Banda Forum

WHO Africa's Emergency Director on Pandemics, AI & the Future of Health Security in Africa 15.06.2026 52хв

What does it actually take to lead emergency response across an entire continent? Dr. Marie Roseline Belizaire, Emergency Director at WHO Africa, joins Dr. Banda Khalifa for an honest, no-headlines conversation about pandemic preparedness, AI, funding cuts, and the future of health security in Africa. From outbreak fieldwork in the DRC to regional emergency leadership at WHO AFRO, Dr. Belizaire has spent her career where success depends not just on technical guidance, but on trust, logistics, diplomacy, and coordination under pressure. In this episode, she breaks down where emergency-response delays really come from, the three highest-leverage fixes for Africa, what the Pandemic Agreement still needs to deliver, how global health survives the era of "America First" funding cuts, and where AI genuinely helps and where it risks widening inequity.

Dean Adnan Hyder on Public Health Leadership, Purpose, and the Future of Global Health 09.06.2026 37хв

In this episode of The Scholars Table, Dr. Banda Khalifa sits down with Dean Adnan Hyder, Dean and Robert A. Knox Professor at Boston University School of Public Health, for a thoughtful conversation on public health leadership, global health, graduate education, and building a meaningful career with purpose.Dean Hyder reflects on his journey from medicine to public health, his training at Johns Hopkins, his leadership vision for Boston University School of Public Health, and the skills future public health professionals need in a rapidly changing world.The conversation also explores what makes a strong public health applicant, how students can think about choosing the right graduate program, the challenges of funding and access for international students, and why passion, strategy, opportunity, and accountability matter in leadership.Dean Hyder also shares a powerful message for emerging public health leaders: public health is not just a career path; it is a commitment to impact, equity, and improving people’s lives.

Africa Must Build, Not Beg 16.03.2026 54хв

In conversation with Professor Christian Happi, the real subject is not recognition, but authorship: who gets to produce the knowledge, tools, and institutions that shape the future of health.

The best MPH in Africa?: Ensign University (Practicum, Scholarships, Career Paths) 21.02.2026 34хв

Thinking about an MPH in Africa that meets global standards—without the confusion? In this episode of Ensign Scholars Table, we sit down with President Stephen Alder of Ensign Global University (Ghana) to unpack what makes Ensign’s Master of Public Health (MPH) stand out: a practice-first practicum, scholarship opportunities, and real career pathways across government, NGOs, global health organizations, and academia.

Global Health Is About Power: Seye Abimbola on Knowledge, Voice & Who Gets Heard 07.02.2026 38хв

Global health isn’t just technical, it’s political. In this episode of The Scholars Table, we sit with Seye Abimbola to unpack how knowledge, power, and voice shape what gets funded, published, and implemented in global health.We discuss:How power determines whose knowledge is seen as legitimateRepresentation vs real shifts in powerWhat early-career researchers misunderstand about publishing & peer reviewHow peer review can be rigorous AND justHow to stay critical in global health without becoming cynicalGraduate study & academic opportunities in Australia (University of Sydney context)

Professor Ana Navas-Acien: PhD Mentorship, Academic Leadership & Building an Impactful Research Career 12.01.2026 29хв

Discover what it really takes to stand out in PhD applications, excel in doctoral interviews, and build a meaningful, long-term academic research career. In this episode, Professor Ana Navas-Acien shares practical, experience-driven insights on PhD selection, mentorship, academic leadership, and how to create impactful research that lasts beyond publications.Whether you’re preparing for a PhD interview, choosing mentors, navigating academic culture, or aiming to become a future research leader, this conversation breaks down the hidden signals committees look for and the habits that sustain a successful academic career over decades.

The Future of Epidemiology: AI, Public Health & Global Talent at Harvard 29.12.2025 32хв

In this wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with Dr. Albert Hofman, Chair of the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, to go beyond rankings, GPAs, and buzzwords.Dr. Hofman shares rare insight from decades of global academic leadership, covering PhD admissions, mentorship, funding cuts, and the future of epidemiology in an era shaped by AI, climate change, and widening inequities.This episode is essential viewing for PhD applicants, early-career researchers, faculty, and global health leaders, especially those navigating elite academic spaces from outside traditional pipelines.

A New Dean at Johns Hopkins: A Vision That Will Shape Public Health’s Future 05.12.2025 39хв

In this powerful and historic conversation, we sit down with Professor. Keshia M. Pollack Porter, the first Black Dean and only the second woman to lead the #1 school of public health in the USA, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in more than a century. This is the beginning of a new vision for public health, leadership, and the next generation of change-makers.The Dean opens up about her early life, her academic journey, and the leadership lessons that shaped her rise within one of the world’s most influential public health institutions.

What ‘Impact’ Actually Means in Global Health 17.11.2025 48хв

What does it take to move from clinical work to shaping global policy? In this episode of Global Health Uncensored, we sit down with a leading health economist and former senior advisor to multilateral institutions who now leads global impact measurement at one of the world’s largest companies.She shares how her early medical training in Nigeria shaped her systems thinking, how she navigated career pivots into health economics and policy, and what it really means to drive change in complex institutions.

How to Build a Safer World: Lessons from a former US CDC Director 06.11.2025 49хв

Former CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden joins us to discuss what the world must do now to prevent the next pandemic. From lessons learned during COVID-19 to actionable steps for global health security, this conversation reveals what it takes to protect lives and strengthen health systems worldwide.#TomFrieden #GlobalHealth #PandemicPreparedness #BandaGlobalForum

How to Break Into Global Health in 2025 (Advice No One Told You) 19.10.2025 42хв

What does it really take to succeed in global health? In this eye-opening episode of The Scholars Table, Dr. Ngozi shares the unfiltered truth about building a sustainable and impactful career in public health, beyond the classroom and credentials. From navigating career transitions and fieldwork challenges to thriving as a woman of color in high-stakes leadership roles, Dr. Ngozi unpacks the real mindset, skills, and strategies you need to make it in global health today.

The State of Global Health: Power, Policy & What Comes Next 04.10.2025 55хв

In this powerful episode of The Scholars Table, Dr. Banda Khalifa sits down with Prof. Madhukar Pai, the Inaugural Chair of the Department of Global and Public Health at McGill University and Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology & Global Health, for an unfiltered conversation on the state of global health today.Prof. Pai offers not just critique, but also clarity —a call to reimagine global health with equity, justice, and local leadership at its center.

How to Get Into LSHTM in the UK | Admissions & Funding Advice with Prof. Ahmed Rashid 04.10.2025 30хв

The 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.

Inside Canada’s Top Graduate School for Global Health | Dean Franco 04.10.2025 53хв

Thinking about graduate school in public or global health? 🇨🇦Join Dr. Banda Khalifa on The Scholars Table as he interviews Prof. Eduardo Franco, Director and Associate Dean at McGill University—one of Canada’s top institutions for public health education and research.Whether you're considering applying to grad school or want to understand how Canada is leading global public health education, this episode delivers practical advice and big-picture vision.

Inside WashU’s New Public Health School: Dean Sandro Galea on the Future of Health Education 05.08.2025 16хв

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Banda Khalifa sits down with Professor Sandro Galea, one of the most influential voices in global public health, to explore the future of health education, equity in admissions, and the next frontier of innovation at Washington University’s new School of Public Health. About Our Guest:Professor Galea is the Margaret C. Ryan Dean of the School of Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis, and holds the prestigious Eugene S. and Constance Kahn Distinguished Professorship. A global leader and academic visionary, he’s reshaping how we think about public health education and leadership in the 21st century. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The mission and distinctiveness of WashU’s brand-new School of Public HealthA bold vision for inclusive and equitable graduate admissionsThe future of financial access and scholarship models in public health educationHow climate change, AI, and data science are being integrated into the curriculumCandid advice for students, early-career professionals, and aspiring leaders in public health

Dr. Chikwe & Vivianne Ihekweazu on Health Crises & Leadership 29.07.2025 56хв

In this episode of Global Health Uncensored, we sit down with two extraordinary global health leaders: Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Assistant Director-General at the World Health Organization (WHO), and Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu, a renowned public health expert and communications professional. Together, they provide invaluable insights into pandemic preparedness, health system challenges, and the power of effective communication in shaping public health narratives.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:Dr. Chikwe’s pivotal role at WHO and his experience leading Nigeria’s pandemic response.How global health security can be enhanced through epidemic intelligence.Mrs. Vivianne’s leadership in public health advocacy and the power of storytelling.The complexities of public health in Africa and how cultural beliefs impact disease prevention.📖 Key topics include:Pandemic preparedness & responseLeadership in public health crisesNavigating cultural challenges in healthcareMentoring the next generation of public health leaders

The Future of Global Health: Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, President & CEO of Vital Strategies 29.07.2025 57хв

In this insightful episode of Global Health Uncensored, we are honored to welcome Dr. Mary-Ann Etiebet, the newly appointed President and CEO of Vital Strategies, one of the most influential public health organizations in the world. Dr. Etiebet is a recognized leader in global health, with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing women's health and promoting health equity on a global scale. As the new President and CEO of Vital Strategies, Dr. Etiebet now leads an organization with a mission to improve public health for over 3.3 billion people worldwide.

Can Africa Prevent the Next Pandemic? | Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, Scientist Who Discovered Omicron 19.07.2025 1год 8хв

In this insightful episode of the Banda Global Forum, we speak with Prof. Tulio de Oliveira, the internationally recognized scientist behind the groundbreaking discovery of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.Prof. de Oliveira serves as Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University, Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP), and Deputy Director of the Genomic Surveillance Unit at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. Named among Nature’s Top Ten Scientists (2021), listed in MIT Technology Review’s Innovators in Breakthrough Technologies, and recognized by TIME's 100 Most Influential People (2022), his leadership continues to transform Africa’s role in global health.This episode is essential viewing for public health professionals, researchers, students, and anyone passionate about global health, scientific innovation, and Africa’s emerging leadership in genomics.🔔 Subscribe for more groundbreaking discussions and exclusive insights from global health leaders.

Africa’s Vaccine Future: Dr. Ndembi on Vaccines, Leadership & Public Health Reform 09.07.2025 53хв

Dr. Nicaise Ndembi, Deputy Director General and Inaugural Regional Director of the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) Africa Regional Office (IARO), joins us for a powerful conversation on reshaping Africa’s vaccine future and strengthening its global health leadership.Previously a senior science advisor to the Africa CDC and a TIME 100 Health honoree, Dr. Ndembi now leads IVI’s mission to expand vaccine development, access, and equity across the African continent.In this episode, we explore:* Introduction & Dr. Ndembi’s journey* Why IVI Africa matters now* Africa’s pandemic preparedness* Vaccine innovation from the continent* Time 100 & responsibility in global health* Mentorship and leadership building* The future: AI, equity, and vaccine self-reliance

U.S. Grad School Life | MPH/MBA and MBA Student Leaders at Johns Hopkins Share Lessons and 06.07.2025 45хв

What does it take to thrive as an international student at one of the world’s top public health institutions?In this episode of Banda Global Forum, Dr. Banda Khalifa speaks with two dynamic student leaders from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Carey Business School:Ashok Kumar Kanaparthi, a physician from rural India and recent MPH/MBA graduate, who served as Student Assembly PresidentSaana Kataria, a dentist and MBA graduate, who served as President of the Oral Health Society and Vice President for Intercampus AffairsTogether, they reflect on their graduate school journey—from navigating academics, leadership roles, and cultural transitions to building a strong support network and planning careers in global health and business.What you’ll learn:✅ How they got into Hopkins and why they chose their programs✅ What made their experience unique as student leaders✅ Tips on managing time, stress, and academics✅ Funding, networking, and mentorship strategies✅ Life in the U.S. as international graduate students✅ Advice for future applicants considering dual degrees or career pivotsWhether you're applying to grad school, already enrolled, or advising others on their journey, this conversation offers real-life perspective you won’t find in brochures.🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all major platforms