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LSHTM Viral

LSHTM Viral

By LSHTM

An award-winning podcast focusing on the science behind public and global health, and solutions to improve health and health equity worldwide. Brought to you from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine.
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S1E18: Your questions. Expert answers #2 - LSHTM Viral LIVE

LSHTM ViralMar 27, 2020

00:00
41:36
S3E10: Season 3 reflections and goodbye for now!

S3E10: 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!

Aug 13, 202106:45
S3E9: Where are we with COVID-19 vaccines and what’s next?

S3E9: 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/

Jul 21, 202125:13
S3E8: Vaccine equity - it's not over everywhere unless we share

S3E8: Vaccine equity - it's not over everywhere unless we share

The 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.

Jun 01, 202138:16
S3E7: Signed, sealed, delivered - vaccine purchasing and distribution
May 20, 202128:52
S3E6: From lab to jab - How to make a vaccine
May 11, 202116:10
S3E5: Who gives the green light for COVID-19 vaccines anyway?
Apr 20, 202122:46
S3E4: How do we know vaccines are safe?
Apr 08, 202119:53
S3E3: What's in a vaccine?
Mar 24, 202131:37
S3E2: A brief history of vaccines

S3E2: A brief history of vaccines

How 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.

Mar 09, 202133:35
S3E1: Will vaccination end the COVID-19 pandemic?

S3E1: 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.

Feb 23, 202123:33
Season 3 trailer
Feb 17, 202101:27
S2E8: The future depends on planetary health

S2E8: The future depends on planetary health

How 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.

Jan 06, 202125:57
Bonus: Vaccine Special - Confident or hesitant?

Bonus: 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 faces in vaccinating the population.

If you would like to get in touch with your questions and comments, we'd love to hear from you!  You can email us: comms@lshtm.ac.uk


Dec 03, 202031:45
S2E7: Blue sky thinking - using satellites to track air pollution

S2E7: Blue sky thinking - using satellites to track air pollution

We 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.

Nov 26, 202031:58
S2E6: What if we can't handle the heat?

S2E6: 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.

Nov 19, 202029:26
S2E5: What do we know about climate change & COVID-19?

S2E5: 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.

Nov 12, 202026:28
S2E4: Environmental changes and infectious disease
Nov 05, 202034:46
S2E3: Food, Health and Sustainability - Part 2
Oct 29, 202036:18
S2E2: Food, Health and Sustainability - Part 1
Oct 22, 202038:33
S2E1: Introducing LSHTM Viral Season 2 - What is Planetary Health?

S2E1: 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.

Oct 15, 202032:26
S1E39 (Bonus episode): Vaccine Confidence

S1E39 (Bonus episode): Vaccine Confidence

In 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.

Sep 11, 202015:35
S1E38: A modern history of pandemics and public health: Where does COVID-19 fit in?

S1E38: 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.

Aug 28, 202001:11:32
S1E37: World Mosquito Day 2020: How does COVID-19 impact the fight against malaria?
Aug 20, 202017:40
S1E36: Tracking COVID-19 rumours in Africa
Aug 13, 202017:26
S1E35: COVID-19 Live Q&A #4 with Peter Piot, John Nkengasong & Sarah Boseley

S1E35: COVID-19 Live Q&A #4 with Peter Piot, John Nkengasong & Sarah Boseley

We 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.

Jul 30, 202043:39
S1E34: Ask Prof Peter Piot and Dr John Nkengasong your questions on COVID-19

S1E34: Ask Prof Peter Piot and Dr John Nkengasong your questions on COVID-19

Next 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.

Jul 23, 202002:16
S1E33: Looking back to think ahead

S1E33: Looking back to think ahead

It 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.

Jul 02, 202010:22
S1E32: Controlling the spread of disease with the help of social science

S1E32: Controlling the spread of disease with the help of social science

The 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. 

Jun 25, 202020:32
S1E31: Building a healthy and sustainable economy post-pandemic

S1E31: Building a healthy and sustainable economy post-pandemic

Efforts 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. 

Jun 18, 202022:32
S1E30: What is the impact of racism and colonialism on healthcare?

S1E30: 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.

Jun 11, 202018:46
S1E29: Working to protect our communities: A brief reflection

S1E29: Working to protect our communities: A brief reflection

Amidst 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.

Jun 05, 202003:56
S1E28: Developing a COVID-19 vaccine - are we close?
May 29, 202017:10
S1E27: Is it paw-sible for dogs to detect COVID-19?

S1E27: 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. 

May 27, 202022:35
S1E26: The one that finally got me: Peter Piot’s battle with COVID-19

S1E26: The one that finally got me: Peter Piot’s battle with COVID-19

In 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.

May 21, 202030:06
S1E25: Your questions. Expert answers #3 *Modelling Special* – LSHTM Viral LIVE
May 07, 202030:01
S1E24: Children's mental health during COVID-19: How can they cope?

S1E24: 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.

May 05, 202025:00
S1E23: New virus, new life: Will this pandemic affect pregnancy?

S1E23: 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.

Apr 27, 202021:28
S1E22: Anthropogenic pandemic: COVID-19 and climate change

S1E22: Anthropogenic pandemic: COVID-19 and climate change

Human 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.

Apr 24, 202013:16
S1E21: Reducing the toll of COVID-19 in Africa: What can be done?

S1E21: 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.

Apr 21, 202019:15
S1E20: COVID-19 - high stakes in low-resource settings

S1E20: COVID-19 - high stakes in low-resource settings

The 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.

Apr 09, 202026:55
S1E19: Clinical trials and international collaborations

S1E19: Clinical trials and international collaborations

Can 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.

Apr 03, 202021:39
S1E18: Your questions. Expert answers #2 - LSHTM Viral LIVE

S1E18: Your questions. Expert answers #2 - LSHTM Viral LIVE

Streaming 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.

Mar 27, 202041:36
S1E17: Is washing your hands enough?

S1E17: 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

Mar 20, 202030:41
S1E16: Changing the way we live to fight COVID-19

S1E16: Changing the way we live to fight COVID-19

The 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.

Mar 18, 202017:31
S1E15: On the frontlines of the pandemic in the UK

S1E15: On the frontlines of the pandemic in the UK

We 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.

Mar 16, 202011:46
S1E14: Your questions. Expert answers – LSHTM Viral LIVE
Mar 10, 202042:50
S1E13: Turning the tide on COVID-19: lessons from the Diamond Princess

S1E13: Turning the tide on COVID-19: lessons from the Diamond Princess

In 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

Mar 04, 202016:14
S1E12: Communicating COVID-19: behind the scenes with LSHTM’s press office

S1E12: Communicating COVID-19: behind the scenes with LSHTM’s press office

In 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.

Mar 02, 202008:49
S1E11: Misinformation contagion

S1E11: Misinformation contagion

Misinformation 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.

Feb 26, 202012:47
S1E10: Viruses don’t discriminate
Feb 21, 202017:57