One Health Lens Podcast

In this deeply inspiring and informative episode, host Dr. Diana Wangari sits down with Sr. Ann Gathegu, a resilient breast cancer survivor, and Dr. Ardash Chandra, a leading oncologist from HGC Kenya. The conversation brings a powerful blend of personal testimony and expert medical insight, shedding light on what it means to live beyond a cancer diagnosis.

Sr. Ann courageously shares her journey — from the moment of diagnosis to the treatments, emotional battles, and the unwavering faith and support that have fueled her recovery. Her central message is clear: "Cancer is not a death sentence."

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You can now test for HPV at home. HPV being a a leading cause cervical cancer. Addressing previous testing challenges such as Pap smear being uncomfortable or not accessible to all. In this discussion with Dr Allan Pamba and Dr Marion Diana, they share with host Diana Wangari on why the HPV self testing kit could be a game changer

In this compelling episode of One Health, Dr. Diana Esther hosts an insightful discussion with Dr. Simon Kigondu and Leon Lidigu, delving into the challenges surrounding Kenya's SHA system. As complaints from citizens mount and doctors take to the streets in protest, the trio explores the root causes of the healthcare crisis. From the government's failure to address medical professionals' demands to the broader implications for patients, this episode sheds light on the urgent need for reform. Join us as we navigate the complexities of healthcare in Kenya and amplify the voices calling for change.

In this season's final episode, Dr. Diana Wangari Gitau unpacks the challenges and opportunities facing the Social Health Agenda (SHA) in Kenya and beyond. Joined by experts in public health and policy, the discussion explores SHA's progress, its impact on communities, and the hurdles it must overcome to succeed. Tune in for an insightful conversation that asks the hard questions: Is there hope for meaningful change, and what role can we all play in making it happen?

Dr Andrew Odhiambo, an Oncologist at University of Nairobi answers the common questions he encounters from patients as well as relatives.

Hosted by Sheryll Blessing, this episode features Dr. Shchukina, a medical doctor and founder of Nairobi Bariatric Center. With over 30 years of expertise in obesity treatment, Dr. Shchukina delves into the health complications caused by obesity, including its impact on fertility.

Is Kenya's government sacrificing Quality to finance health in Kenya? It seems that parties remain divided as heard on this episode that brings together public sector, private sector, patient advocates and professional associations. Host, Dr Diana Wangari listens to Dr Elizabeth Wangia, Ministry of Health, Dr Matiko Riro, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr Nelly Bosire, Patient advocate and Dr Simon Kigondu, Kenya Medical Association

Is Kenya sacrificing Quality to finance health in Kenya? It seems that parties remain divided as heard on this episode that brings together public sector, private sector, patient advocates and professional associations. Host, Dr Diana Wangari listens to Dr Elizabeth Wangia, Ministry of Health, Dr Matiko Riro, Clinton Health Access Initiative, Dr Nelly Bosire, Patient advocate and Dr Simon Kigondu, Kenya Medical Association 

In this moving episode, Dr. Diana Wangari Gitau sits down with Dr. Lyudmilla Schukina, a Ukrainian national who has called Kenya home for over 30 years. Dr. Lyudmilla shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her homeland amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. Together, they discuss the human cost of the conflict, the strength of the Ukrainian people, and how Kenya, as a nation of peacebuilders, can contribute to global solidarity.

This is a story of grief, hope, and the power of community in times of crisis. Tune in for an inspiring conversation...

A conversation on how human, animal, plant and environmental health are related and why you should care with guests Dr Sophie Masika, Global Health Policy Manager at World Federation for Animals and Dr Kelvin Osore, Chair of the Kenya Veterinary Association.

Guest, Shadrack Gikonyo breaks it down on why you should care about climate and health. From Climate change disrupting food systems and threatening food security where in 2020, 770 million people faced hunger To Air pollution, is responsible for about 7 million deaths globally each year. 99% of people worldwide breathe air that exceeds WHO air quality limits.

Where women lead better health outcomes follow, hear how Dr Jacquline Kitulu (@mdkitulu) is breaking glass ceilings as she shares her journey with host Dr Diana Wangari (@diana1wangari) and Simon Kigondu (@simonkigondu)

In what is meant to be a digitized referral system, we hear why in some counties this is functional and in other counties are struggling to implement primary healthcare networks.

Most Kenyans received a message that they had been migrated from NHIF to SHA. But when they visit hospitals, their data is nowhere to be found and that affects access to healthcare services. We hear some hypotheses on why this could be.

Thirty days later, does anyone really understand what's going on with SHIF? Dr Mwachonda (@chibanzi_mwachonda) has refused to register, Dr Okaka has registered and doesn't have a clue, Dr Kigondu is wondering why his parents have to find a new hospital and the host, Dr Wangari Gitau (@diana1wangari) is concerned.

Dr Mwachonda has refused to register, Dr Okaka registered but doesn't have a clue, Dr Kigondu is wondering why his parents have to find a new hospital and the host, Dr Diana Wangari is concerned.

In this episode, we dive into the world of natural healing with our featured guest, an experienced herbalist who brings deep insights into herbal remedies for everyday health concerns. Listeners will learn about the power of plants, how specific herbs can support various aspects of physical and mental well-being, and practical ways to integrate these remedies into daily life.

In this second part, we hear why most patients would rather first consult a preacher, a neighbour or a community medicine man before going to a hospital. And what can be done about it?

What do you do when faced with an emergency in a public setting? Find out more in this episode.

In this episode, host Dr. Diana Wangari dives into the rising trend of Kenyans turning away from conventional healthcare and seeking alternative healing from preachers and traditional medicine men. She is joined by two insightful guests: Harriet Ngok, founder of Harriet Botanicals, who sheds light on the resurgence of traditional healing practices, and Beatrice Kairu, a health economist, who discusses the economic and systemic factors driving this shift. Together, they explore the implications of this trend on public health, trust in healthcare systems and the intersection of spirituality, tradition and modern medicine in Kenya

They share similar symptoms and yet many people with many people don't show symptoms at all. This is why STI testing is important.

In advocating for capacity building and an efficient referral system, Dr Nicholas Okumu hopes that fewer lives will be lost.

You may appear happy yet are depressed. Dr Muthoni Karanja, takes host, Sheryl Blessing on how to identify triggers to help combat depression and anxiety. Importantly, they reaffirm that depression and anxiety are normal that can happen to anyone.

Health lawyer, Margaret Nyambura takes us through medical negligence from a legal perspective

We get an alternative view on Kenya's current healthcare reforms from Dr Boniface Chitayi Murabula and Dr Beatrice Kairu.

Harriet, The Herbalist as she is sometimes referred walks us through her journey of tapping into traditional herbs for their curative properties. She works with doctors and patients who require an alternative approach to healthcare. And now she is advocating for policies that can support another herbalist like her and they are quite a few.

Dr Muthoni Karanja @nonny_karanja, speaks to host @sheryl_blessing on the importance of having a support system, people who create a safe space and being away in nature as great examples of keeping your mental health in check.

Dr Chris Barasa, governance expert and Chief of Party, AMREF HEALTH EAST AFRICA breaks it down and makes a case on why governance is essential in transforming healthcare.

The treatment of PCOS is individualized based on individual symptoms and concerns, what works for one patient might not work for the other. Dr Maureen Owiti, speaks to @sheryl_blessing on why PCOS does not typically hinder child conception.

Hon. Albert Taiti, Outgoing President of the Clinical Officers Association of Kenya and County Executive Committee Member of Health, Laikipia County shares his legacy with Dr Simon Kigondu and host, Dr Diana Wangari Gitau (@diana1wangari)

Learn about pre-eclampsia from Dr Maureen Owiti, an obstetrician gynaecologist as she takes @sheryl_blessingwhy it can only be cured by childbirth and the removal of the placenta.

Neglected Tropical Diseases should not be left out of the UHC agenda. Dr Monique Wasunna, Africa Ambassador for Drugs for Neglected Diseases Initiative (DNDI) and Dr Margaret Mbuchi, Researcher at Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) speak to host @diana1wangari

Dr Amanda Kenya takes us through one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world with vaccination recommended for preteen boys and girls as certain HPV Strains cause cancers of the throat, anus, penis, cervix among others.

President of the National Nurses Association of Kenya, Hon. Collins Otieno Ajwang welcomes the new Cabinet Secretary of Health and brings to focus the Nursing Profession.

Dr Sheila Macharia, Managing Director East and Southern Africa FP2030 and Dr Edward Serem, Head of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Division at the Ministry of Health (MOH) Head of Ministry walks us through the economic case of family planning and why it matters not only to individuals and families, but for the nation at large.

From Frequently Asked Questions to school going children must register before reporting. Join the conversation with Health Lawyer, Margaret Nyambura , Dr Simon Kigondu and host, Dr Diana Wangari 

Each patient has a right to access their health record no matter which facility they visit. In the same regard, each facility should be able to protect these records and this where the digital health act comes in. Contrary to what many think, it doesn't mean getting new systems but as Dr Ryan Nyotu Gitau explains the key is in connecting to the Health Information Exchange.

There are eight groups of the herpes virus family. Some cause a simple cold sore and Others are more complex. We tackle herpes simplex virus which is sexually trasmitted and cause genital. Dr Amanda Kenya breaks it down from dating with herpes to how to approach your partner for testing.

The Health Service Commission has often been proposed as the solution to the cycle of health workforce strikes and perennial conflicts in the healthcare system. Perhaps the focus shouldn't be on the HSC, but on its functionality. Possibly we focus on supporting and financing existing structures that could one day grow up to provide these functionalities. In this conversation with Dr Simon Kigondu and health lawyer, Nyambura Margaret, we hear about task forces that are duplicating efforts, why the functionality of a health service commission isn't a threat to county government and why we should arm the KHHRAC, Kenya He...

For the longest time, certain medical patterns within families were linked to witchcraft. Today, people can pick up trends within their extended families. Families often know that there's something wrong, they just don't know what and that's what they ask the genetic doctor.