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.

In this conversation, Paul Adepoju hosts Alukhethi Singo-Ragimana from MGI Tech. They discuss the unique features of MGI's sequencing technology, its applications in HIV genotyping and drug resistance surveillance, and the challenges and solutions in the sequencing ecosystem in Africa. They also talk about MGI's plans for South Africa and its involvement in the Africa-wide genomic initiative. The conversation highlights the affordability and competitiveness of genomic sequencing technologies, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on sequencing adoption, and the potential of sequencing to transform healthcare in Africa.

In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking development in Nigeria's healthcare system. The Nigerian government has officially declared cancer a notifiable disease, mandating all public and private healthcare providers to report cancer cases to a centralized registry. This initiative aims to create a comprehensive database that accurately reflects the burden of cancer in Nigeria, enabling better resource allocation, policy formulation, and monitoring of interventions.

Our guest is Her Excellency, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, a renowned cancer advocate, board member of the Union for International Cancer Control, and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation. She provides valuable insights into the significance of this new mandate, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the potential for improved cancer care and outcomes in Nigeria.

Join us as we delve into the details of this important story, the current state of cancer data in Nigeria, and the collaborative efforts needed to enhance cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Read the full story, now live, by following this link.

Topics Discussed:

• The new mandate declaring cancer a notifiable disease in Nigeria
• The importance of comprehensive cancer data collection
• The role of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT)
• Insights from Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on the impact and opportunities of this development
• How improved data collection can enhance cancer care in Nigeria

Don't miss this informative episode!

Guest: Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, cancer advocate, board member of the Union for International Cancer Control, and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation

Host: Paul Adepoju, PhD

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In this inaugural episode of "The Future Tense," host Paul Adepoju sits down with Health Minister Dr. Shane Reti and Cancer Society of New Zealand CEO Dr. Rachael Hart to discuss a groundbreaking development in New Zealand's healthcare system. The coalition government has announced a substantial funding boost for cancer treatments, allowing Pharmac, the country's drug-buying agency, to introduce 26 new cancer treatments as part of 54 new medicines.

Dr. Reti and Dr. Hart delve into the details of this transformative initiative, the expected impact on cancer patients, and the broader implications for the healthcare landscape. They also explore the importance of holistic support for cancer patients, prioritization within the healthcare budget, and the future of cancer care and research in New Zealand.

This episode is based on an interview conducted by Paul Adepoju for a story published in The Lancet Oncology. For more insights, check out the link to the full article in the episode description. Join us as we kick off "The Future Tense" with a compelling discussion on the future of cancer treatment in New Zealand.