Andrew Green, a global health journalist, joins Claudia Hammond to review health trends and predictions for 2024. They unveil unexpected stories that shaped the year and discuss game-changing innovations like malaria vaccines and CAR-XT for schizophrenia. The pair also tackle the rise of MPOX and the implications of climate change on health. Additionally, they humorously explore the Ig Nobel Prizes and the challenges of human reproduction on Mars, blending profound insights with lighthearted trivia.
The podcast emphasizes the critical need for greater awareness in the wellness industry to prevent exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking spiritual breakthroughs.
Significant advancements in global health were discussed, highlighting the rollout of malaria vaccines and ongoing struggles for equitable access to medicines during pandemic treaty negotiations.
Deep dives
Exploitation in the Wellness Industry
The podcast highlights a woman's journey into a yoga school where she uncovers the darker aspects of the wellness industry. This exploration reveals how the promise of spiritual breakthroughs often puts individuals in vulnerable positions, leading to exploitation. The manipulation is so gradual and skillfully executed that many do not realize they are being drawn in until it is too late. Such instances emphasize the need for greater awareness and caution within wellness practices to protect individuals from potentially harmful environments.
The State of Global Health in 2024
The discussion reflects on significant medical breakthroughs and challenges faced in global health throughout 2024. There is a notable focus on the ongoing negotiations for a pandemic treaty, which remain fraught with disagreements between wealthy and poorer nations regarding access to medicines. Additionally, advances like the rollout of malaria vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa are celebrated, indicating progress despite setbacks in tackling diseases like polio. These points illustrate both achievements and obstacles in the global health landscape that remain relevant moving forward.
Climate Change and Health Consequences
The episode sheds light on the ramifications of climate change on health, particularly highlighting an increase in turbulence during flights and the resulting injuries. Studies indicate that severe turbulence has risen significantly since the late 1970s, linked to modifications in the jet stream caused by climate change. This surge in severe turbulence poses risks to passengers, particularly those who are unstrapped when unexpected drops occur. Consequently, there’s a pressing need for air safety practices that account for this increase to protect passengers during flights.
Emerging Health Trends and Discoveries
The podcast covers pivotal health trends of 2024, including the identification of a new strain of MPOX circulating in sub-Saharan Africa. As the global community grapples with this illness, vaccination efforts are under-resourced, leading to continued spread and fatalities. Another significant health breakthrough noted is the development of innovative drugs for conditions like schizophrenia and HIV prevention, promising transformative effects on treatment. These developments showcase the dynamic nature of medical science and highlight the ongoing need for equitable healthcare access.
Claudia Hammond is joined by journalist Andrew Green to check-in on their 2024 health predictions and review just how accurate they were. Together, they explore the stories that we didn’t see coming and the game-changing medical innovations that shaped global health this year. Plus, the unusual Ig Nobel medicine prize, and a healthy dose of competition in the form of the ultimate health fact-off.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode