Writing

The BMJ | Huntington’s disease: new gene therapy explained

Gene therapy shows promise for halting Huntington’s disease, potentially transforming a fatal diagnosis into a manageable condition. I review the latest breakthrough and include additional insights from the study co-lead, Professor Edward Wild.

Nature Africa | Warning on ‘forever’ chemicals in Africa’s drinking water

Gaps in data on PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are masking the true scale of exposure and health risks. I speak with experts including Professor Nelson Odume, Director of the Institute for Water Research at Rhodes University, on what this means for public health.

Nature Africa | Avertissement contre les « substances chimiques éternelles » dans l’eau potable en Afrique

Les lacunes dans les données sur les PFAS, ces « polluants éternels », masquent l'ampleur réelle de l'exposition et des risques pour la santé. Je m'entretiens avec des experts, notamment le Professeur Nelson Odume, Directeur de l'Institut de recherche sur l'eau à l'Université Rhodes, sur ce que cela signifie pour la santé publique.

The BMJ | How Uganda became an advanced nation in palliative care

Uganda is the only low income country to attain “advanced” status in a recently published global ranking of palliative care services, ranking just one place behind the US. I report on what other countries can learn.

The BMJ | Wastewater surveillance tells a quiet story of polio’s return

Two out of three strains of wild poliovirus have been defeated, but a quiet emergence of vaccine derived strains raises tough questions about how the world chose to finish the job. I pick up the trail in Lagos, London, and New York.

Nature Africa | Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu: ‘Don’t leave anything to chance’

I interview Dame Professor Ijeoma Uchegbu, pioneer in nanomedicine and drug delivery research on the science of breaking through in both life and career. 

Nature Africa | Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu : “Ne laissez rien au hasard”

J'interview Dame Professeure Ijeoma Uchegbu, pionnière en nanomédecine et en recherche sur l'administration de médicaments, sur la science de percer dans la vie et dans la carrière.

IFLScience | Plants have given us crucial lifesaving drugs – and now we risk losing them

Some of the world’s most powerful medicines come from plants. In this piece, I interview a senior physician at the Royal College of Physicians, and scientists from the UCL School of Pharmacy and Kew Gardens.

*Winner, Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), February 2025 showcase for excellence in science writing*

The BMJ | Ghana’s physician assistants demand greater autonomy amid rising tensions

Doctors and PAs are clashing over roles and responsibilities worldwide, and Ghana is no exception. With global healthcare systems already stretched thin, can there truly be any winners?

The Royal Society | Nature’s healing plants and the scientists in search of them

I explore the scientific roots of plants in modern medicine and examine a scientist’s work on how heritage informs nature’s potential to address some of our most pressing health challenges.

The BMJ | Dementia: Africa’s unique opportunity for prevention amid rising cases

Africa’s youthful population offers many benefits, one of which is the unprecedented opportunity to prevent dementia.

*Winner, Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), September 2024 showcase for excellence in science writing*

The BMJ | South Africa’s vaping tax—a bold move for public health?

The introduction of e-cigarette levies will encourage debate on navigating South Africa’s complex terrain of health among its youth, while facilitating smoking cessation more broadly. 

The BMJ | Barbados is in the grip of a diabetic foot amputation crisis

In February 2025, we were informed that, as a result of this article, a free therapeutic footwear dispensary will launch in Barbados in April 2025. 

*Winner, Association of British Science Writers (ABSW), April 2024 showcase for excellence in science writing*

The BMJ | Antibiotic costs rise 1100% as big pharma exits Nigeria

As economic struggles force the departure of major drug companies, Nigeria is grappling with a 1100% hike in antibiotic costs and other increases in the price of medicines.

The BMJ | Why Nigeria has declared skin lightening a health emergency

Skin lightening is a billion dollar cosmetic industry with known health dangers. Nigeria’s drug regulator says enough is enough.

Nature Africa | Nigeria’s polio battleground

A newly accredited genomic sequencing lab has improved the country’s ability to respond to polio outbreaks. For this story, I reported from Nigeria alongside WHO staff.

Nature Africa | Le champ de bataille de la polio au Nigeria

Un laboratoire de séquençage génomique nouvellement accrédité a renforcé la capacité du pays à répondre aux épidémies de poliomyélite. Pour ce reportage, j'ai enquêté au Nigeria aux côtés du personnel de l'OMS.