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Why does the African microbiome matter?

鈥淭he microbiome is like an organ that you can modulate based on your lifestyle and your diet鈥 and it gives us a way to take control of our health in ways we never imagined before鈥

The bacteria in our stomachs 鈥 known collectively as the microbiome - are increasingly seen by scientists as playing an important role in our overall health. According to research, it can show markers of disease as well as affect everything from digestion to mental health. Everyone has a different microbiome depending on where you live, your lifestyle, and various external factors. But data in Africa has been lacking. Now a new study of four different countries on the continent 鈥 Burkina Faso, South Africa, Kenya and Ghana - is starting to fill that gap. Alan Kasujja talks to two of the researchers involved.

GUESTS: Dr Luicer Olubayo and Dr Ovokeraye Oduaran

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18 minutes

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