healthcare's monopoly on their patented drug, dolutegravir, an HIV therapeutic, in an attempt to open doors for affordable generic versions and thus improve accessibility & affordability. We explore the nuances of licensing mechanisms - voluntary agreements & compulsory licenses. We discuss their impact on public health and innovation, drawing parallels ...

This is Part 2 of our 2 Part interview. Listen here for Part 1: - Listen here on Spotify - Listen here on Apple Podcasts - Listen here on Audible Today I interview Ema Prohić and we discuss proper teeth brushing, systemic issues in dental care and continue on the theme of the true cost of oral health. Drawing on her experience in different health systems, we discuss the financing of dental procedures, dentist fear and how to avoid the most common oral health pitfalls. We also disc...

On this episode I interview Ema Prohić and we discuss the true cost of oral health. Drawing on her experience in different health systems, we discuss the financing of dental procedures, dentist fear and how to avoid the most common oral health pitfalls. We also discuss a public health project that I lead back in 2020 with the Ministry of Health Qatar and PHCC wherein she focussed on integrating oral health into a primary care program. This is Part 1 of a super conversation this season. And yo...

In this episode we discussed oral health as a public health issue. Discussing system challenges, incentivisation and disincentivasation, dental caries as the most common infectious disease, bacteria and the use of antibiotics. Ema is a doctor of dental medicine from Croatia, currently undertaking her specialization in orthodontics and facial orthopedics in Barcelona, Spain. She started her professional career as a dentist in the UK after completing her MSc in International Health Mana...

In this episode, in recognition of International Women's Day, we talk about cervical cancer and discuss its significance as a symbol of global health disparities and gender inequality. Cervical cancer incidence is exacerbated by socio-economic factors and disproportionately affects women in poverty. We discuss the importance of HPV vaccination, regular screening, and innovative prevention strategies like diagnostic tools to enable self-sampling. And the incredible toll of the devastatin...

Check out the newsletter In this week’s solocast we discussed the cost of medical care. Particularly, I attempted to answer the question: Why do Americans pay (so much) more for healthcare? With my health economist hat on - I looked into transparency, drug prices and administrative costs. But are these only reasons that the US has the world’s third highest out of pocket health expenditure? And, moreover, how does this affect patients and patient outcomes? Resources: 1. Why are Ameri...

This is the official last episode of Season 1! The Global Health Conversations Newsletter continues throughout the holidays until we're back after the Christmas holidays. Click here to Sign up to the free Global Health Conversations fortnightly newsletter. It is packed with the latest news in global health with themes each fortnight. You will also be notified when the next exciting interview is up! Today's episode focussed on sustainability in the Pharma and biotech industries - redefining ...

*****If you or a friend or loved one has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, I strongly encourage you to 1. Click here to find a domestic violence hotline or helpline near you in your country please speak to someone who will understand your situation and help. 2. Delete your search history and stay safe. ***** Sign up to the Global Health Conversations fortnightly newsletter These are the ways in which women disproportionately die prematurely because of being women. Througho...