Welcome to “Better Health for a Better World,” the podcast that takes you on a global journey to explore the transformative power of healthcare and its impact on communities across the globe.
In a world where health disparities persist and challenges transcend borders, this podcast serves as a beacon of insight, inspiration, and action. Join us as we delve deep into the heart of global health projects and initiatives, guided by Ireland’s International Policy Document, ‘A Better World.’
Every episode invites you to meet the dedicated individuals on the front lines, those who are shaping the landscape of health, equity, and sustainability. From local heroes to international partnerships, we showcase the stories, strategies, and solutions that are making a tangible difference.
Our episodes span a wide spectrum of vital topics, from gender equality and climate action to crisis response and nutrition. We address sensitive subjects like sexual and reproductive health and rights with care and respect, aiming to empower and inform.
Through engaging conversations and powerful narratives, we aim to amplify the voices of partners in the Global South, ensuring their stories are at the forefront of the global health discussion.
Together, we’ll navigate the complexities, celebrate the victories, and acknowledge the challenges on the path to better health for all. We’ll explore the pivotal role of international collaborations with organisations like the Global Fund, UNAIDS, and the HSE, highlighting the strength of collective action.
Join us in this endeavor to create a better world through improved health. Subscribe now, and let’s embark on a journey to inspire, engage, and make a lasting impact on global health. Together, we can achieve better health for a better world.
Created by the Irish Global Health Network in partnership with Irish Aid. Hosted by Nadine Ferris France, Executive Director of the Irish Global Health Network. Produced by Abe Neihum, ANPM Studios.
We would like to bring to the attention of our listeners that “Better Health for a Better World” podcast series often features guests who are based in-country in the Global South. While we strive to maintain high audio quality in our episodes, it’s important to acknowledge that there might occasionally be connection issues or interference during these conversations.
These connectivity challenges are a result of the diverse and remote locations from which our guests share their valuable insights and experiences. We believe in the importance of amplifying the voices of partners in the Global South, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate occasional technical limitations.
We remain committed to delivering informative and engaging content, and we thank you for your continued support and patience as we work to provide you with authentic conversations that shed light on the critical global health initiatives and projects.
Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a better world through improved health for all.
We want to ensure that you have a comfortable listening experience throughout the “Better Health for a Better World” podcast series. However, we need to acknowledge that some of our episodes may contain discussions about sensitive topics, including rape, sexual violence, gender-based violence (GBV), female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and other deeply personal and distressing subjects.
These conversations are intended to shed light on critical issues and the efforts to address them. We approach these topics with respect, sensitivity, and the aim of raising awareness and promoting positive change.
We understand that these discussions can be distressing or triggering for some listeners. If you find that such content may be emotionally challenging or triggering for you, we recommend using discretion and considering whether or not to listen to specific episodes. Your well-being and mental health are of utmost importance.
If you ever need support or someone to talk to, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a mental health professional.
In this special episode, we are honoured to have Minister Sean Fleming, as our esteemed guest.
Minister Fleming is the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs with responsibility for International Development and Diaspora.
Minister Fleming will provide insights into the importance of global health initiatives and the role of Irish Aid in supporting programmes across partner countries globally.
Trigger Warning: Gender-Based Violence.
In this episode we welcome three guests to the series; Ambassador Fionnuala Quinlan, who at the time of recording was the Ambassador of Ireland to Kenya, Sudan, Somalia and Eritrea, Dr Edwin Mbugua, Health and Nutrition Coordinator with the NGO Concern Worldwide, and Samson Wasilwa, Programme Officer, with the NGO International Alert. Our guests in this episode will discuss the links between climate change and issues such as hunger, disease, conflict, and displacement, and they will also highlight the importance of investing in women and gender equality to overcome these issues and improve outcomes.
Find out more about the Africa Climate Summit here africaclimatesummit.org/
Trigger Warning: Gender-Based Violence.
In this episode we welcome three guests to the series; Kate O’Donnell, Deputy Head of Mission at the Mission in Lusaka, Zambia, Dr Nathan Nsubuga Bakyaita, World Health Organisation Country Representative to Zambia, and Professor Nathan Kapata, Director of the emergency preparedness and response department at the Zambia National Public Health Institute. Our guests in this episode will reflect on some of the health crises that Zambia has recently been impacted by, including cholera and covid-19, and they will highlight the importance of collaboration and community engagement in tackling these issues.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence, Gender-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
In this episode, we welcome three guests to the series; Nicola Brennan, Irish Ambassador to Ethiopia, with responsibility for South Sudan and Djibouti, Marie McGrath, Technical Director at the Emergency Nutrition Network, and Dr Yared Abebe, Senior Health and Nutrition Advisor at Save the Children, Ethiopia. Our guests in this episode will discuss how nutrition and health are intrinsically linked, and how collaboration and partnership are vital in improving both health and nutritional outcomes in Ethiopia.
In this episode, we welcome three guests to the series; Patrick Empey, Ireland’s Ambassador to Mozambique, Biatriz Manriquez Rocha, Program Director for Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), and Chishamiso Mudenyanga, Program Director for HIV and AIDS, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI). Our guests today will examine the progress being made in terms of maternal and child health, and HIV, in Mozambique, and the challenges that still remain in these areas. They will also spotlight the work that is being done to increase access to services for everyone, particularly harder to reach populations.
In this episode, we welcome three guests to the series; Matthew Cogan, who is the Deputy Head of Development at the Irish Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Dr Ntuli KAPOLOGWAY Kapologwe, who is the Director of Health, Social Welfare, and Nutrition Services, at the President’s Office Tanzania, and Dr Trish Scanlan, who is the CEO of Tumaini La Maisha. Our guests today will discuss some of the successes and challenges relating to Health Systems Strengthening in Tanzania. They will also highlight the value of development partnerships, community engagement, and tackling gender-based violence in tackling some of these challenges and improving health outcomes.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence, Gender-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
In this episode, we welcome three guests to the series; Vicky Dillon, who is the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in South Africa, covering Zimbabwe, Dr Tajudeen Oyewale, who is the UNICEF Representative in Zimbabwe, and Jimmy Wilford, who is the Executive Director of SAYWHAT – a membership-based public health social movement organization based in Zimbabwe. Our guests today will cover topics such as HIV and AIDS, adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence, as they demonstrate how these issues impact on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls in Zimbabwe. They will also discuss some of the programmes and initiatives that are in place to tackle these issues.
Trigger Warning: Sexual Violence, Gender-Based Violence, Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
In this season finale we welcome two guests to the series; Ambassador Claire Buckley, who at the time of recording was the Ambassador of Ireland to Sierra Leone, and Josephine Kamara, who is the Senior Advocacy and Communications Manager at Purposeful, a feminist hub for girls’ activism, based out of Sierra Leone. Our guests today will explore a range of topics including stigma, teen pregnancy, and the role of political education in promoting gender equality. They will also emphasise the importance of empowering and amplifying the voices of girls and women in Sierra Leone.
In this very special bonus episode of Better Health, For a Better World, we welcome esteemed guest Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director of the World Health Organization’s Health Emergencies Programme.
In this episode, Dr Ryan speaks about all things related to health emergencies, issues of health inequity, and Ireland’s response internationally. He even shares a little about his own personal journey on global health, and his advice on how we can work towards “A Better World”.