From a global challenge to the Maasai steppe of Tanzania
Most climate change predictions show an upward trend in temperature for at least the next nine decades. Rural communities whose health and livelihoods depend on the environment are more vulnerable to climate change. In recent years, persistent droughts have made Maasai communities in northern Tanzania vulnerable to sleeping sickness, a disease spread by the tsetse fly. Paul Gwakisa of Sokoine University has dedicated his research to helping the Maasai people better understand and prevent outbreaks of sleeping sickness in their communities. Pierre Quiblier of the UN Environment Programme also speaks about global efforts to better tackle climate change through an integrated “One Health” approach that brings together sectors such as agriculture, health and the environment.

Host Garry Aslanyan is joined by the following guests:

Paul Gwakisa,
Professor of Immunology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Tanzania

Pierre Quiblier
Programme Officer, Chemicals and Health Branch, United Nations Environment Programme

Related episode documents, transcripts and other information can be found on our website.

Subscribe to the Global Health Matters podcast newsletter. 
 
Follow us for updates:

• @TDRnews on X
• TDR on LinkedIn
• @ghm_podcast on Instagram
• @ghm-podcast.bsky.social on Bluesky

 
Disclaimer: The views, information, or opinions expressed during the Global Health Matters podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of TDR or the World Health Organization.  

All content © 2025 Global Health Matters.