Global Health Conversations

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Imagine a world in which public health policies were shaped by powerful insights derived from cutting-edge technologies like AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data models. This fascinating intersection of science and policymaking is explored in the latest episode of our podcast, titled "The Role of AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data Models in Shaping and Influencing Public Health Policy." In this episode, we delve into the transformative potential of predictive and prescriptive analytics, shedding light on how these techniques can revolutionize the way we approach public health challenges. Well, we’ve officially arrived.

One example discussed in this solocast episode revolves around vaccine policy. Predictive analytics, a technique that harnesses historical health data and other relevant factors, can play a pivotal role in anticipating disease outbreaks. By analyzing patterns in previous outbreaks, demographic information, climate data, and even social media trends, AI-powered predictive models can forecast the likelihood of an infectious disease spreading in a particular region. We talk about a hypothetical example of Dengue fever. This invaluable early warning system empowers policymakers to take proactive measures, allocating resources and implementing preventive strategies to curb the impact of the
outbreak beforehand.

However, predictive analytics is just the tip of the iceberg. Prescriptive analytics, a more advanced form of data analysis, takes the game to a whole new level. Picture a scenario where a prescriptive analytics model optimizes vaccination campaigns during a pandemic or mass immunization effort. By leveraging AI, Machine Learning, and Big Data models, policymakers can unlock powerful insights to guide their decision-making process. 

These models consider a myriad of factors, including population density, demographics, disease prevalence, healthcare infrastructure, and vaccine supply chains. With this wealth of information, the prescriptive analytics model provides actionable recommendations. It advises on the optimal locations for vaccination centers, the scheduling of appointments, prioritization criteria, and resource allocation. This level of precision ensures that limited vaccine supplies are distributed efficiently, maximizing immunization coverage while minimizing the impact of the disease on public health.

In this latest solocast episode, we explore how analytics is revolutionizing decision-making across industries, uncover the challenges and ethical considerations associated with their implementation, and gain valuable insights into the future of this rapidly evolving field.

This solocast is a little longer than the standard 20 minutes. I hope you enjoy it. Let's start a conversation.

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In this episode of Global Health Conversations, I spoke to Maria Myrto Kasimati, MHCM, a scientific expert specialized in immunology and public health currently working for Havas Just:: as a Medical Writer. Maria has research experience in Ebola studies at University of Surrey’s faculty of Epidemiology, Immunology and Public health; and is an absolute firecracker passionate about democratizing healthcare access for all. Having pivoted her career path, Maria, known to her friends as Mary, is a true international and having earned her degrees in the United Kingdom, has worked in medical communications in London focusing on healthcare access. Today she is a specialist medical writer working closely with the pharmaceutical industry. We discuss career paths, healthcare access and medical writing. Have you wondered how to harness your scientific background into science-driven education and medical writing? This episode is a must-listen for any young scientist asking yourself the question we all ask ourselves: What do I do next?

Connect with Mary here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-myrto-kasimati-mhcm-92139314b/

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The consequences of rising obesity are far-reaching. It increases the risks of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. The strain on healthcare systems and associated economic costs are substantial, underscoring the urgency to address this issue. In this solocast episode, we explore the causes and consequences of the rise in obesity incidence in the United Kingdom. With a focus on facts, we uncover the multifaceted factors contributing to the issue and its implications on individuals and communities.

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Contact: [email protected]

Mentioned:

Obesity series (2017)
Part 1 - Rising incidence of obesity in the United Kingdom – Introduction
Part 2 – Causes of Rising Incidence of Obesity in the United Kingdom
Part 3 – Even more causes of rising obesity incidence in the United Kingdom
Part 4 – Consequences of Rising Incidence of Obesity in the United Kingdom
Part 5 – Conclusions on Causes and Consequences of Rising Obesity Levels in the UK

Sedentary Behaviour (2016)
Reflection: On Sitting, Standing and Sedentary behavior

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Imagine a world where quality healthcare is accessible to all individuals and communities, without the burden of financial hardship. This is the essence of universal health coverage, a concept that has gained significant attention in recent years and lies at the heart of the SDG Agenda for health. In this three-part series, we delve into the importance of UHC and its different components, exploring how it can transform healthcare systems and improve people's lives. At the heart of UHC lies the idea of providing comprehensive health services to everyone: leaving no one behind.

This episode is a solocast. 

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Resources: https://www.afro.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage

http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/361229/9789290234760-eng.pdf?sequence=3

Contact me: [email protected]

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Global health conversations is a podcast dedicated to exploring the most pressing issues in public health today from the fields of science, medicine, health economics, global public health and development. New episodes and interviews every two weeks. 

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