49 Best Global Health Podcasts to Listen to (2026)

Health issues and medical breakthroughs from around the world.

Welcome to Everyday Emergency, a podcast by Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders (MSF). We bring you true stories and expert insight from people on the frontline of humanitarian events. From the conflicts that hit the headlines to underreported crises, we'll be talking to our medical, logistical and humanitarian staff about working to save lives in some of the world's most challenging places. If you would like to support our life-saving medical work around the world, please visit msf.org.uk to make a donation or get involved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

The CommonHealth is the podcast of the CSIS Bipartisan Alliance for Global Health Security. On The CommonHealth, hosts J. Stephen Morrison and Katherine Bliss delve deeply into the puzzle that connects pandemic preparedness and response, HIV/AIDS, routine immunization, and primary care, areas of huge import to human and national security. The CommonHealth replaces under a single podcast the Coronavirus Crisis Update, Pandemic Planet and AIDS Existential Moment. Produced by Marla Hiller. more

Eradicating Smallpox: The Heroes that Wiped out a 3,000-Year-Old VirusOne of humanity's greatest triumphs is the eradication of smallpox. This new eight-episode docuseries, 'Eradicating Smallpox,' explores this remarkable feat and uncovers striking parallels and contrasts to recent history in the shadows of the covid-19 pandemic. Host Céline Gounder brings decades of experience working on HIV in Brazil and South Africa, Ebola during the outbreak in New Guinea, and covid-19 in New York City at the height of the pandemic. She travels to India and Bangladesh to bring never-before-heard stories from the front lines of the battle to wipe smallpox off the face of the Earth. 'Epidemic' launched in early 2020 and quickly became a key source of reporting on the rapidly unfolding coronavirus pandemic. The show premiered at No. 1 in health and fitness and No. 1 in medicine on the Apple Podcast charts. more

A podcast highlighting key articles in the current issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases, a journal from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). more

Why are infants still dying from preventable causes? How do national security policies impact the health of immigrants and refugees? What is voluntourism and can it harm the communities we intend to serve? The field of global health is vast, and the challenges can feel overwhelming. But learning about it shouldn't be. Whether you're taking the first steps in the field of global health, a seasoned public health professional, or simply seeking inspiration from the stories of remarkable leaders, this podcast is for you. Discover how inspiring leaders are combating global poverty, bringing clean water to remote villages, expanding healthcare access, and much more. Hosted by engineer turned social impact storyteller, Hetal Baman, Global Health Pursuit tackles these tough questions with a beginner's mindset. Join us every Tuesday for new episodes! more

An award-winning podcast focusing on the science behind public and global health, and solutions to improve health and health equity worldwide. Brought to you from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. more

Welcome to Social Medicine On Air, a podcast where we explore the field of social medicine with healthcare practitioners, activists, and researchers. We examine the deep causes of health and disease, and dream of a world of justice. We are: Jonas Attilus, Sebastian Fonseca, Raghav Goyal, Brendan Johnson, Leila Sabbagh, & Poetry Thomas.Funding for our podcast received from Global Social Medicine Network - King's College London, Department of Global Health and Social Medicine. Funds have been used for equipment and production costs, and funders have no influence over show content. more

The Public Health Insight Podcast is a weekly podcast ranked in the top 5% of all podcasts globally. The podcast covers all things public health and global health, from the sustainable development goals to the social determinants of health, as well as interesting dialogues about the diverse career opportunities that exist in the fields. Since its launch in March 2020, the podcast has featured more than 40 high-profile guests and has built an audience in more than 5,000 cities in over 190 countries. more

Welcome to A Shot In The Arm Podcast, where we take a deep dive into the heart of global health. Since our launch in 2019, we've released over 150 episodes that illuminate the intersection of innovation and equity in healthcare. Join me, your host Ben Plumley—a global infectious disease strategist and passionate HIV advocate, along with our expert team of co-hosts, as we engage in compelling, character-driven conversations with a diverse array of guests from around the world. Together, we explore the intricate connections between everyday lives and biomedical research, tackling pressing issues like pandemic preparedness, climate disruption, and the impact of conflict. Tune in as we uncover the stories and insights that shape our collective health narrative, making complex topics both entertaining and accessible. Let's embark on this journey to improve lives, one episode at a time! more

The Lancet Voice is a fortnightly podcast from the Lancet family of journals. Lancet editors and their guests unravel the stories behind the best global health, policy and clinical research of the day―and what it means for people around the world. more

Welcome to GiveWell's podcast sharing the latest updates on our work. Tune in for conversations with GiveWell staff members discussing current priorities of our Research team and recent developments in the global health landscape. more

Science in 5 is WHO's conversations in science. Listen to WHO experts explaining science related to COVID-19.

Global Health Lives is a podcast exploring some of the most important issues in global health, but from the perspective of the people working in it. We discuss their lives, what influenced them and the challenges they face both professionally and personally. more

A podcast for social entrepreneurs, global development funders, nonprofit leaders and anyone grappling with the challenge of how to build solutions that are both immensely impactful and also achieve high-growth. Join Dimagi CEO and co-founder, Jonathan Jackson, along with co-host Amie Vaccaro as we unpack learnings from 20 years building digital solutions for global health and development, explore barriers to and opportunities for high-impact growth, and speak with industry leaders from around the world. Find us at: https://dimagi.com/podcast/ more

What if toilets, poop and sanitation are the hidden forces shaping global health, human dignity, and survival worldwide? ZuLoo Poodcast is a podcast about toilets, poop, and global sanitation, exploring how sanitation impacts public health, wellness, hygiene, and humanity through funny facts, real stories, and impactful conversations. 👉 Learn more about ZuLoo's mission and global health sanitation work at https://zuloo.org Welcome to ZuLoo Poodcast, the podcast that talks openly about poop, toilets, global health and sanitation so the rest of the world doesn't have to ignore why it matters. Each episode dives into sanitation news, global health conversations, public health insights, and quirky humor to uncover how toilets quietly influence daily life, health outcomes, and human dignity across the globe. From funny toilet facts and surprising poop trivia to serious discussions about sanitation access, toilet innovation, hygiene education, and public health systems, ZuLoo Poodcast shines a light on one of the most overlooked topics in the world. A topic that affects everyone, everywhere. Why Listen? Because sanitation affects everything. Health. Education. Gender equity. Environmental sustainability. Economic opportunity. If you care about public health, global sanitation, wellness, sustainable innovation, or simply love learning unexpected facts that actually matter, this podcast is for you. ZuLoo Poodcast makes complex sanitation issues easy to understand, surprisingly entertaining, and deeply human. You will laugh, learn, and start seeing toilets and sanitation in a completely new way. What You'll Hear on ZuLoo Poodcast ✅ Real conversations about global sanitation and public health ✅ Funny, fascinating poop facts and toilet stories ✅ Interviews with sanitation experts, innovators, and impact leaders ✅ Stories showing how toilets impact health, wellness, and human dignity ✅ Insight into the global sanitation crisis and real world solutions ✅ How toilet technology and sanitation innovation are changing lives This is an educational sanitation podcast that does not sound like a lecture. It is honest, curious, approachable, and grounded in real human stories. Meet the Hosts Jocelyn Gardiner Jocelyn Gardiner is a sanitation advocate and co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast with a passion for storytelling, education, and breaking down taboos around toilets, poop, and hygiene. She brings curiosity, humor, and heart to conversations about sanitation access, public health, and why talking about toilets can actually change lives. Darin Mangum Darin Mangum is co-host of ZuLoo Poodcast and a leader in impact-driven conversations around sanitation, wellness, and global health. With a grounded and thoughtful approach, Darin connects real-world sanitation challenges to practical solutions, highlighting how access to safe toilets plays a critical role in improving quality of life worldwide. About ZuLoo ZuLoo is on a mission to help solve the global sanitation crisis by improving access to clean, safe toilets and hygiene education. ZuLoo Poodcast is one way the organization raises awareness, sparks conversation, and drives action around sanitation and public health. more

Engaging physiotherapists in global health

Resources for students, residents, and healthcare professionals who want to learn more about healthcare missions. Includes sessions from the Global Missions Health Conference. more

A podcast on innovative & inspiring actions to achieve health for all

One World, One Health is brought to you by the One Health Trust. In this podcast, we bring you the latest ideas to improve the health of our planet and its people. Our world faces many urgent challenges from pandemics and decreasing biodiversity to pollution and melting polar ice caps, among others. This podcast highlights solutions to these problems from the scientists and experts working to make a difference. more

Welcome to the Infectious Science Podcast Your source for cutting-edge insights on infectious diseases and the power of the One Health approach! Our mission? To empower YOU with the knowledge to better understand the spread of emerging diseases. Whether you're a researcher, clinician, student, or simply curious about public health, we bring experts and thought leaders together to spark innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking. Join us as we dive into the latest research, share inspiring stories, and make complex science accessible to everyone. Let's build a healthier, more resilient world—one episode at a time! Subscribe now and become part of the global community driving a safer future! #OneHealth #PublicHealth #InfectiousDiseases more

From remote clinics in Africa to laboratories at Northwestern University, there is a community of people around the world who are passionate about understanding and improving global health. On the Explore Global Health podcast you will meet these people, hear their stories and gain a deeper understanding of what is needed to achieve equitable and sustainable healthcare and lower the risk of disease around the world. more

The TBPod is a podcast for clinicians and policymakers caring for patients with tuberculosis. The podcasts present discussions with expert clinicians, researchers, policymakers and advocates about their work in the field of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is an important contributor to morbidity among migrants arriving in Australia and New Zealand. There are around 1300 reported cases of TB in Australia each year, and a further 300 in New Zealand. Included in these figures are cases of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB which pose significant barriers to treatment and management of the disease. The Australian government has committed to the global elimination of TB by 2030, but to do so requires the development of innovative new strategies, based on high-quality research, that has national and international reach. These podcasts aim to engage and update those who are interested in the field of tuberculosis through discussions with leaders in the field of tuberculosis. more

Welcome to Transmissible: A Public Health Podcast. I'm your host, Jessica Stahl, MPH, former CDC contractor and public health enthusiast, here to explore exciting topics in public and global health, from emerging infectious diseases to urgent global matters and historical plagues. Please note that this podcast offers educational content and not scientific or medical advice. For specific concerns, listeners are encouraged to consult professionals accordingly. https://www.podpage.com/transmissible-a-public-health-podcast-1/ more

Welcome to the Health In Europe podcast from the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. Our Region is broad and diverse. We work with fascinating and driven individuals and groups. This podcast is about hearing their stories and how it might impact your day-to-day life. more

Unlocking access to quality healthcare in Africa by 2030 will require radical innovations. Join veteran digital health / healthtech entrepreneur Rowena Luk in conversation with healthcare industry leaders and innovators every quarter to strategize on what the future of healthcare in Africa will look like. This podcast is for social entrepreneurs, impact investors, and global health professionals who need to stay ahead of the rapidly changing landscape of healthcare in Africa. rowenaluk.substack.com more

Hosted by Joseph Harris, the Global Health Politics Podcast features intimate, one-of-a-kind conversations with leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and activists working on critical issues in global health. The podcast enjoys support from Boston University's Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases. more

Ebola Watch is your daily six-minute briefing on the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda. Every weekday, we track confirmed case counts and suspected cases separately, follow WHO situation reports out of Geneva, and translate the science into plain language for anyone with a reason to pay attention — whether you're a global-health professional, an aid worker in the region, or an American with a flight booked to East or Central Africa.We cover cross-border contact tracing between Kinshasa and Kampala, vaccine deployment from the WHO emergency stockpile, treatment center conditions reported by Doctors Without Borders, and the diplomatic friction shaping the public-health response. You'll hear what the CDC outbreak alert actually says — not what social media is amplifying. We distinguish confirmed EVD cases from probable and suspected, and we flag when a rumor is a rumor. No panic, no stigma, no community smearing. Just accurate, on-time Ebola outbreak news, DRC health emergency updates, and Uganda border surveillance reporting you can act on. more

What if we could build a disease free world? Well, we almost have. We are at a point in history where we have a Big Shot to make that happen. Dr Seema Yasmin, expert in disease control, brings you the stories of disease eradication, and the pioneers who can tell us how to finish the journey. These conversations will make you smarter, entertain and surprise you, and give you hope for the future of humanity! more

A podcast about the unspoken realities of global health in Africa and the world

What About Rural Health?™ is a rural health and global health podcast exploring how healthcare is accessed, financed, governed, and delivered in rural and underserved communities.Hosted by Chinasa U. Imo, a global health policy strategist, researcher, and rural health advocate, the podcast brings together policymakers, healthcare professionals, researchers, community leaders, innovators, and people working directly within health systems to examine the decisions, structures, and conditions shaping rural healthcare.Each episode combines first-hand accounts, expert insights, policy conversations, and research to explore issues such as rural healthcare access, health systems strengthening, health financing, workforce shortages, public health, health policy, technology and innovation, community health, and the institutional factors that determine who receives care, where, and when.With perspectives from the United States, Africa, and other parts of the world, What About Rural Health?™ connects local experiences to larger questions about how health systems are designed, funded, and implemented. From deep-dive interviews to field-based storytelling, the podcast brings rural health into global/local focus and examines both the gaps and the solutions shaping care in underserved communities.Whether you are a health professional, student, researcher, policymaker, advocate, or simply curious about how health systems work beyond major cities, What About Rural Health?™ invites you to rethink global health through a rural lens. more

How does climate change affect health? And what can medical professionals do about it? Those are the very questions we hope to answer here on Code Green: The Climate-Smart Health Professional. In each episode of this series, we'll highlight the intersections of climate change and health by exploring patient case studies that exemplify the climate-health nexus and by spotlighting planetary health curriculum initiatives at medical schools around the world. Hosted, produced, and edited by Isha Thapar and Dhivya Arasappan. more

Join A/Prof Suresh de Silva, Sydney radiologist and founder of global charity Radiology Across Borders, for a series of conversations with health and other industry leaders. In our first season, we interview leaders in global radiology for a deep dive into their experiences and careers, and what we as a global society can do to impart meaningful change. more

Vital voices in the fields of global health, global child welfare reform and family separation, and those intent on conducting ethical missions in low resource communities and developing nations. Join our hosts as they engage in conversations with diverse guests from across the globe, sharing optimistic views, experiences, and suggestions for better and best practices as they discuss these difficult topics. more

Peter Hayward, Editor-in-Chief, and Adrian Gonzalez-Lopez, Senior Editor at The Lancet HIV, in conversation with the journal's authors, explore their latest research and its impact on people's health, healthcare, and health policy.A monthly audio companion to the journal, this podcast covers a broad range of topics, from treatments of children with HIV to COVID-19 and chemsex, the experiences of HIV among global Indigenous populations to intimate partner violence and women with HIV, and more. more

Connecting Citizens to Science (CCS) is a global health and development podcast that brings together research, practice and lived experience to examine complex health challenges and inequities. Through open conversation, the podcast amplifies the voices of those most affected and explores how global health issues are understood and addressed in real-world settings. Each episode is led by an expert guest co-host who brings subject expertise and practical insight to ground the discussion in current realities. Conversations feature people working on the front lines of global health, including community members, health workers, researchers, and implementers driving change. Since launching in 2022, host Dr Kim Ozano and guest co-hosts from across the globe have published more than 80 episodes, reaching listeners in 128 countries. Search 'Connecting Citizens to Science' on YouTube or your preferred podcast platform to subscribe and hear new episodes as they are released. We welcome conversations with researchers, practitioners and organisations whose work aligns with the podcast's focus on equity, participation and global health. To explore collaboration, contact The Stop, Collaborate and Listen Agency e: ****@theSCLagency.co.uk Intro music: Mike Donnelly more

Gavin Cleaver, Senior Editor at The Lancet Global Health, is joined in conversation by authors of new publications in the journal to explore their latest research and its impact on healthcare, people's health, and health policy.A monthly audio companion to this open access journal, this podcast covers a broad range of topics, from practice-changing clinical research in low and middle income countries to international financing for primary health care, the decolonisation of global health research, neglected tropical diseases, and much more. more

The SRHM Podcast explores new research and emerging trends in the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters or SRHM promotes sexual and reproductive health and rights globally. At the heart of SRHM is a multidisciplinary, open-access, peer-reviewed journal. SRHM also creates and participates in spaces that motivate improvements in research, policy, services and practice. It contributes to capacity building in knowledge generation. Learn more at srhm.org. Music by Tiber Krisztián and Salamon BotondSound editing by We Edit Podcasts more

Welcome to our new-wave global health community that tells it like it is! We promote health equity and unpack the most controversial health and social issues using well-rounded research. Join this new-wave global health community. more

Science is always adding to our knowledge of health, but how do ideas become breakthroughs, and how can those breakthroughs bring about a better world? Could mosquitos help prevent disease? Will AI tools transform mental healthcare? How is a once-ignored drug now being used to save lives? And what can science do to keep us healthy as we age? Join botanist-turned-Hollywood actor Alisha Wainwright as she meets the scientists, innovators, and communities working together to solve our biggest health challenges. **** Brought to you by Wellcome, an independent global foundation that supports science to solve the urgent health challenges facing everyone. Please visit wellcome.org for more information. more

JAMA Health Forum is an international, peer-reviewed, online, open access journal that addresses policies, structures, and systems that affect health, medicine, and health care. The journal publishes original research, evidence-based reports, and opinion about national and global health policy; structures and systems that affect health and health care; and health care delivery, economics, access, quality, safety, equity, and reform. more

The Scan podcast from The George Institute for Global Health explores the latest research, emerging evidence, and crucial progress towards developing practical approaches towards better treatments, better care and healthier societies globally. If you're a medical professional, work in research, or are just passionate about global health, then this is the podcast for you. For more, find us on social media with #TheScanPodcast Know more about The George Institute for Global health . more

In this award-winning podcast, leading thinkers share their insights and knowledge on the challenges and progress of cancer control. Explore a wealth of topics from tobacco to universal health coverage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. more

A podcast where people get to learn more about public health work in Africa and how to navigate their public health careers.Each episode features an in depth interview with a public health practitioner and/or researcher from an African country and/or working in African countries in public health.Conversation is about how they ended up working in public health, what they do at a high level in their current work, what they love about their field and career path and what words of wisdom they would like to share with the audience. more

🌍 Global Perspectives on Digital Health A podcast unpacking the stories, insights, and innovation shaping health systems and underserved communities. 🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify. Watch on YouTube more

Antimicrobial resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, and other microbes stop responding to antimicrobial medicines. Unpacking AMR delves into the challenges of drug-resistant infections. Join the conversation on creating sustainable, fair, and evidence-informed policies. Remember, AMR is more than drugs and bugs! more

Dive into the latest trending topics in global health with IHME's Global Health Insights podcast. Our health researchers explain the significance of new studies, share data related to current events, and help you understand the story behind the numbers. more

The Global Public Health Revolution is a podcast by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation that explores bold advocacy and game-changing marketing in the global public health space. Each episode, host Kemi Gbadamosi and her guests -- leaders in the field -- explore how storytelling, innovative campaigns, and disruptive strategies are shaking up global public health. If you're ready for fresh ideas, game-changing conversations, and a bit of fun along the way, you're in the right place. more

Welcome to the 'Care Anywhere Podcast: The Global Health Workforce Podcast.' Our series delves into the dynamic world of global health workforce development.Join us as we engage with subject matter experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in insightful discussions on the evolving practices, addressing workforce shortages, and meeting the global demand for healthcare talent. Explore the critical intersections shaping the future of healthcare worldwide with us. more