Connecting The Dots Wih Juliete

On this eye-opening episode as we sit down with Justus Ogando, founder of the Spectrum Health Climate Initiative, to explore the intricate connections between climate change, public health, and sustainable development. With over 25 years of experience, Justus shares insights into how energy poverty, agricultural practices, and waste management impact health outcomes, particularly in Africa. Discover innovative solutions like Cross-Border Stock Transfers, which save lives by redistributing expiring medicines across countries, and learn why designing solutions with communities is key to lasting impact. Justus also challenges businesses to embrace regenerative practices and calls for greater climate literacy to drive meaningful action.

In this episode, we chat with Professor Abdoulaye Djimde, a malaria research pioneer, about his incredible journey from a curious boy in Mali to a world-renowned scientist. He shares his groundbreaking discovery on chloroquine resistance and explains how genomic sequencing helps scientists outsmart the evolving malaria parasite.

With Egypt recently declared malaria-free, Prof Djimde reflects on what this means for Africa. He argues that stronger healthcare systems, investment in research, and collaboration are key to a malaria-free continent. Tune in for an inspiring mix of science, hope, and a story of how curiosity can change the world.

What if the key to saving our planet lies in thinking like a tree? In this episode, Professor Leslie Green unravels the deep connections between environmental justice, neocolonialism, and capitalism, revealing how historical wrongs still shape our planet's future. From the wetlands of Cape Town to indigenous knowledge overlooked in the Amazon, Leslie offers a transformative vision for sustainability rooted in justice, integration, and local wisdom. To kick of 2025, we explore how humanity can thrive alongside the planet by reimagining climate action beyond fences and financialization. Find out more about Prof Lesley's interdisciplinary work here. Keep the conversation going with us on Instagram and X

Get ready to see bacteria in a whole new light! In this episode, Prof. Iruka Okeke, a microbiologist with a deep love for the microbial world, unpacks the surprising truths about E. coli and why it doesn’t deserve all the bad press. She also reveals her favorite bacteria (yes, scientists have favorites!) and explains what makes it so special. Prof. Iruka Okeke gives us her critical perspective on antimicrobial resistance- how it happens, who is most affected and what we can do to slow it down. Lastly, she prompts us to think about how we can structure academia to ensure young women can stay the course and ensure they have equal opportunities for leadership.

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In this episode, released in honor of the upcoming World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW), we hear from one of the experts- how bacteria evolves to outsmart antibiotics. Prof. Samuel Kariuki, Eastern Africa Director at Drugs for Neglected Tropical Diseases (DNDi), joins us to share his insights and extensive research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). He unpacks what this means for global health, and how climate change is accelerating the spread and resurgence of certainn diseases. Prof. Kariuki dispels common myths around antibiotics and provides essential guidance on responsible usage. Listen in to understand how AMR impacts us all and what steps we can take to address it. To explore DNDi’s work, visit their ⁠website⁠ and to learn more about WAAW click ⁠here.

#CTDPodAfrica #ScienceLeaders #GlobalHealth #WAAW #AMR

Dixon Chibanda is a Psychiatrist with training in public health. He walks us through the global phenomenon happening across cities- using park benches and community members such as grandmothers to address the global health problem of Mental Health. Is there a friendship bench near you? Tune in to find out more. To learn more about Prof Chibanda's brilliant work on The Friendship Bench go to their website here.

#CTDPodAfrica #ScienceLeaders #GlobalHealth #WAAW #AMR

Our next guest, Jo-Ann Passmore, a Professor at the University of Cape Town, is at the forefront of research into women’s sexual and reproductive health. She sheds light on the connection between an imbalance of natural vaginal bacteria (Bacterial Vaginosis) and HIV infections and shares exciting updates on African-led research to develop better treatments for BV. Plus, she introduces us to a groundbreaking innovation that’s revolutionizing the way women can self-test for BV and other STIs. Tune in to this episode as we explore the gaps in women's reproductive health—and how this brilliant African scientist is working to close them. To read more about Jo-Ann's work go to her website ⁠here⁠

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Yaw Bediako, a Ghanaian immunologist and co-founder of Yemaachi Biotech. Dr. Bediako is passionate about building Africa’s scientific ecosystem and the inclusion of Africa’s rich genetic diversity in global pharmaceutical research. We explore a wide range of topics, from the value of scientists becoming entrepreneurs to groundbreaking research on how the Ghanaian population responded to COVID-19. Dr. Bediako also sheds light on how cancer research on the continent holds the key to solving global challenges in oncology. To learn more about Yemaachi's work go to their website ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

In this episode, we look at viruses specifically HIV and the ongoing efforts to combat it. We explore the groundbreaking work of Prof Thumbi Ndung’u, an award-winning African science leader in HIV vaccine development. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Prof Ndung’u shares his journey to becoming a key contributor to global public health. We dive into the complexities of HIV, his discovery of the virus sub-type prevalent in Africa, and discuss why he views the development of antiretroviral therapies as one of the greatest medical miracle. Prof Ndung’u also debunks common myths about the virus, offering clear, factual insights into prevention, treatment and the future of infectious diseases.

In Episode 9 of Connecting The Dots, we sit down with Dr. Charity Wayua, Director of IBM Research Africa. She shares her inspiring journey of her childhood in local libraries to leading tech innovation in Africa. We explore how data science and AI can drive Africa’s economic transformation, discuss the ethical challenges of AI, and highlight why the continent’s diversity is essential for inclusive tech design. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of tech in Africa!