Health Check

Patricia Pestana Garces, a neuroscience lecturer at King's College London, discusses alarming trends in public health. She highlights the resurgence of measles in the Americas, driven by falling vaccination rates. The conversation also touches on the ten-year retrospective of the Zika virus epidemic, focusing on increased birth defects and ongoing research challenges. Additionally, the potential inaccuracies of continuous glucose monitors in measuring blood sugar are explored, revealing discrepancies that could impact health management.

Dorcas Wangira, a BBC Africa health correspondent, and Brooke Nicholl, a Senior research fellow at the University of Sydney, delve into urgent global health issues amidst significant USAID funding cuts. They discuss the grim implications for AIDS and polio programs in Africa, as well as the pressing need for sustainable health strategies. The duo also tackles the challenges of MPox in the Democratic Republic of Congo and highlights an innovative initiative empowering women's mental health in Guatemala through supportive community circles.

Encephalitis can be a debilitating condition, but many people have never even heard of it. A new global report looks at how we can improve diagnosis and treatment.Also on the program, new research seems to indicate that antidepressents might speed cognitive decline in dementia patients, but do they really? We take a closer look at some of the caveats. And a gene therapy for toddlers who have gone blind is showing some promise, we’ll look into what this could mean for future treatments. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Katie Tomsett and Margaret Sessa-Hawkins

The global need for medical oxygen is high, but there are huge gaps in safe and affordable access. The first report of its kind identifies not only who is most vulnerable, but how the world can strengthen the supply of medical oxygen to improve public health and pandemic preparedness. We hear first-hand the impact of the USAID freeze on health clinicians in practice. And we learn how health systems are rebuilt after conflict, integrating resilience to protect them against future shocks.Also on the show, can weight-loss drugs curb alcohol addiction? Plus, scientists discover it is not just your tongue that can taste sweetness - sweet taste receptors have been found on the heart, and they could play a role in heartbeat regulation. Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Katie Tomsett(Photo: A woman uses an oxygen mask at a medical health centre in Omdurman, Sudan, 3 September, 2023. El Tayeb Siddig/Reuters)

Agnes Arnold Forster, historian and author of "Nostalgia: A History of a Dangerous Emotion," dives into the complex nature of nostalgia—once feared as a disease, now celebrated for its emotional depth. She discusses how nostalgia shapes our identities and fosters connections, even influencing political sentiments. Joined by expert psychologists, they unveil nostalgia's healing powers, from enhancing relationships to aiding those with dementia. Together, they explore how reflecting on the past can bring comfort and joy in the present.

Matt Fox, a Professor of Global Health at Boston University, Andrew Green, a global health journalist, and Dr. Wilfried Mutumbo-Kalungi, head of clinical operations at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, discuss the significant elimination of sleeping sickness in Guinea. They dive into the strategies that made this progress possible, like mass screening and vector control. The conversation also sheds light on the implications of recent shifts in US foreign aid policies on vital global health initiatives and highlights the ongoing challenges in regions like the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Graham Easton, a Professor of Clinical Communication Skills at Queen Mary University, delves into the implications of the U.S. government's stop-work order on foreign aid projects. He discusses the potential setbacks for HIV treatment and malaria interventions. Andrew Green, a global health journalist, highlights the historical context of U.S. foreign aid and its critical role in global health initiatives. Patty Skooster, a researcher specializing in reproductive health law, explains the global gag rule's effects on health funding and free speech concerns, showcasing its dire implications on reproductive services.

Smita Mundasad, a BBC health reporter known for her insights on global health issues, joins the discussion. The conversation kicks off with the potential fallout of the U.S. exiting the World Health Organization and its impact on global health initiatives. They dive into Meta's shift from independent fact-checking to community notes, raising concerns about health misinformation. The podcast also highlights a new rapid test for Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic fever and explores the mental health challenges astronauts may face during long-term space missions.

In this discussion, Monica Lackenpohl, a Professor of Child Health at University College London, dives into the lingering health effects of wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles. She sheds light on the emotional and physical toll on communities post-evacuation, including mental health impacts and exposure to hazardous materials. Lackenpohl also critiques the traditional BMI approach to obesity, advocating for a personalized method. Additionally, she touches on the rising trend of natural fertility methods, highlighting shifts in women’s reproductive health choices.

James Gallagher, a BBC health and science correspondent, brings his insights on the rising cases of human metapneumovirus (HMPV). He aims to demystify HMPV, clarifying its historical context and seasonal nature amidst media sensationalism. The discussion also addresses the challenges elite female athletes face regarding fertility, focusing on intense training's impact on reproductive health. Furthermore, insights into Ukrainian veterans building drones for rehabilitation highlight resilience in the face of adversity. The conversation wraps up with predictions for global health by 2025.