Dr. Godfred Otchere | Public Health | Best Researcher Award
University of Otago, New Zealand
Mr. Godfred Otchere is a Ghanaian public and global health researcher and doctoral candidate at the University of Otago, Medical School, New Zealand. With over six years of experience in research, healthcare planning, and statistical analysis, he has contributed to diverse projects addressing critical healthcare challenges in Ghana and beyond. His academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to improving health systems, policy, and education. Godfred has held several positions at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, including Biostatistician, Health Planner, and Research Assistant on the Sugar Talk project. He has published seven peer-reviewed journal articles in global health systems, malaria prevention, hepatitis B awareness, and diabetes self-management. He is a recipient of prestigious awards, including the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship, DAAD Scholarship, and Laura Bassi Scholarship. Through his research in population health and health promotion, Godfred aims to influence policy and improve community health outcomes across developing countries.
Professional Profile
Education
Godfred Otchere holds a Master of Science degree in Global Health from the University of Freiburg, Germany (2021–2022), where he gained interdisciplinary training in international health issues, policy, and research. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management with First Class Honours from the University of Education, Winneba-Ghana (2013–2017), demonstrating academic excellence in business administration and health service management. His foundational education includes a West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Business Accounting from Swedru School of Business, Ghana (2008–2012), which provided him with a solid background in accounting, finance, and administration. His academic achievements are marked by his continuous pursuit of excellence and his selection for prestigious scholarships, including DAAD and Laura Bassi. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at the University of Otago, focusing on health systems, policy, and public health research. His educational background combines business acumen with health science, equipping him for complex health system challenges.
Professional Experience
Godfred Otchere has six years of experience in public health research, planning, and administration, primarily at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana. From 2018 to 2021, he served as Health Planner and Administrative Manager in the Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Unit, where he developed and implemented strategies for hospital performance improvement. Simultaneously, he worked as a Research Assistant on the Sugar Talk project, addressing diabetes management and patient education. During his National Service (2017–2018), he functioned as a Biostatistician in various hospital units, including Oncology, Family Planning, and Psychiatry, gaining hands-on experience in healthcare data analysis and clinical support. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate at the University of Otago, focusing on health systems and population health. His combined research and administrative experience informs his approach to health policy, systems strengthening, and health education, especially in resource-limited settings. He is also a published author in several peer-reviewed journals.
Research Interests
Godfred Otchere’s research focuses on population health, health systems and policy, public and global health, and health education and promotion. He is passionate about improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes in low-resource settings through evidence-based research. His doctoral research at the University of Otago examines system-level health interventions and the impact of policy on population health outcomes. Godfred has contributed to projects exploring diabetes education, hepatitis B awareness, malaria prevention, and healthcare quality improvement strategies. His work often involves interdisciplinary methods, including policy analysis, health promotion models, and stakeholder engagement. Through systematic reviews, surveys, and field studies, he aims to bridge the gap between healthcare research and practice. His published work, including scoping reviews and protocol development, reflects a strong emphasis on practical solutions for healthcare challenges in Ghana and similar contexts. Godfred’s ultimate goal is to influence global health policy and empower communities through informed, sustainable public health interventions.
Awards and Honors
Godfred Otchere has been recognized with several prestigious awards for his academic and research excellence. He is a current recipient of the University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship (2023–2026), awarded for outstanding doctoral research potential. He was also awarded the DAAD Scholarship (2021/2022) for his Master’s studies in Global Health at the University of Freiburg, reflecting his international academic merit. In 2022, he received the Laura Bassi Scholarship, which supports junior researchers undertaking impactful academic work, demonstrating both promise and commitment to advancing public health research. He graduated with First Class Honours in Management from the University of Education, Winneba-Ghana in 2017, underscoring his consistent academic excellence. These distinctions highlight Godfred’s dedication to scholarship, leadership in health research, and commitment to addressing global health challenges. His awards reflect his potential to contribute significantly to policy-making and sustainable health interventions in developing and underserved populations.
Publications
- Diabetes self-management education interventions in the WHO African Region: A scoping review
E Kumah, G Otchere, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, C Kokuro, K Aduo-Adjei, …PloS one 16 (8), e0256123
- Influence of the Model of Care on the Outcomes of Diabetes Self‐Management Education Program: A Scoping Review
E Kumah, EK Afriyie, AA Abuosi, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, G OtchereJournal of diabetes research 2021 (1), 2969243
- Intermittent preventive treatment of Malaria in pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine and its Associated factors in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ghana
E Kumah, F Duvor, G Otchere, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, C Kokuro, …Annals of global health 88 (1), 27
- Quality improvement in healthcare: A focus on patient focused strategies
E Kumah, SE Ankomah, SK Agyei, G OtchereInternational Journal of Biosciences, Healthcare Technology and Management 9 …
- Framework for assessing the performance of the Ghanaian health system: study protocol
E Kumah, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, P Agyei-Baffour, MA Ayanore, …Health research policy and systems 19, 1-8
- Knowledge, attitude and practice towards hepatitis B infection among high school students in Asante Mampong, Ghana
G Otchere, E Dwomoh, E Kumah, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, …International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine 33 (3), 269-279
- Factors influencing community acceptability of mass drug administration for the elimination of onchocerciasis in the Asante Akim South Municipal, Ghana
E Kumah, P Owusu, G Otchere, SE Ankomah, A Fusheini, C Kokuro, …PLoS neglected tropical diseases 17 (3), e0011251