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This is a continuation of our previous episode with Emilie Koum Besson discussing the various forms of aid dependency. In this episode, we focus on the relationship between aid and dependency as well as pragmatic solutions. 

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For decades, global health has treated aid dependency as a neutral, technical condition, something to measure and manage. But what if dependency is actually a feature of the system, not a bug? Emilie Koum Besson introduces a "Matrix of Dependency Dimensions," revealing eight distinct forms, ranging from historical and epistemic to what she calls "hidden co-dependency," in which elites in both the North and the South benefit from the status quo. She challenges the sustainability-versus-dependency binary, explains when aid shifts from catalytic to excessive, and argues that 2025's rhetorical shift toward sovereignty won't matter without dismantling the actual architecture of global health financing.

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In this conversation, Dr. John Nkengasong of the Mastercard Foundation and former PEPFAR and Africa CDC lead, discusses the evolution of public health in Africa, highlighting Rwanda's leadership in health financing and his own journey through various roles in public health. He emphasizes the need for a new public health order in Africa, focusing on domestic financing, the importance of political will, and the role of young people in shaping the future of health on the continent. The discussion also addresses the challenges facing global health financing and the interconnectedness of health, economics, and security.

Support Dr. Amoako's Pediatric Cancer Project in Ghana: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ghanaian-children-fight-cancer-close-to-home

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Exciting News! We're launching a new Podcast!

We’re excited to introduce our new podcast: Africa Health Weekly — your primary source for the latest health news, innovations, and stories shaping healthcare across the continent.

Each week, host Beverly Ndifoin provides timely updates on disease outbreaks, vaccine rollouts, health workforce challenges, policy changes, medical innovations, infrastructure development, and stories of accountability, resilience, and impact.

Our goal is to showcase Africa’s health stories, one week at a time.

📢 The first episodes are already live! 

Tune in now and subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen

Got a story worth sharing? Email us at [email protected].

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Dr. Emmanuela Amoako discusses her journey as a pediatric oncologist and her innovative COMPASS project, which aims to improve childhood cancer detection in Ghana. She emphasizes the importance of empowering caregivers and the challenges faced by children with cancer in low-income countries. The conversation also covers the need for expanded pediatric oncology units, the African Cancer Atlas initiative, and the role of bioethics in healthcare. Dr. Amoako calls for community support and crowdfunding to build a sustainable pediatric oncology center, highlighting the importance of local funding for cancer research in Africa.

Support Dr. Amoako's Pediatric Cancer Project in Ghana: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ghanaian-children-fight-cancer-close-to-home

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In this episode of Global Health Unfiltered, hosts Desmond Jumbam and Ulrick Sidney Kanmounye discuss the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit held in Accra, Ghana. They are joined by Dr. Victor Bampoe and Dr. Ngozi Erondu, who share insights on the summit's key outcomes, including the Sustain Initiative aimed at enhancing African health governance and financing. The conversation explores Ghana's health financing strategies, the importance of leadership in health sovereignty, and the risks associated with donor-driven systems. The episode emphasizes the need for data sovereignty, collaboration among African nations, and the role of civil society in ensuring accountability and effective health systems.

Support Dr. Amoako's Pediatric Cancer Project in Ghana: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ghanaian-children-fight-cancer-close-to-home

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This week's conversation dives into the implications of the US's withdrawal from WHO and the halting of USAID funding. Our guest, Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, shares her insights on the disbelief surrounding these actions, the false narratives that have emerged regarding aid, and the responses (or lack thereof) from African leaders. The discussion emphasizes the need for a critical reevaluation of global health systems and the dependency on aid, framing it as both a challenge and an opportunity for change. In this conversation, Catherine Kyobutungi discusses the complexities of African leadership, the nuances of aid dependency, and the need for accountability in health systems. She emphasizes the importance of rethinking health priorities, balancing infectious and non-communicable diseases, and the role of civil society in demanding accountability from governments. 

Read Catherine's article: After USAID: what now for aid and Africa?

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In this episode of the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, host Desmond Jumbam speaks with Dr. Seye Abimbola about his book, 'The Foreign Gaze: Essays on Global Health.' They discuss how personal experiences, especially familial influences, shape views on global health. Dr. Abimbola shares his mother's impact on his understanding of health systems and social determinants. They also explore 'colonial love' and its effects on current global health practices, alongside the issue of the 'foreign gaze' in academia, highlighting power dynamics in research and policy. The conversation covers health equity, audience dynamics, local knowledge, and health system history. Dr. Abimbola critiques the colonial legacy in global health, stresses the need for connection within systems, and addresses the role of activism. They examine reactions to US foreign policy and advocate for localized health interventions. The discussion also tackles belief in global health and foreign aid, contemplating the 'America First' concept, the perception of aid, the role of health journals, and calls for a reimagined research approach, underscoring local perspectives and robust discourse in global health.

Download Seye's book: https://www.editions.ird.fr/produit/728/9782709930437/the-foreign-gaze

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In this episode of the Global Health Unfiltered Podcast, host Desmond Jumbam discusses the critical intersection of climate change and health with Vanina Laurent-Ledru, Director General of Foundation S. They explore the urgent need for locally-led health adaptation solutions, the barriers to effective funding, and the importance of collective action in addressing climate health impacts. The conversation highlights key recommendations from Fondation S's report, innovative climate resilience models, and young advocates' role in driving change.

Read the report from Foundation S: From Risk to Resilience

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Our guest is Dr. Adji Bousso Dieng, AI researcher at Princeton University and Google. We explore Dr. Dieng's journey from Senegal to Princeton University, the role of Africa in the global AI landscape, the challenges faced in AI development on the continent, and the importance of education and awareness in leveraging AI for development. The conversation highlights the potential of AI to address local problems and the need for infrastructure and investment to support this growth. We also discuss various initiatives to improve AI education in Africa, Dr. Adji NGO 'The Africa I Know', the challenges of AI biases, and the importance of diversity in AI research. We explore the opportunities AI presents for the continent, particularly in education and resource transformation, and provide valuable advice for young innovators looking to make an impact in the field of AI.

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Follow us on X (@unfiltered_gh), LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok.

To support us, consider becoming a paid subscriber on Patreon or making a one-time donation via PayPal.

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