Voices In African Health

In this episode of Voices in African Health, host Sharon Quntai speaks with Sheriff Bojang, Deputy Political Editor at The Africa Report, and Ben Deighton, President of the World Federation of Science Journalists, about what comes next for health journalism in Africa.   This discussion builds on the launch of the Africa Health Media Trends Report, which brought together insights from African journalists across the continent.    The conversation reflects on the realities shaping health reporting today, from funding pressures and shifting global health priorities to the growing focus on issues like non-communicable diseases, mental health, and health financing.   It also explores how journalists can better balance data with human-centered storytelling, and why continued collaboration between the media, health experts, and communicators is essential to ensure health stories are told accurately, responsibly, and in ways that truly connect with audiences.

In this episode of Voices in African Health, Sharon Quntai sits down with Benda Kithaka, a marketing professional turned health advocate, whose personal encounter with her sister’s cancer diagnosis ignited a 15-year mission to transform cancer care in Kenya. Benda shares the powerful story behind Kilele Health, an organization that focuses on survivorship and breaking the deep-seated stigmas surrounding chronic illness. Key Highlights: The Power of Survivorship: Benda recounts her sister’s journey through cancer and recovery—including the birth of her baby—which disproved the common myth that a cancer diagnosis is an automatic death sentence. The Kilele Challenge: Learn about the "Kilele Challenge," a flagship program where cancer survivors and caregivers summit Mount Kenya to demonstrate that there is life beyond cancer and to advocate for early detection. Demystifying Cancer Myths: Benda breaks down the three biggest misconceptions about cancer in Africa: that it is a single disease, that it is always incurable, and that treatment is always prohibitively expensive. Bridging the Care Gap: Discover how Kilele Health uses community navigators to help patients overcome barriers like transport, accommodation, and navigating health insurance systems. The Future of Tech in Health: A look at how AI and digital automation are being used to cascade scientific knowledge and streamline follow-up care for women in remote areas.

In this episode of Voices in African Health, host Sharon Quntai welcomes Semiha Abdulmelik, an expert in Gender, Security, and Peacebuilding at the Open Society Foundation. They discuss the critical links between peace, governance, and health outcomes across Africa. Semiha provides a deep analysis of how inclusive leadership, especially women’s leadership, and the active engagement of faith and community organizations contribute to more equitable health systems. The conversation also addresses the challenges governments and institutions face in building resilient health systems during crises and outlines strategic approaches to redesign these systems for justice and inclusion. This episode offers valuable insights for professionals and policymakers committed to advancing health equity and peace across Africa.

In this episode of Voices in African Health, host Sharon Quntai speaks with Mark Chataway, a global health expert with decades of experience advising governments and organizations around the world. Together, they talk about Africa’s evolving place in global health, from shifting power dynamics and new partnerships to the continent’s growing leadership in biotech, innovation, and manufacturing. It’s a thoughtful look at what it will take for Africa to shape its own health future and have a stronger voice in global decision-making.

This teaser episode of Voices in African Health introduces listeners to the kinds of conversations the podcast will bring to life. Host Sharon Quntai is joined by Mouna Belkhayat, a global health professional with deep experience leading projects across Africa, based in Morocco. Together, they discuss how Africa’s health challenges are often perceived, how global health policies translate on the ground, and the opportunities for change across the region’s health systems. This episode is designed to give listeners a taste of the honest, thought-provoking dialogue to come in future episodes, bridging global health debates with African perspectives.