In this episode of Global Health Uncensored, we sit down with two extraordinary global health leaders: Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu, a renowned public health expert and communications professional. Together, they provide invaluable insights into pandemic preparedness, health system challenges, and the power of effective communication in shaping public health narratives.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:Dr. Chikwe’s pivotal role at WHO and his experience leading Nigeria’s pandemic response.How global health security can be enhanced through epidemic intelligence.Mrs. Vivianne’s leadership in public health advocacy and the power of storytelling.The complexities of public health in Africa and how cultural beliefs impact disease prevention.📖 Key topics include:Pandemic preparedness & responseLeadership in public health crisesNavigating cultural challenges in healthcareMentoring the next generation of public health leaders

In this insightful episode of Global Health Uncensored, we are honored to welcome Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, the newly appointed President and CEO of Vital Strategies, one of the most influential public health organizations in the world. Dr. Etiebet is a recognized leader in global health, with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing women's health and promoting health equity on a global scale.Key Discussion Points:Journey to Leadership: Dr. Etiebet shares her remarkable journey from her early career as an infectious disease specialist to her leadership roles at Merck, where she led the transformative Merck for Mothers initiative. Learn about the pivotal moments that shaped her career and how her passion for health equity has guided her work.Vital Strategies' Impact: As the new President and CEO of Vital Strategies, Dr. Etiebet now leads an organization with a mission to improve public health for over 3.3 billion people worldwide. Discover her vision for the future of Vital Strategies and how she plans to build on its legacy of success.Health Equity Focus: Dr. Etiebet delves into the critical importance of health equity in global health. From her experience at Merck as the Associate Vice President for Health Equity, where she developed the company’s first enterprise-wide health equity strategy, to her current role, she discusses the challenges and opportunities in creating a more equitable health system for all.Global Health Challenges: In the face of growing global challenges such as climate change, inequity, and emerging health threats, Dr. Etiebet shares her perspective on the role of public health organizations, governments, and communities in addressing these issues.Advice for Future Leaders: For those aspiring to make a difference in global health, Dr. Etiebet offers invaluable advice on leadership, advocacy, and the importance of staying committed to your mission.

In this insightful episode of the Banda Global Forum, we speak with Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, the internationally recognized scientist behind the groundbreaking discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Prof. de Oliveira serves as Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), and Deputy Director of the Genomic Surveillance Unit at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Named among Nature’s Top Ten Scientists (2021), listed in MIT Technology Review’s Innovators in Breakthrough Technologies, and recognized by TIME's 100 Most Influential People (2022), his leadership continues to transform Africa’s role in global health.

This episode is essential viewing for public health professionals, researchers, students, and anyone passionate about global health, scientific innovation, and Africa’s emerging leadership in genomics.

🔔 Subscribe for more groundbreaking discussions and exclusive insights from global health leaders.

Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Deputy Director General and Inaugural Regional Director of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Africa Regional Office (IARO), joins us for a powerful conversation on reshaping Africa’s vaccine future and strengthening its global health leadership.Previously a senior science advisor to the Africa CDC and a TIME 100 Health honoree, Dr. Ndembi now leads IVI’s mission to expand vaccine development, access, and equity across the African continent.In this episode, we explore:* Introduction & Dr. Ndembi’s journey* Why IVI Africa matters now* Africa’s pandemic preparedness* Vaccine innovation from the continent* Time 100 & responsibility in global health* Mentorship and leadership building* The future: AI, equity, and vaccine self-reliance

What does it take to thrive as an international student at one of the world’s top public health institutions?

In this episode of Banda Global Forum, Dr. Banda Khalifa speaks with two dynamic student leaders from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carey Business School:

• Ashok Kumar Kanaparthi, a physician from rural India and recent MPH/MBA graduate, who served as Student Assembly President

• Saana Kataria, a dentist and MBA graduate, who served as President of the Oral Health Society and Vice President for Intercampus Affairs

Together, they reflect on their graduate school journey—from navigating academics, leadership roles, and cultural transitions to building a strong support network and planning careers in global health and business.

What you’ll learn:
✅ How they got into Hopkins and why they chose their programs
✅ What made their experience unique as student leaders
✅ Tips on managing time, stress, and academics
✅ Funding, networking, and mentorship strategies
✅ Life in the U.S. as international graduate students
✅ Advice for future applicants considering dual degrees or career pivots

Whether you're applying to grad school, already enrolled, or advising others on their journey, this conversation offers real-life perspective you won’t find in brochures.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms

Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong: Founder and CEO of Syndicate Bio and one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Health, joins Dr. Banda Khalifa on Global Health Uncensored for a powerful conversation on the future of science, genomics, and equity.In this episode, we discuss1. The structural exclusion of African populations in global genomic research2. The vision behind Syndicate Bio and its roots in 54gene3. What it takes to build a science-led company from Africa that commands global credibilityThe politics of data, ethics, and scientific powerDr. Abasi unpacks both the personal journey and policy-level implications of his mission: building inclusive precision medicine that centers Africa, not as a footnote, but as a global leader.

Episode 1: Johns Hopkins MPH—Admissions, Funding, and Insider Tips

In this inaugural episode of Banda Global Forum: The Scholars Table, Dr. Banda Khalifa sits down with the MPH Program Chair at Johns Hopkins University for a candid conversation about pursuing graduate studies at one of the world's leading public health institutions.

We discuss:

• What sets Johns Hopkins MPH apart from other graduate programs.

• Essential advice for crafting successful admissions applications.

• Proven strategies for securing funding, scholarships, and financial aid.

• Key opportunities and resources available exclusively at Johns Hopkins.

Whether you’re considering applying to Johns Hopkins or just exploring graduate school options in public health, this conversation provides actionable guidance directly from the decision-maker at the heart of admissions.

Subscribe now and take your graduate school ambitions to the next level!

Keywords:
Johns Hopkins | MPH Program | Graduate Admissions | Scholarships | Funding | Public Health Education | Career Development