Paul Adepoju

London

Journalist at Freelance

Science, Media, PhD | @ONA Award Winner | Byline: @Nature, @TheLancet, @NewScientist, @SciAm, @Devex, @SciDevNet

Articles

Cancer took centre stage at the World Health Assembly

1 week ago | thelancet.com | Paul Adepoju

The 78th World Health Assembly convened in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 19 to May 27, 2025, and several notable developments, including the creation of a new international health day for cervical cancer and the adoption of a resolution on medical imaging, helped to platform oncology and non-communicable diseases. In his opening address, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus positioned cancer within the broader non-communicable disease landscape.
Q&A: Malaria gene research at risk in ‘catastrophic’ US cuts

1 week ago | scidev.net | Paul Adepoju

[SciDev.Net] The “catastrophic” freeze on US funding for malaria has halted prevention programmes across Africa and also threatens to stall advances in genomic research, says Jane Carlton, director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. The US President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) is one of numerous USAID-supported programmes to see its funding terminated under US President Donald Trump’s sweeping reforms this year.
WHA Approves Landmark Resolutions On Health Finance, Rare Diseases And Skin Diseases

2 weeks ago | healthpolicy-watch.news | Paul Adepoju

The 78th World Health Assembly picked up momentum Saturday as countries adopted a Nigeria-sponsored initiative to stimulate more public health spending; and first-ever WHO resolutions recognizing rare diseases and neglected skin diseases as global equity issues. The resolution on strengthening health finance globally aims to accelerate progress towards long standing commitments on financing Universal Health Coverage.
WHO Member States Recognize Social Connection As A Global Health Priority

2 weeks ago | healthpolicy-watch.news | Paul Adepoju

In a rare moment for the World Health Assembly, delegates expanded their debates beyond the usual lexicon of disease pathogens to address something far more intimate: loneliness.
Cross-Border Collaboration Gains Political Traction As Africa Targets Visceral Leishmaniasis Elimination

2 weeks ago | healthpolicy-watch.news | Paul Adepoju

In a region where war, displacement, and weak health systems fuel a deadly disease, nine African governments are trying a new approach: eliminate visceral leishmaniasis by working together. As neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) continue to strain underfunded health systems across Africa, a regional political coalition has formalised its intent to eliminate visceral leishmaniasis (VL) through cross-border collaboration.
Beyond symbolism: embassies, equity, and the cancer equation

1 month ago | thelancet.com | Paul Adepoju

When we think about embassies, cancer care rarely comes to mind. Diplomatic missions are traditionally associated with fostering political alliances, issuing visas, or negotiating trade deals. Yet, across Africa, embassies have been quietly stepping into the realm of public health, initiating and supporting projects aimed at combating cancer. Although these efforts have made important contributions, they often fall short of addressing the systemic challenges that perpetuate poor cancer outcomes.
Africa's path to health security without foreign aid

Feb 28, 2025 | thelancet.com | Paul Adepoju

As foreign aid is scaled back by the USA and other countries, Africa must find sustainable solutions to fill the gaps and ensure health security for African people. Paul Adepoju reports.
The new frontier of genomic testing for rare diseases

Feb 27, 2025 | re-solveglobalhealth.com | Paul Adepoju

Genomic technology is revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. As advancements like whole-genome sequencing promise faster, more accurate diagnoses, experts are working to ensure equitable access to these life-changing tools for all. Whole-genome sequencing is dramatically speeding up rare disease diagnoses. Photo: Thor Swift. © 2020A child’s first symptoms appear suddenly—small, unexplainable changes that leave parents searching for answers.
A Silent Threat Underground: Deregulation Fuels the Spread of Forever Chemicals

Feb 21, 2025 | whowhatwhy.org | Paul Adepoju

The Trump administration has already rolled back planned limits on PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to cancer and other health problems. The water flowing from taps in Wilmington, NC, looked clean, tasted normal, and gave no indication that it carried an invisible threat. For decades the Cape Fear River had provided drinking water to hundreds of thousands of residents in the region.
'Malaria thrives on chaos' - and the US aid freeze is creating it

Feb 14, 2025 | devex.com | Paul Adepoju

The fight against malaria has always been a battle against time — mosquitoes do not wait for bureaucracy, and disease does not pause for policy debates. Now, as a sweeping U.S. aid freeze disrupts critical funding, the clock is ticking louder than ever, and experts warn that the cost of inaction grows with every passing day.