Godfred Otchere | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

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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 Otchere
    Journal 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 Otchere
    International 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

 

 

 

Napoleon Bellua Sam | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam | Epidemiology and Biostatistics | Best Researcher Award

University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana.

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam is a biostatistician, epidemiologist, and Senior Lecturer at the University for Development Studies (UDS), Ghana. With a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, he has significant expertise in medical research, data governance, biostatistical modeling, and public health analytics. Dr. Sam has held roles including Research Development Officer and Statistician at UDS, and Senior Tutor at the University of Cape Coast. He has led multiple impactful research projects on disease trends, healthcare efficiency, and treatment adherence. Internationally engaged, he serves as Co-PI for the NIHR Global Health Group on equitable healthcare and actively contributes to workshops, editorial boards, and training programs across Africa and Asia. Dr. Sam’s work aims to enhance healthcare systems through advanced statistical applications and evidence-based practices, with a strong passion for mentoring and capacity building in research and academia.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam holds a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Anhui Medical University, China (2017–2020), a Master’s degree in Industrial Mathematics from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana (2010–2012), and a BSc. in Statistics from the University of Cape Coast (2004–2008). He also earned a Higher National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering from Takoradi Polytechnic (2000–2003). In addition to his formal education, Dr. Sam has undertaken extensive global training through short courses on biostatistics, research ethics, statistical software, data management, climate science, and machine learning in countries such as Kenya, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. He also holds a diploma in Pastoral Counseling from Rhema Leadership Institute and is a ministerial candidate at Trinity Theological Seminary. These multidisciplinary credentials have shaped his expertise in statistical analysis, epidemiological modeling, and health research governance, enabling his leadership in academic and public health research domains across Africa and beyond.

Professional Experience

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam has amassed over 15 years of academic and research experience. He currently serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Medical Research and Innovation at UDS. Previously, he was Research Development Officer (2016–2021) and Assistant Research Development Officer (2014–2016) at UDS. He also worked as a Senior Technician (Statistician) from 2009–2014. Concurrently, he has been a Senior Tutor at the University of Cape Coast’s Center for Distance Education since 2012. His academic contributions include teaching graduate-level courses in Biostatistics, Research Methods, and Health Statistics. Earlier in his career, he completed national service at Takoradi Polytechnic and the University of Cape Coast. His diverse roles have allowed him to bridge teaching, statistical consultancy, and research administration. Dr. Sam’s teaching and leadership roles underscore his commitment to enhancing academic excellence, research productivity, and evidence-informed policy-making in health and education systems.

Research Interests

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam’s research focuses on applying advanced biostatistics and epidemiological methods to improve public health outcomes, particularly in resource-limited settings. His current projects explore the efficiency of healthcare delivery using data envelopment analysis, longitudinal quality of life assessments among leprosy patients, and statistical modeling of disease patterns such as cerebrospinal meningitis in Northern Ghana. He applies survival analysis, structural equation modeling, and time-series forecasting in his studies. Dr. Sam is also engaged in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, particularly in inflammatory biomarkers like myeloperoxidase in rheumatoid arthritis patients. His research supports decision-making in health policy and planning. As Co-PI of the NIHR Equi-Injury project, his work centers on equitable healthcare access for injured populations across low- and middle-income countries. Passionate about data science for health systems strengthening, Dr. Sam continuously integrates machine learning and modern analytics to address complex healthcare challenges in Africa and beyond.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Napoleon Bellua Sam has been honored with multiple prestigious awards and grants. He was named Best Postgraduate Foreign Student upon graduation from Anhui Medical University in 2020 and served as Alumni Liaison Ambassador for Ghana and Africa graduates of the university. He received a fully funded Ph.D. scholarship from the Chinese Scholarship Council in 2017. He has secured several competitive international grants, including travel and training grants from institutions such as NIHR Global Surgery Unit, NAMBARI/DSSD, and the Data Science Initiative for Africa. These funded his participation in workshops on machine learning, climate change, health systems, and statistical data analysis in countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, India, and Liberia. As a Co-PI of the NIHR Global Health Group project, he is currently involved in a multi-country research program on equitable access to quality healthcare, managing a substantial grant of over £213,000. These recognitions affirm his impactful contributions to global health research.

Publications Top Notes