Shows
Banda Global ForumHow to Get Into LSHTM in the UK | Admissions & Funding Advice with Prof. Ahmed RashidThe London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is consistently ranked among the world's top public health schools. But what makes its graduate programs unique, and what should applicants know before applying?In this episode of The Scholar’s Table, Dr. Banda Khalifa speaks with Professor Ahmed Rashid, Pro-Director of Education at LSHTM. Professor Rashid oversees the school’s Master’s and Doctoral programs and is a leading voice in global medical education.
2025-10-0430 min
LSHTM ViralChikungunya: The Virus You’ve Probably Never Heard OfThis summer, chikungunya has been making headlines — with more than 7,000 cases reported in China’s Guangdong province and tens of thousands more across the Indian Ocean islands. Even parts of Europe, including France and Italy, have seen local transmission. But what exactly is chikungunya? How does it spread, what symptoms does it cause, and could it become a risk in cooler countries like the UK?Host Karl Byrne is joined by Dr Doris Kemunto Nyamwaya from The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit to unpack what we know about chikungunya, why public health experts are watching it so c...
2025-08-2617 min
LSHTM ViralMeasles: Why is it spreading and what can we do?Cases of measles are on the rise globally, including in Europe, Central Asia, and North America. In the UK, cases are the highest they've been in 25 years. But why?Join hosts Naomi Stewart and Karl Byrne in this bonus episode of LSHTM Viral as they speak to Professor Liam Smeeth, Director of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine about the very real consequences of the highly contagious disease and the damage of false claims about the MMR vaccine dating back to the 90s. We also speak to Professor Heidi Larson, Director of The Vaccine Confidence Project...
2025-07-1545 min
LSHTM ViralNorovirus uncovered: Why this year is worseEver had a sudden, gut-wrenching bout of vomiting and diarrhoea? You’re not alone—norovirus, the infamous ‘winter vomiting bug,’ has been wreaking havoc across the UK. But why are cases so high this year? And how can you protect yourself?In this special episode, Karl speaks to LSHTM expert Dr Damien Tully to break down the science behind norovirus, how it spreads, and why cruise ships are often the perfect storm for outbreaks. We also discuss the latest infection figures, the strain on the NHS, and practical ways to avoid infection.Ranked 4th globally for infecti...
2025-03-2520 min
LSHTM ViralHMPV: Should we be concerned about this ‘new’ virus?In this bonus episode of LSHTM Viral, we explore human
metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus recently making headlines due to an outbreak in China and rising cases in the UK. But is this something we should be worried about?
Host Karl Byrne is joined by Professor Martin Hibberd, an
expert in emerging infectious diseases at LSHTM, to break down what HMPV is,
how it compares to other respiratory viruses like flu and RSV, and why it’s unlikely to cause a pandemic. They discuss how to protect yourself from seasonal respiratory infections and what global health experts ar...
2025-01-2912 min
LSHTMEpisode 1 - Introducing the Forms of Care ProjectWelcome to the 'Forms of Care' podcast series. In episode 1, we delve in to ideas around the language used when treating people at the end of life.
For more information visit https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/forms-of-care
2022-04-2216 min
LSHTMEpisode 2 - Turning Less Into MoreWelcome to the 'Forms of Care' podcast series. In episode 2, we delve in to the concepts around end of life treatment, how is it perceived in the wider context of biomedicine?
For more information visit https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/forms-of-care
2022-04-2214 min
LSHTMEpisode 3 - Living When Death Is NearWelcome to the 'Forms of Care' podcast series. In episode 3, we delve in to ideas about how people experience end of life care and what is important to them.
For more information visit https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/forms-of-care
2022-04-2217 minLSHTM ViralS3E10: Season 3 reflections and goodbye for now!Join Amy and Karl as they reflect on the LSHTM Viral season 3. They discuss how far have we come with vaccinations worldwide and key takeaways from the expert discussions throughout the season. Thank you to all the experts who appeared on the podcast and the dedicated LSHTM Viral listeners that helped LSHTM Viral win a Gold CASE Award for Digital Communications (Frequent Podcast Category). Goodbye for now!
2021-08-1306 minLSHTM ViralS3E9: Where are we with COVID-19 vaccines and what’s next?In this episode of LSHTM Viral, Karl Byrne speaks with Beate Kampmann, Professor of Paediatric Infection & Immunity and Director of the Vaccine Centre at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. They delve into the future of vaccines, our perception of risk and how vaccination programmes are going to be monitored in the future. Beate answers burning audience questions including, “Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women?”.
You can find the LSHTM vaccine tracker here: https://vac-lshtm.shinyapps.io/ncov_vaccine_landscape/
2021-07-2125 minLSHTM ViralS3E8: Vaccine equity - it's not over everywhere unless we shareThe explosive COVID-19 outbreak in India has shone a striking light on one of the biggest moral issues of our time - vaccine equity. Subsequent halting of vaccine exports is severely affecting Africa and developing countries, and although 1.9 billion doses have been administered globally, many developing countries are yet to receive a single dose. In this episode we are joined by two global health leaders, Professor Peter Piot and Dr. Ayoade Alakija, who discuss vaccine nationalism, COVID-19 in Africa, and possible routes to improving health equity in the future.
2021-06-0138 min
LSHTM ViralS3E7: Signed, sealed, delivered - vaccine purchasing and distributionHow do countries get access to COVID-19 vaccines in the first place? In this episode, Prof Daniel Bausch of LSHTM shares his thoughts on the global vaccine purchasing and distribution systems. An expert in the control of emerging viruses, Dan also discusses with host Naomi Stewart what the focus on COVID-19 means for other vaccination programmes and trials, how the pandemic may end, and how prepared we will be for future epidemics and pandemics.
If you would like to get in contact with the team, or if you have a question you would like to ask our...
2021-05-2028 minLSHTM ViralS3E6: From lab to jab - How to make a vaccineThis week, Karl Byrne talks about the latest vaccination figures as well as other breaking COVID-19 news, including an exciting citizen science project where over the last year gamers playing EVE Online- a massively multiplayer online role-playing game, have carried out real world research that would have taken scientists over 330 years to complete.
In our main feature, Karl tells the incredible story of how the Pfizer-BioNTech is manufactured. The journey begins with a small, frozen tube of viral DNA in a facility in America's Midwest, involves travelling across states, and even continents, ending almost 2 months later with...
2021-05-1116 min
LSHTM ViralS3E5: Who gives the green light for COVID-19 vaccines anyway?Who are the experts and groups around the world approving and regulating the new COVID-19 vaccines? And what do they need to consider amidst the urgency of vaccinating the world? In this episode ahead of World Immunization Week, Naomi Stewart speaks to Prof Annelies Wilder-Smith from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Prof Smith sits on WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization, and walks us through the decisions involved in approving different vaccines - and how it could happen so quickly.
If you would like to get in contact with the team, or if...
2021-04-2022 minLSHTM ViralS3E4: How do we know vaccines are safe?In this episode we explore the crucial stages of clinical trials and testing vaccines. How do clinical trials account for different demographics? How do we know vaccines are safe for everyone? We are joined by Dr Ed Parker, Research Fellow at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and member of the Vaccine Centre. Ed walks us through the purpose of a clinical trial and its roots in ancient history, and provides insight behind LSHTM’s vaccine tracker.
Link to LSHTM short course on clinical trials: https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/courses/short-courses/clinical-trials
2021-04-0819 minLSHTM ViralS3E3: What's in a vaccine?Vaccines have arguably made the greatest contribution to global health of any human intervention apart from the introduction of clean water and sanitation. With new vaccines being developed at an incredible rate to tackle the current pandemic, we take a look at how vaccines work and what goes into each shot.
Karl is joined by Helen Fletcher, Professor of Immunology at LSHTM, to take a look at what goes into a vaccine, how you design one and how the COVID-19 vaccines were created so quickly and safely. They also dispel some of the myths floating around about...
2021-03-2431 min
LSHTM ViralS3E2: A brief history of vaccinesHow did vaccines come to be and how have they changed over time? In today's episode, Naomi Stewart speaks to historian Dr Gareth Millward from the University of Warwick, on the history of vaccines and how vaccination programmes have evolved in the 20th century. Professor Liam Smeeth from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine then walks us through the vaccine landscape at the turn of the 21st century, and public perceptions and attitudes towards vaccination in a COVID-19 world.
2021-03-0933 min
LSHTM ViralS3E1: Will vaccination end the COVID-19 pandemic?Welcome back to a new season of LSHTM Viral, where we will be taking a deep-dive into vaccines and speak to experts working real-time on COVID-19. LSHTM modeller Roz Eggo reacts to the UK’s roadmap announcement on 22 February for easing lockdown restrictions, explaining the science behind the government's decision and how vaccination will forge a way out of the pandemic. John Edmunds, a UK government science advisor and professor of infectious disease at LSHTM discussed how new, potentially dangerous variants of the virus can emerge and key considerations for vaccination at this scale.
2021-02-2323 min
LSHTM ViralSeason 3 trailerLaunching February 23rd 2021
Vaccines are widely regarded as one of the greatest achievements of modern civilization, but how vaccines work, How do you create a vaccine? And perhaps most importantly, how do you produce enough to vaccinate the entire world?
Join Karl Byrne, Amy Thomas and Naomi Stewart every fortnight as they explore the latest developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and take a deep dive into vaccines and vaccinations. They will be talking about the latest pandemic news, answering your vaccine questions and speaking to experts from LSHTM and beyond, as they explore the past, p...
2021-02-1701 min
LSHTM ViralS2E8: The future depends on planetary healthHow exactly did planetary health come to be, and where is it headed? In this season finale, we speak to two pioneers of the field - Prof Andy Haines of LSHTM and Richard Horton, editor of the Lancet. They discuss the urgency of embedding planetary health into the policy agenda, the benefits of increased public engagement with science during COVID-19, and how to address the inequalities that could hamper our efforts.
2021-01-0625 min
LSHTM ViralBonus: Vaccine Special - Confident or hesitant?Welcome to a special episode of LSHTM Viral! The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, with mass national roll out following as early as the next couple of weeks. Karl is joined in this episode by Dr Pauline Paterson, Dr Sadie Bell, and Prof Liam Smeeth of LSHTM, as they take a look at the factors that affect people's confidence and hesitance around vaccines, how the recent news might affect peoples perceptions of vaccines, and discuss some of the logistical and communication challenges that the UK...
2020-12-0331 min
LSHTM ViralS2E7: Blue sky thinking - using satellites to track air pollutionWe hear a lot about reducing air pollution, but why do we need to? Join Amy, Naomi and Karl exploring the ins and outs of air pollution including, how the particles affect the human body, and where they come from. We turn to new research that uses machine learning, satellite data and on-the-ground monitors to build a highly detailed pollution map of Great Britain, revealing exciting avenues for the future of air pollution and health research. Contributions from LSHTM's Prof Paul Wilkinson and Prof Antonio Gasparrini.
2020-11-2631 min
LSHTM ViralS2E6: What if we can't handle the heat?Will climate change make it too hot for humans to live? In today's planetary health episode of LSHTM Viral, we explore the deathly impacts of excess heat driven by global warming. Shakoor Hajat explains what actually happens to our body during heat stress and how that's causing increases in mortality and morbidity worldwide, and Ana Bonell shares a case study from her PhD research on how hot temperatures are affecting pregnant farmers - and their foetuses - in West Africa. Both researchers also explain why, despite the challenges, they are still hopeful.
2020-11-1929 min
LSHTM ViralS2E5: What do we know about climate change & COVID-19?The links between the environment and infectious diseases are extremely complicated with many factors to consider. With a novel virus like COVID-19, there are still many unknowns. In this episode, we ask expert ecologist, Dr Kris Murray, about the emergence of COVID-19 from bats in the Wuhan food market and how this relates to environmental change. Dr Rachel Lowe enlightens us with the latest evidence on environmental influences on other diseases, and what this could tell us about COVID-19 transmission risk in the future.
2020-11-1226 min
LSHTM ViralS2E4: Environmental changes and infectious diseaseFrom Africa’s meningitis belt to the link between malaria and rice cultivation, and from mosquitoes in the Mekong Delta to mangoes in Mexico, the links between environmental change and infectious diseases are complex and, at times, surprising.
Join Karl Byrne, Amy Thomas and guests as they delve into this fascinating topic.
Karl and Amy chat about the US Presidential election and how it could impact America’s efforts towards curbing climate change going forward. Karl is also joined by Professor Martin Antonio from MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM and LSHTM PhD candidate Kallista Chan...
2020-11-0534 min
LSHTM ViralS2E3: Food, Health and Sustainability - Part 2What role does the private sector play in achieving sustainable yet nutritious food systems? In today's episode, Naomi Stewart explores the relationship between the private sector and climate change when it comes to the production of food, from small scale farmers to the mass industrialisation of plant-based alternatives.
Our first guest is Francesca Harris, a PhD student at LSHTM who discusses the impacts of farming on water resources in India, and the ways that academia should or could interact with the private sector. Then, we speak to Adam Cheney, a R&D Manager at V2 - an...
2020-10-2936 min
LSHTM ViralS2E2: Food, Health and Sustainability - Part 1Healthy and sustainable diets are essential for planetary health. Poor diets are a leading cause of ill health and death globally, and the food system is responsible for between 20% and 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. On-going environmental changes are also having a direct impact on food production, and without substantial efforts to adapt to the new environmental conditions, the food system will struggle to deliver healthy and sustainable diets for all.
In this episode, Karl Byrne has a chat with Professor Alan Dangour, the Director of LSHTM's Centre of Climate Change and Planetary Health, and Pauline Scheelbeek...
2020-10-2338 min
LSHTM ViralS2E1: Introducing LSHTM Viral Season 2 - What is Planetary Health?Welcome to LSHTM Viral Season 2, which deep dives into planetary health with researchers from the newly formed Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health at LSHTM, and other experts. In this episode we introduce the podcast team, Naomi Stewart, Karl Byrne and Amy Thomas. Sir Andy Haines, former director of LSHTM, also joins us to explain how the term planetary health came about, and why he became interested in this area.
2020-10-1532 min
LSHTM ViralS1E39 (Bonus episode): Vaccine ConfidenceIn this bonus episode, we speak to Prof Heidi Larson, Director of the 'Vaccine Confidence Project'. Heidi and her team have just published a 5 year study looking at public confidence in vaccines worldwide across 149 countries. She discusses increases and declines in confidence, and what can be done to understand these different views in order to increase confidence and optimise vaccine uptake, which will be crucial with the hopeful arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine.
2020-09-1115 min
LSHTM ViralS1E38: A modern history of pandemics and public health: Where does COVID-19 fit in?In our final episode of LSHTM Viral's first season, we dive into the history of pandemics and public health in the last few centuries, from the bubonic plague to AIDS and H1N1. Researchers from the Centre for History in Public Health explore how COVID-19 fits into this history, and how the past has shaped how we are responding to the crisis now.
2020-08-281h 11
LSHTM ViralS1E37: World Mosquito Day 2020: How does COVID-19 impact the fight against malaria?For World Mosquito Day 2020, we explore the impact of COVID-19 on malaria control and prevention. A recent report from WHO says the continued disruption to malaria prevention could revert mortality to levels seen two decades ago. In this episode we speak to Prof of Epidemiology and Global Health, Sian Clarke, Co-Director of the Malaria Centre at LSHTM and Dr Corine Ngufor, Assistant Prof of Medical Entomology explains how we can adapt current malaria campaigns in West Africa while maintaining safety from COVID-19 transmission. More information: www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres/malaria-centre
2020-08-2017 min
LSHTM ViralS1E36: Tracking COVID-19 rumours in AfricaCOVID-19 cases are starting to rise across Africa. Researchers at The MRC Unit The Gambia, LSHTM, have developed a COVID-19 rumour tracking app to combat rumours and misinformation about COVID-19 circulating amongst the populations in The Gambia and neighbouring Senegal. Social Scientific Lead Dr Melisa Martinez-Alvarez, and Social Scientific Officer Lamin Leigh explain why the tracking app is needed and how it works. Link to the tracker: https://apps.mrc.gm/informationtracker
2020-08-1317 min
LSHTM ViralS1E35: COVID-19 Live Q&A #4 with Peter Piot, John Nkengasong & Sarah BoseleyWe bring you our fourth live Covid-19 Q&A, broadcast on Twitter and YouTube on 28 July with Professor Peter Piot, Director of LSHTM, Dr John Nkengasong, first Director of Africa CDC and presented by Sarah Boseley, Health Editor at The Guardian.
2020-07-3043 min
LSHTM ViralS1E34: Ask Prof Peter Piot and Dr John Nkengasong your questions on COVID-19Next Tuesday 28th July we are hosting our fourth COVID-19 Live Q&A with Peter Piot, Director of LSHTM, and John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC. Join our Q&A streamed on LSHTM’s Twitter and YouTube channels to ask your questions direct to world-leading experts with moderation by Sarah Boseley, Health Editor at The Guardian.
2020-07-2302 min
LSHTM ViralS1E33: Looking back to think aheadIt has now been six months since the first case of COVID-19 was announced in China. There are over 10.5 million infections worldwide, and tragically 500,000 deaths. We listen back to our very first episode with LSHTM's Prof John Edmunds in January, where he acknowledges the likelihood of the disease arriving in the UK, the day before the first case was announced.
2020-07-0210 min
LSHTM ViralS1E32: Controlling the spread of disease with the help of social scienceThe way people act and behave inside health clinics can impact the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19, TB and Ebola. Understanding how this happens is essential for effective, long-lasting public health solutions. We speak to Alison Swartz, Aaron Karat and Karina Kielmann who work through a 'systems approach' that includes social science, anthropology and epidemiology in infection prevention control in South Africa.
2020-06-2520 min
LSHTM ViralS1E31: Building a healthy and sustainable economy post-pandemicEfforts to curb the devastating effects of COVID-19 have halted the global economy and left governments striving to repair the damage. As we tackle the global recession in the wake of this pandemic, there’s a unique opportunity to push ahead on sustainable policies for our future. Sir Andy Haines, previous director of LSHTM and Professor of Environmental Change and Public Health explains how governments can put health and sustainability and the heart of our economic recovery.
2020-06-1822 min
LSHTM ViralS1E30: What is the impact of racism and colonialism on healthcare?As the momentum behind Black Lives Matter and placing social justice before social distancing grows worldwide, we speak to Dr Lioba Hirsch, a Research Fellow who is studying the colonial history of LSHTM. Dr Hirsch walks us through some of the challenges faced by Black, Asian, and minority ethnic people during COVID-19, what the impact of racism within healthcare systems looks like, and how we can start facing the legacy of colonialism in global health.
2020-06-1118 min
LSHTM ViralS1E29: Working to protect our communities: A brief reflectionAmidst the tragic headlines, we look at highlights from our previous LSHTM Viral episodes to reflect on the global efforts to protect those most vulnerable to disease and health burdens.
2020-06-0503 min
LSHTM ViralS1E28: Developing a COVID-19 vaccine - are we close?In this episode we speak to Professor Beate Kampmann, Director of the The Vaccine Centre at LSHTM. We ask Beate about the latest progress in finding a vaccine for COVID-19 and discuss the challenges of producing one on such an enormous scale. Vaccine candidate tracker: bit.ly/2BbkJ09
2020-05-2917 min
LSHTM ViralS1E27: Is it paw-sible for dogs to detect COVID-19?Medical detection dogs have previously been able to sniff out malaria, cancer, Parkinson's, and other disease. Could they now be trained to detect COVID-19? Prof James Logan of LSHTM discusses the current research under way with Clare Guest of Medical Detection Dogs and Prof Steve Lindsay of Durham University, and how puppers may be deployed at airports and other ports of entry to identify people carrying the disease.
2020-05-2722 min
LSHTM ViralS1E26: The one that finally got me: Peter Piot’s battle with COVID-19In his first interview since being hospitalised with COVID-19, LSHTM Director and world-leading virologist Peter Piot gives a personal account of his experience with the novel coronavirus. He shares lessons learned from his work on Ebola and HIV, the role of survivors in the COVID-19 response, and his renewed mission for tackling the pandemic.
2020-05-2130 min
LSHTM ViralS1E25: Your questions. Expert answers #3 *Modelling Special* – LSHTM Viral LIVEBroadcast on 1 May, we ran a third live Q&A session with two of our infectious disease modelling experts, Professor John Edmunds and Dr Petra Klepac of LSHTM. John and Petra answer on a range of topics proposed by the audience including how modelling provides evidence to COVID-19 policy, modelling the lockdown exit in the UK, ideal data sets and limitations of modelling an outbreak. To watch the livestream go to: https://twitter.com/LSHTM/status/1256181729171329024?s=20
2020-05-0730 min
LSHTM ViralS1E24: Children's mental health during COVID-19: How can they cope?Without their social networks and the same understanding of the pandemic as adults, children may be struggling with their mental health and well-being during COVID-19. Professor James Logan from LSHTM has recently co-authored a book with illustrator Lydia Monk to help children and parents cope with coronavirus, and together with child psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos, discusses how to manage these challenges at home.
2020-05-0525 min
LSHTM ViralS1E23: New virus, new life: Will this pandemic affect pregnancy?What do we know about the impact of viruses on pregnancy? Can vaccine trials involve pregnant women? And how has the process of labour changed in light of COVID-19? We discuss all of this and more with maternal and newborn health expert, Professor Joy Lawn of LSHTM.
2020-04-2721 min
LSHTM ViralS1E22: Anthropogenic pandemic: COVID-19 and climate changeHuman health is influenced by earth’s natural systems, the wildlife around us, and the environment we create. The spread of infectious diseases may be linked climate factors and animals, but the consequences can tell us even more about the health of people, and of our planet. In this episode, Dr Rachel Lowe, Associate Professor in infectious diseases and Professor Alan Dangour, Director for the Centre on Climate Change & Planetary Health at LSHTM, discuss COVID-19 and climate change.
2020-04-2413 min
LSHTM ViralS1E21: Reducing the toll of COVID-19 in Africa: What can be done?Is Africa the new COVID-19 epicentre? Professor Francesco Checchi of LSHTM discusses his latest paper, using mathematical modelling to look at what can be done in low-resource settings across the continent, and how to protect the most vulnerable populations without the human and economic costs of total lockdown.
2020-04-2119 min
LSHTM ViralS1E20: COVID-19 - high stakes in low-resource settingsThe COVID-19 pandemic is affecting each country differently. Healthcare structures, the government and the characteristics of a particular population create unique challenges that require a tailored response. Dr Mishal Khan and Professor Rashida Ferrand from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine explain key issues that Low- and Middle-income Countries (LMICs) are facing, and Dr Abdul Sesay from MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM describes how the Unit is using the latest genomic advancements to trace the virus.
2020-04-0926 min
LSHTM ViralS1E19: Clinical trials and international collaborationsCan the world work together to find COVID-19 treatments and vaccines? We speak with Professor Dan Bausch, a physician and virologist specialising in emerging tropical viruses, and Director of the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team. He shares insights into new international collaborations that aim to harmonise clinical trials and research to end the pandemic worldwide.
2020-04-0321 min
LSHTM ViralS1E18: Your questions. Expert answers #2 - LSHTM Viral LIVEStreaming remotely from our homes, we bring you another live COVID-19 Q&A, broadcast on Twitter and YouTube on 25 March 2020. Heidi Larson, an anthropologist and Professor of Risk and Decision Science at LSHTM, and Jimmy Whitworth, Professor of International Public Health at LSHTM, answer questions from social media in real-time.
2020-03-2741 min
LSHTM ViralS1E17: Is washing your hands enough?Is hand-washing enough to stop the spread of COVID-19? In this episode, LSHTM professor Wendy Graham joins Prof Stephanie Dancer from NHS Lanarkshire to explain the science behind hand-washing and give tips on keeping clean during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sam Tweed, a medical doctor studying public health at LSHTM, makes a special guest appearance to demonstrate how to clean a surface correctly
2020-03-2030 min
LSHTM ViralS1E16: Changing the way we live to fight COVID-19The UK's response to COVID-19 has dramatically changed in recent days. Dr. Adam Kucharski, outbreak modeller from LSHTM is working to provide robust scientific evidence for the government and other decision-makers. Adam talks us through the evidence behind the government's response at this time, and shares his thoughts about the outbreak and it’s social impacts long-term.
2020-03-1817 min
LSHTM ViralS1E15: On the frontlines of the pandemic in the UKWe speak to Professor Liam Smeeth, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health at LSHTM, and also a practising GP in north London. As cases spread across Europe, Prof Smeeth discusses what it's like on the frontlines of UK healthcare, the value of the NHS, and also shares his recent experiences in self-isolation.
2020-03-1611 min
LSHTM ViralS1E14: Your questions. Expert answers – LSHTM Viral LIVEBroadcast on 5 March 2020, we ran a live Q&A session with two of our outbreak experts, Professor Jimmy Whitworth and Dr Roz Eggo. Jimmy and Roz answer on a range of topics proposed by the audience including vaccines, current public health measures at the time, school closures, transmission rates and travel advice. To watch the video go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dwQkWqWHcw
2020-03-1042 min
LSHTM ViralS1E13: Turning the tide on COVID-19: lessons from the Diamond PrincessIn this episode we speak to Annelies Wilder-Smith, Professor of Emerging Infectious Disease at LSHTM. With a team of scientists, she has just published a paper on the success and failures of quarantining the Diamond Princess cruise ship, with their research showing earlier evacuation we could have prevented hundreds of passengers and crew becoming infected, and what this means for other countries and their policies going forward. We'll be answering your questions on COVID19 LIVE Thursday 5th March 12:30 : bit.ly/3cxmX84
2020-03-0416 min
LSHTM ViralS1E12: Communicating COVID-19: behind the scenes with LSHTM’s press officeIn a special behind-the-scenes episode, we here at LSHTM share what it is actually like to be working on communications during COVID-19. James Barr, Media Manager of LSHTM’s Press Office, takes us through a day in the life of a PR professional during a global outbreak, explains the critical role of university press offices in linking academics to the media when there is such high demand for experts, and describes how the global network of communications professionals are all working hard to ensure accurate information is being shared.
2020-03-0208 min
LSHTM ViralS1E11: Misinformation contagionMisinformation during an outbreak has serious consequences, but how do we prevent it? Professor Heidi Larson, Director of Vaccine Confidence Project at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and former head of immunisation communication at UNICEF discusses public trust in science and how this is effecting COVID-19 outbreak control. She also talks about wider issues of public health communication including the role of social media, schools and the introduction of new vaccines.
2020-02-2612 min
LSHTM ViralS1E10: Viruses don’t discriminateThere are now daily reports in the media of racist abuse and attacks against Chinese and East Asian people due to the coronavirus outbreak. We speak to LSHTM statistician Edmond Ng and Jabez Lam from Hackney Chinese Community Services about the experiences of London’s Chinese community, LSHTM student Kazuki Shimizu reflects on the situation in Japan, and LSHTM social scientist Leesa Lin looks at the evidence on discrimination and disease outbreaks. For anyone affected by racist attacks as a result of COVID-19, information and support is available at https://bit.ly/3bWqKLU. You can read Kazuki’s correspondence to T...
2020-02-2117 min
LSHTM ViralS1E9: Prevention, protection, and paediatrics during COVID-19Can we protect ourselves from COVID-19? Dr Shunmay Yeung is a paediatrician who specialises in infectious diseases, and was one of the first LSHTM responders to the Ebola outbreak in 2014. Here, she discusses personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers during outbreaks, advice for how the public can best protect themselves, and why children don’t seem to be affected by COVID-19.
2020-02-1914 min
LSHTM ViralS1E8: The global response to the COVID-19 outbreakHaving worked with the WHO for more than 22 years, David Heymann is renowned as one of the world’s leading disease control experts. In a wide-ranging chat, David discusses the global response to COVID-19, the challenges faced by policymakers and his experiences of dealing with outbreaks.
2020-02-1420 min
LSHTM ViralS1E7: Using mathematics to help control COVID-19Dr Adam Kucharski talks us through mathematical modelling – what it is and its crucial role during disease outbreaks like the novel coronavirus. He also explores the implications of using certain language during outbreaks, and answers a question from one of our listeners. To discover LSHTM’s latest modelling work visit https://cmmid.github.io/ncov.
2020-02-1315 min
LSHTM ViralS1E6: What do you want to know about COVID-19?We want to hear from you! Please get in touch by emailing comms@lshtm.ac.uk and let us know what you would like to hear on the podcast. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes with top outbreak-modeller Adam Kucharski and Professor David Heymann who led the WHO’s response to SARS in 2003.
2020-02-1203 min
LSHTM ViralS1E5: Coronavirus - will it become a pandemic?Is coronavirus on it's way to becoming a full pandemic? Professor Peter Piot is Director of LSHTM, founding executive director of UNAIDS and was a member of the original team that discovered Ebola in 1976. He explains why he thinks coronavirus will become a pandemic, how this is worrying for sub-Saharan Africa, and what we need for epidemic preparedness.
2020-02-0716 min
LSHTM ViralS1E4: Diagnosis... coronavirus?How do we diagnose coronavirus? Martin Hibberd Professor of Emerging Infectious Diseases at LSHTM talks us through the current tests for coronavirus and what infectious disease experts hope for the future. He explains the typical features of viruses like this, including different strains and potential mutations.
2020-02-0507 min
LSHTM ViralS1E3: Slowing the spread of coronavirusWith the first death outside China, what is the potential scope for coronavirus to spread further? Jimmy Whitworth is a Professor of International Public Health at LSHTM with almost 40 years’ experience in the spread of infectious disease. He provides an expert view on outbreak responses through history and how this current outbreak compares, and also answers our questions on face masks, vaccines, and what’s next.
2020-02-0308 min
LSHTM ViralS1E2: Africa prepares for coronavirusAs the outbreak evolves daily, what is Africa doing to prepare in case coronavirus reaches the continent? Professor Martin Antonio of the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM has previously worked in epidemic responses in Nigeria. He explains how the MRC Unit’s genomic sequencing labs are ready to help African scientists respond to the threat of coronavirus reaching their shores, and what the African CDC’s plans are.
2020-01-3109 min
LSHTM ViralS1E1: Tracking the new coronavirusOur first guest on LSHTM Viral is Professor John Edmunds, who specialises in mathematical modelling for infectious diseases. John, who was awarded an OBE for real-time modelling during the Ebola crisis, explains where we are with coronavirus now and how we can use data to control the outbreak.
2020-01-3009 min
LSHTMMichael Lewis: LSHTM 120 and Marie Skłodowska-CurieTo celebrate LSHTM's 120th anniversary, the names of three women health innovators are being added to the frieze of our iconic building in London. We speak to Dr Michael Lewis, Assistant Professor at LSHTM, to look at the work of one of those women - Marie Skłodowska-Curie. Dr Lewis was awarded a Marie Curie Fellowship in 2014.
Find out more at www.lshtm.ac.uk/120
2019-09-2305 min
LSHTMUduak Okomo: LSHTM 120 and Florence NightingaleTo celebrate LSHTM's 120th anniversary, the names of three women health innovators are being added to the frieze of our iconic building in London. We speak to Dr Uduak Okomo from MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM to look at the work of one of those women - Florence Nightingale - and explore her impact today. Find out more at https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/120
2019-09-1105 min
LSHTMShould Kenya continue the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine away from Gavi supportPneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in children under five, but researchers working in Kenya have demonstrated that the PCV10 vaccine is highly effective - and cost-effective - against the bacterium responsible. Elmien Wolvaardt spoke to Anthony Scott, Professor of Vaccine Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, to find out more
2019-04-1506 min
LSHTMMentoring in global health leadershipDoctor and Professor Wafaa El-Sadr is the founder and director of ICAP; an international organisation that supports large-scale health programmes, education and training. Joining her are Dr Doris Naitore, ICAP’s Director of Strategies in Kenya, who has been inspired and mentored by Prof El’Sadr for many years, and student Ashley Grey – a very recent mentee.
Elmien Wolvaardt Ellison caught up with them on Day 1 of the conference to discuss mentorship.
2018-11-2309 min
LSHTMHIV treatment as prevention in AfricaA team from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine are testing a radical new approach to HIV prevention in Southern Africa — one that focuses on treatment rather than prevention.
Reported by Meera Senthilingam. Credit: SciDev.Net
https://www.scidev.net/global/hiv-aids/multimedia/hiv-treatment-as-prevention-in-africa.html
for more on the PopART project see -https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/popart
2018-11-2106 min
LSHTMHeidi Larsson - Day 1 of the Women Leaders in Global Health conferenceProfessor Heidi Larsson, Women Leaders in Global Health Conference Steering Committee Chair, reflects on Day 1 of the conference.
2018-11-0902 min
LSHTMDr Agnes Binagwaho: fighting for the poor and vulnerable in RwandaDr Agnes Binagwaho was Minister of Health during the aftermath of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. She is now the Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Global Health Equity, where support for the poor and vulnerable is at the top of the agenda. She spoke with Elmien Wolvaardt Ellison about the transformation of the Rwandan health service, her plans for the next Women Leaders in Global Health Conference and the childhood experience that set her on this path to excellence in global health.
2018-11-0609 min
LSHTMDr Soka Moses: a champion for women leaders in healthAs a newly-qualified doctor, Dr Soka Moses risked his life to stay behind and help with the 2014 Ebola outbreak in LIberia. Shortly afterwards, he came to the LSHTM where he completed a Masters’ Degree in the Control of Infectious Diseases. Dr Moses spoke with Elmien Wolvaardt Ellison about his experiences and the importance of involving women in decision making about health.
2018-11-0506 min
LSHTMDr Soumya Swaminathan: a global role model with her feet firmly on the groundOne year after her appointment as Deputy Director-General for Programmes at the World Health Organization, Dr Soumya Swaminathan spoke to Elmien Wolvaardt Ellison about the value of women in global health.
2018-11-0111 min
LSHTMXavier Prats Monné - The opposite of feminism is ignoranceXavier Prats Monné, until recently the Director-General of Health and Food Safety in the European Commission, spoke with Elmien Wolvaardt Ellison about what – and who – is standing between women and their success in global health leadership.
This podcast is part of a series to support the Womens Leaders in Global Health conference 2018 at LSHTM
2018-10-1904 min
LSHTMDr Ann Aerts - supporting women leaders in global healthDr Ann Aerts, Head of the Novartis Foundation, speaks to Elmien Wolvaardt about her passion for supporting women leaders in global health.
2018-08-2306 min
LSHTMEliminating Trachoma on the Bijagós IslandsDr Anna Last from the School discusses her pioneering work to eliminate trachoma on the Bijagós Islands, off the coast of Guinea Bissau.
2017-12-0507 min
LSHTMEnding Malaria in the Bijagós IslandsProfessor James Logan discusses how his team are working on the Bijagós Islands, off the coast of Guinea Bissau, to find new approaches to ending the malaria on the archipelago. What they find works could then one day be applied to end the disease on a more global level.
2017-12-0506 min
LSHTMClare Chandler: Bringing disciplines together to end Antimicrobial ResistanceDr Clare Chandler is a medical anthropologist and co-Director of the LSHTM Antimicrobial Resistance Centre. She discusses the global concern over antimicrobial resistance and how researchers from a range of disciplines are coming together at the center to tackle the issue.
2017-06-0607 min
LSHTMMishal Khan: The Burden of Antimicrobial Resistance in PakistanMishal Khan is assistant professor at LSHTM and working to understand the use of antibiotics in Pakistan and today's burden of resistance. Insight on the key stakeholders in this setting could help tackle the issue across South Asia.
2017-05-2907 min
LSHTMA new platform for pneumococcal vaccine developmentProfessor Brendan Wren discusses his unique platform technology that could enable cheaper production of vaccines, including the pneumococcal vaccine, and against a wider range of bacterial strains.
2017-02-0908 min
LSHTMHaleem Shakur: The WOMAN TrialHaleema Shakur from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine discusses the rationale behind the WOMAN Trial, which is investigating the use of a new agent to reduce rates of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) among women during childbirth.
2016-12-0409 min
LSHTMPublic Health Responses in Humanitarian Crises: the need for evidence.Dr Karl Blanchet discusses the need for better quality evidence to inform public health interventions during humanitarian crises.
The evidence review he discusses in this podcast was authored by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and commissioned by Elrha’s Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises Programme (R2HC), which is funded by DFID and the Wellcome Trust.
Image credit: UNHCR / Olivier Laban-Mattei
2016-10-1809 min
LSHTMAlan Dangour: How human diets are impacting climate change.Dr Alan Dangour from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine discusses how changes in human diet, particularly the increasing consumption of meat, are affecting our environment and accelerating the release of greenhouse gas emissions.
2016-10-1809 min
LSHTMSari Kovats: Increasing heatwaves and floods in the UK.Dr Sari Kovats from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains how climate change is changing weather patterns throughout the world, with a focus on the increasing number of heatwaves and flood events in the U.K.
2016-10-1809 min
LSHTMThe story of the Shakespeare HutListen to the story of the YMCA Shakespeare Hut, with extracts from letters written by those who worked and stayed there.
2016-10-0408 min
LSHTMAilsa Grant Ferguson and Gordon McMullen discuss the Shakespeare HutProfessor Gordon McMullan of King’s College London, academic director of Shakespeare400 and director of the London Shakespeare Centre, and Dr Ailsa Grant Ferguson of the University of Brighton, recorded in conversation about the Shakespeare Hut, July 2016.
Find out more about the Shakespeare Hut project - http://shakespearehut.lshtm.ac.uk
2016-07-2606 min
LSHTMHIV control among adolescentsWe visit a region of South Africa where HIV is a risk for many living in the population, but particularly Adolescents girls. We hear from a youth group trying to tackle the problem through greater awareness and insight among those affected and Professor Charlotte Watts from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine explains why adolescent girls are at greater risk of the infection and how her team are developing interventions to reduce this risk. Image: © 2012 Benjamin Soro, Courtesy of Photoshare
2016-05-3008 min
LSHTMA Londoner's experience of tuberculosis54-year old Londoner Amina Scully, recently recovered from tuberculosis (TB). The disease is now common in London, a hotspot for TB, and was announced as the world's leading infectious killer in 2015. She speaks to Meera Senthilingam about her experience of TB in the city and her year-long treatment for a rare form of the disease, infecting her spine.
Included in our feature - Ending TB: the race to control a disease in hiding - http://features.lshtm.ac.uk/project/ending-tb-the-race-to-control-a-disease-in-hiding
2016-01-2807 min
LSHTMSeasonal malaria preventionMalaria expert Dr. Paul Milligan discusses the benefits of seasonal malaria chemoprevention and how up to 80% of malaria cases can be prevented in high-risk communities.
Part of the October 2015 feature - http://features.lshtm.ac.uk/project/paving-the-road-to-a-malaria-free-world
2015-11-0207 min
LSHTMTrialling malaria vaccines in rural KenyaMeera Senthilingam visits Kilifi, Kenya - a trial site of the RTS,S malaria vaccine - to hear the challenges of testing vaccines in high burden communities.
Part of the October 2015 feature - http://features.lshtm.ac.uk/project/paving-the-road-to-a-malaria-free-world
2015-11-0207 min
LSHTMJoy Lawn: Sustainable Development Goals and what next for women, children and adolescents?Joy Lawn discusses the Sustainable Development Goals and what this means for women, children and adolescents. She also talks about the School's new free online course in maternal and child health.
Visit the MARCH website to find out more - http://march.lshtm.ac.uk/
2015-09-2514 min
LSHTMDecember 2014 - Ebola, food poisoning, and a look back through the yearKarl Blanchet and Olivier Le Polain discuss the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Brendan Wren talks turkey about the risk of Camploybacter in our Christmas dinner. Plus some audio highlights from our 2014 festive calendar: http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/festivecalendar2014
2014-12-1822 min
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Audio News - LSHTM PodcastAudio News LSHTM March 2009AUDIO NEWS LSHTM March 24th, 2009
In this edition of Audio News……
AIDS expert, writer, and epidemiologist Elizabeth Pisani recently returned to the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine—where she trained and did research for her MSc and PhD to tell Peter Goodwin about her new book: The Wisdom of Whores, which delivers home truths about the 'business of AIDS' which could—potentially—prevent millions of people from dying.
Andrew Prentice discusses the 'experiment of Nature' being harnessed by his group in a research effort spearheaded by his colleague Branwen Hennig in The Gambia where seasonal variations in the availabili...
2009-03-3021 minLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Audio News - LSHTM PodcastGLOBAL HEALTH: A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments - September 12th, 2007LSHTM Audio News Review - September 12th, 2007
A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments.
Road-Side Tranexamic Acid Therapy to Reduce Mortality and Blood Transfusions after Trauma?
The multi-national CRASH trial investigates whether the antifibrinolytic agent, tranexamic acid normally used to reduce bleeding during surgery can also be used as a first-aid to cut mortality and the need of blood transfusion immediately after trauma. Jaime Miranda, based in Lima, Peru, described to Peter Goodwin how the trial could benefit the developing world in particular.
Growth Hormones: Slimming Aid for Patients Receiving HAART?
Daily administration of the...
2007-09-1324 minLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Audio News - LSHTM PodcastGLOBAL HEALTH: A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments - August 31st, 2007LSHTM Audio News Review - August 31st, 2007
A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments.
Herpes Simplex Therapy Reduces HIV Activity in Co-Infected Patients
It is possible to reduce HIV activity in patients who are co-infected with HIV and herpes simplex type 2. Philippe Mayaud tells us about the study which showed reduced HIV concentration in the blood and vagina when co-infected patients underwent continuous treatment with anti-herpes agent valacyclovir.
Entecavir Helps Combat HIV but Also Selects Antiretroviral Resistant Mutation
Entecavir, used to treat HBV can lower levels of HIV in co-infected patients. In spite of entecavirs...
2007-08-3119 minLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Audio News - LSHTM PodcastGLOBAL HEALTH: A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments - August 28th, 2007LSHTM Audio News Review - August 28th, 2007
A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments.
Increased Miscarriage Risk in Women with Low Body Mass Index
Underweight women with a BMI below 18.5 have a 70 per cent increase in their risk of miscarriage according to a study published in the British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Pat Doyle gave us the details.
Microfinance Helps Cut Domestic Violence in Rural South Africa
A large and groundbreaking study published in the Lancet has shown that microfinance, combined with a gender and HIV training scheme, can help reduce domestic violence among...
2007-08-3120 minLondon School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Audio News - LSHTM PodcastGLOBAL HEALTH: A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developmentsLSHTM Audio News Review
A supplement to LSHTM Audio News reviewing this year's important medical developments.
Seven-Day Low-Cost Tuberculosis Diagnosis
A new test for TB (reported in the New England Journal of Medicine) has proved more powerful, faster and yet cheaper than any alternative. David Moore explains how the Microscopic-Observation Drug-Susceptibility (MODS) Assay is highly sensitive and specific, and also yields drug susceptibility data.
Improved TB Detection in Women
Improving on notoriously low TB detection rates in resource-limited parts of the world may be easily achieved, according to Mishal Khan. The effectiveness of screening can be strengthened by giving comprehensive...
2007-08-2522 min