Global Health Insights

Peter Singer

Interviews with global health leaders on how they are working to speed up impact singerp.substack.com

Episodes

  1. Leadership in global health — with Katri Bertram

    12/02/2025

    Leadership in global health — with Katri Bertram

    Summary In this conversation, Katri Bertram shares her insights on leadership in global health, discussing the lessons learned from her extensive experience in various organizations. She emphasizes the importance of accountability for results and humility in leadership. We discuss the lack of progress in Universal Health Coverage as a case example calling for leadership. Katri also reflects on the future of global health, and offers advice for young people entering the field. We also talk about the desired leadership traits of the next WHO Director-General. More: singerp.substack.com Keywords global health, leadership, accountability, universal health coverage, future of health, leadership lessons, health systems, mentoring, results-driven leadership, health equity Takeaways Katri Bertram emphasizes the importance of knowing what you want as a leader. Purpose is crucial for effective leadership in global health. Authentic buy-in from staff is essential for success. Leaders must appreciate the value of their team members. Letting go of control is a significant challenge for leaders. Accountability is key to achieving results in global health. The global health landscape is becoming increasingly fragmented. Young professionals should be encouraged to speak out and ask questions. The golden era of global health funding is over, requiring new leadership approaches. Health is inherently political, and leaders must take responsibility for their actions. Sound Bites "Health is a political choice." "The golden era is over." "We need more people speaking out." Chapters 00:00 Leadership Lessons in Global Health 07:16 The Essence of Effective Leadership 14:31 Best and Worst Leadership Experiences 21:20 Accountability and Results in Global Health 27:53 Accountability in Global Health 28:48 The End of the Golden Era? 29:55 Future of Global Health Leadership 33:47 Fragmentation and Competition in Leadership 36:50 The Role of WHO in Global Health 41:26 Existential Questions for WHO 42:34 Unifying Goals in Global Health 45:22 Health as a Political Choice 47:54 Leadership Roles in Global Health 50:34 Advice for Young Global Health Professionals Links Katri Bertram’s blog on leadership https://katribertram.wordpress.com/2025/11/24/lead-the-ship/ Peter Singer’s blog on leadership in global health Singerp.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit singerp.substack.com

    54 min
  2. Tobacco Harm Reduction — with Derek Yach and Mark Tyndall

    11/12/2025

    Tobacco Harm Reduction — with Derek Yach and Mark Tyndall

    Keywords tobacco harm reduction, public health, vaping, smoking cessation, nicotine alternatives, epidemiology, health equity, tobacco control, global health, harm reduction strategies Summary This conversation delves into the complexities of tobacco harm reduction, exploring its definition, the science behind safer alternatives, and the significant public health implications. The speakers discuss the epidemiology of smoking, the potential lives saved through harm reduction strategies, and the challenges faced in promoting these alternatives. They also reflect on personal experiences within the public health community and the impact of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The discussion highlights successful global models of tobacco harm reduction and emphasizes the need for continued dialogue and innovation in this field. Takeaways Tobacco harm reduction is a critical public health strategy. Vaping and other alternatives can significantly reduce health risks. The tobacco industry has the potential to innovate and reduce harm. Epidemiological data shows the severe impact of smoking on health. Three million lives could be saved annually through harm reduction. Public health must engage with the tobacco industry to promote safer products. Health equity is essential in addressing smoking rates among marginalized populations. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has shaped current tobacco policies. Open dialogue is necessary to address misconceptions about harm reduction. The movement towards tobacco harm reduction is gaining momentum globally. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Tobacco Harm Reduction 01:47 Understanding Tobacco Harm Reduction 07:26 The Science Behind Safer Alternatives 11:15 The Epidemiology of Smoking and Its Impact 20:24 Lives Saved Through Tobacco Harm Reduction 26:10 The Uphill Battle for Acceptance 36:29 Pioneering Tobacco Control Efforts 38:31 The Origins of Distrust in Tobacco Industry 41:42 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control 45:46 The Impact of Public Health Policies 48:19 Navigating the Stigma of Harm Reduction 52:05 The Future of Tobacco Harm Reduction 56:49 Global Perspectives on Tobacco Regulation 01:05:06 Health Equity and Tobacco Products 01:09:38 Advice for Smokers and Future Directions Links Dr Mark Tyndall's book "Vaping" https://drmarktyndallauthor.com/ Dr Derek Yach's report on 100 m lives https://tobaccoharmreduction.net/global-lives-saved/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit singerp.substack.com

    1h 17m
  3. Innovation in global health and development — more important than ever

    07/14/2025

    Innovation in global health and development — more important than ever

    Keywords global health, innovation, Grand Challenges Canada, health equity, social entrepreneurship, sustainable development, maternal health, economic productivity, health systems, international development Summary In this episode of Global Health Insights, Peter Singer interviews Dr. Karlee Silver, CEO of Grand Challenges Canada, discussing the pivotal role of innovation in global health and international development. They explore Karlee's career journey, the definition and importance of innovation, and the impact of Grand Challenges Canada in funding and supporting local innovators. Karlee points out that innovation is most critical in times of disruption, when resources are scarce. For 15 years, Grand Challenges Canada has supported more than 1500 innovations in more than 100 countries — in women and children’s health, mental health, humanitarian initiatives, climate change and more. The conversation highlights concrete examples of successful innovations, such as HewaTele and the M-MAMA initiative, and emphasizes the need for blended finance to support sustainable solutions. Looking ahead, they discuss the future of global health and Canada's potential role in fostering innovation. Takeaways Innovation is essential for staying relevant in global health. Local innovators are best positioned to solve local challenges. Grand Challenges Canada has funded 1,500 innovations in 100 countries. Innovation goes beyond technology; it includes new business models. M-MAMA provides emergency transport for pregnant women in rural Tanzania. Investment in innovation requires a blend of grants and loans. Sustainability is key for the success of health innovations. Canada has a strong role to play in global health innovation. The future of global health relies on systematic scaling of innovations. Innovation is crucial during times of disruption. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Global Health Insights 03:18 The Importance of Innovation in Global Health 07:50 Understanding Grand Challenges Canada 10:28 Impact and Scope of Grand Challenges Canada 13:49 Concrete Examples of Innovation in Action 19:06 Exploring the M-MAMA Initiative 26:17 The Role of Investment in Innovation 30:04 Future of Global Health and Innovation Links Grand Challenges Canada https://www.grandchallenges.ca/ Global Health Insights https://open.substack.com/pub/singerp This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit singerp.substack.com

    35 min

  4. 06/09/2025

    A small victory against anti-semitism in global health

    This is the story of the suspension (in August 2024) and subsequent reinstatement (in March 2025) of the Federation of Israeli Medical Students (FIMS) into the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations (IFMSA). The significance of this case: it is a successful example of fighting anti-semitism in international organizations. Even though it’s small, victories over anti-Semitism are few and far between. Moreover, as my earlier blog argues, antisemitism in the medical profession (and elsewhere) has “small beginnings” with big consequences, so “small victories” are important. The guests on this podcast are all medical students: Miri Shvimmer: President of the Federation of Israeli Medical Students. Garrick Hoichman: Another leader in the Federation of Israeli Medical Students. Amelie Belosevic: Vice-President for International Affairs of BVMD (the German medical students’ association). The conversation was recorded on May 4, 2025. This is my first podcast — and it’s a long one at just over 1.5 hours! But this is also an under-reported story. I don’t know anywhere else the full story has been told from the perspectives, and in the voices, of some of the people directly involved. The video of the full episode is above. Here is the audio of the full episode: If you don’t want to spend 1.5 hours, here is what I suggest, in 3 easy steps: * Read my earlier blog that covers the case through January 2025. * Review below what happened in February and March 2025: WHO Executive Board: IFMSA is in ‘official relations’ with WHO which is reviewed every 3 years. It happened to come up for renewal. The WHO Secretariat prepared a list of more than 100 organizations to be renewed by the Executive Board, including IFMSA. We can presume the Israeli Executive Board member, and maybe others, raised concerns behind the scenes. When the Executive Board session on this topic finally occurred, it began with the WHO Secretariat reading a letter from IFMSA committing to introduce a motion at the upcoming March IFMSA General Assembly to reverse the suspension of FIMS. Based on that, the Executive Board renewed IFMSA’s ‘official relations’ status. Although this gave away any further leverage WHO might have, It was clear that this entire episode caused IFMSA to realize that some of their key relationships were at stake in relation to their (mis)handling of FIMS. IFMSA General Assembly: There was no resolution introduced about FIMS. Instead, the focus was on legal advice IFMSA had received that their process of suspending FIMS in August 2025 was hopelessly flawed and should be considered null and void. Ultimately a footnote was added to the minutes of the August 2024 meeting saying the suspension was null and void. IFMSA later issued a press release saying the suspension was “legally void” and quoting the IFMSA President apologizing to FIMS for the “improper and unfair suspension.” * Watch this 11 minute video clip from the full podcast (1h:21min mark onwards) on lessons learned: As you will see, this is a story of leadership. Kudos to all on this podcast, and also to the current IFMSA President for reversing that organization’s position. It’s inspiring to see this leadership on the part of medical students, don’t you think? Thanks for reading Global Health Insights! Subscribe for free to receive new posts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit singerp.substack.com

    1h 34m
  • 4 Episodes

About

Interviews with global health leaders on how they are working to speed up impact singerp.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Peter Singer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Peter Singer
  • Show Website
    Global Health Insights