During the Covid-19 pandemic, the benefits of sequencing infectious disease pathogens became more visible than ever before. The possibilities are huge: genomic sequencing is allowing scientists to unlock the secrets of disease prevention, helping dispel myths and stigma around disease outbreaks as well as allowing governments to act in real-time with targeted and often low-cost interventions.
In this episode Alisha speaks to Professor Christian Happi, Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, about his pioneering use of the technology during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Nigeria which identified the origin of the virus. They hear from the lead researcher who used sequencing to map a subsequent outbreak in Guinea, changing how healthcare workers understand the disease.
When Science Finds a Way is brought to you by Wellcome, an independent global foundation that supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. For more information and podcast transcripts visit wellcome.org
Bonus Episode: What does the future hold for global health?
Should we give out cash to improve mental health?
How can we feed the world with a changing climate?
Waking up: How can sleep impact on mental health?
One scientist’s journey to respecting indigenous customs
How can volunteering to be infected save lives?
One billion homes: How can we revitalize informal settlements?
Can new technology help predict psychosis?
Can a research study change a city?
How can we work on a heating planet?
How is research helping the fight for equality?
What can we do to stop superbugs?
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