Enyonam Duah
ABOUT ENYONAM DUAH Enyonam Duah is a public health professional with a strong background in health policy, planning, and management. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Biology from the University for Development Studies and a Master’s in Public Health from the University of Ghana, specializing in Health Policy, Planning, and Management. Enyonam has furthered her expertise with certifications in Protecting Human Research Participants (NIH, 2018) and Fundamentals of Project Management (Philanthropy University, 2019). Since beginning her career at Navrongo Health Research Centre in 2014, Enyonam has gained over seven years of experience in research, focusing on project proposal development, field coordination, fieldworker training, data analysis, supervision, report writing, and manuscript preparation. Her contributions span multiple studies, including the Gazelle point-of-care testing device for early sickle cell disease detection, the SOUND Study on patient understanding of clinical research, and a Phase 3 COVID-19 clinical trial evaluating the antiviral efficacy of S-217622 in non-hospitalized patients. Enyonam is dedicated to advancing public health through rigorous research and evidence-based practices, leveraging her expertise in project management, fieldwork, and health policy to impact community health.
Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah
ABOUT DR. AKOSUA ANSAH Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah is a Public Health Specialist and Head of the Clinical Science Department at the Navrongo Health Research Centre. With over 18 years of experience in clinical trials and epidemiology research, Dr. Nana Ansah has led policy informing studies and vaccine trials, focusing extensively on infectious diseases. Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah’s research includes epidemiological studies on malaria, clinical trials of malaria treatments, and multi-phase vaccine trials (Phases 2, 3, and 4) for diseases such as cervical cancer, meningitis, rotavirus, malaria, and Covid-19. As a Principal Investigator for the first cervical cancer vaccine trial in Africa, Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah’s work was instrumental in pioneering cervical cancer vaccination on the continent. Additionally, as Co-Principal Investigator on Africa’s first rotavirus vaccine trial, her contributions helped secure licensing for the rotavirus vaccine in Africa. She also served as the Safety and Pharmacovigilance Officer for the MenAfriVac vaccine, guiding the successful incorporation of this critical vaccine into the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) after infant safety trials. Throughout her career, Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah has been deeply involved in monitoring adverse events and pharmacovigilance, actively training medical and nonmedical staff on safety protocols for vaccines and infectious disease control. In recent years, her work has expanded to include the surveillance of adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) and adverse events of special interest (AESIs), especially related to the RTSS malaria vaccine pilot introduction in Northern Ghana. Currently, Dr. Nana Akosua Ansah leads a Covid-19 vaccine trial in Ghana, cementing his commitment to advancing vaccine research and disease control in Africa. PUBLICATIONS Evaluation of pilot implementation of seasonal malaria chemoprevention on morbidity in young children in Northern Sahelian Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov)
Agyekum Ansong
ABOUT AGYEKUM ANSONG Agyekum Ansong is a Research Officer with a focus on study coordination and field management, specializing in clinical trials and epidemiological studies. Currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy in Medical Pharmacology, Agyekum is committed to advancing public health research, particularly in malaria drug and vaccine efficacy, as well as the clinical trials of new drugs and vaccines. His expertise encompasses overseeing daily study activities, training and supervising field staff, and ensuring the precise completion and review of case report forms. Agyekum’s research interests include drug and vaccine safety, efficacy, and toxicology; pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; drug and vaccine discovery and development; and clinical pharmacology and pharmacovigilance. With a strong foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of pharmacology, he is passionate about enhancing community-based health interventions and advancing safe, effective health solutions through clinical trials. In his work, Agyekum combines meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to data accuracy and ethical practices. His contributions to public health research are driven by a goal to improve health outcomes through innovative, evidence-based interventions.
Dr. Engelbert Nonterah
ABOUT DR. ENGELBERT NONTERAH Dr. Engelbert Nonterah is a Senior Clinician Research Fellow with the Clinical Science Department at the Navrongo Health Research Centre. He is a trained Physician and Clinical Epidemiologist specializing in the study of early life exposures—such as malnutrition and climate-related environmental factors—and their impact on health outcomes later in life. With a Master’s degree in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa and a PhD in Clinical Epidemiology (Cardiovascular Epidemiology) from Utrecht University in the Netherlands, Dr. Nonterah brings an interdisciplinary approach to public health research. Dr. Nonterah’s research focuses on understanding how various early-life exposures influence chronic disease risks, including cardiovascular and metabolic conditions. His work aims to contribute to preventive health strategies that mitigate long-term health impacts of adverse conditions during infancy and childhood. Dr. Nonterah is recognized for his methodical research and commitment to advancing global health through data-driven approaches. Through his research, Dr. Nonterah has developed expertise in assessing the impact of malnutrition and climate change on public health, particularly in low-resource settings. His insights support both evidence-based interventions and policy development to address health risks associated with environmental factors.
Dr. Michael Kaburise
ABOUT DR. MICHAEL KABURISE
Dr. Lucy Osei Ababio
ABOUT DR. LUCY OSEI ABABIO Dr. Lucy Osei Ababio is a Senior Medical Officer at the Navrongo Health Research Centre, renowned for her exceptional contributions to Public Health through cutting-edge research and clinical trials. Her work focuses on advancing healthcare innovations, particularly in infectious diseases, vaccine efficacy, and the management of chronic conditions such as Sickle Cell Disease. In her role, Dr. Osei Ababio provides vital medical care to research participants, ensuring their safety and well-being throughout trials. She leads multidisciplinary research studies, designs protocols, and authors manuscripts for publication in peer-reviewed journals. Her academic rigor and dedication to sharing knowledge are evident in her mentorship of research assistants and students, as well as her community outreach efforts to educate the public on pressing health issues. Dr. Osei Ababio has contributed significantly to several groundbreaking studies, including: Evaluating the efficacy, immunogenicity, and safety of COVID-19 vaccines in adults. Participating in a Phase 1 trial of a Lassa virus vaccine in healthy adults. Researching the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of anti-malarial agents in both children and adults. Leading malaria vaccine studies to combat one of the world’s most challenging public health threats. A notable achievement in her career is her work on Sickle Cell Disease. Dr. Osei Ababio spearheaded an implementation study to integrate point-of-care testing (POCT) technology into primary healthcare, facilitating the diagnosis and care of over 600 newborns with Sickle Cell Disease. She also established the Sickle Cell Clinic at War Memorial Hospital, providing counseling and care to more than 180 patients, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Dr. Osei Ababio earned her medical degree from the University for Development Studies and is currently pursuing an MSc in Clinical Trials at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, further enhancing her expertise in advancing global health research. Her work exemplifies a synergy of clinical excellence, research innovation, and a passion for mentorship, positioning her as a pivotal figure in Public Health, Clinical Trials, Sickle Cell Disease research, and Vaccine Development.
Agongo Ibrahim
ABOUT AGONGO IBRAHIM Agongo Ibrahim is a Clinical Trialist, Social Scientist, and Advanced Nurse, with a multifaceted background in clinical research, project management, and public health. With extensive experience in clinical trials, regulatory affairs, good clinical practice (GCP), and social epidemiology, Agongo is dedicated to advancing global health through innovative treatments and improving patients’ quality of life. A seasoned professional in both clinical care and social science, Agongo has honed skills in nurse tuition, mentorship, and leadership, demonstrating a commitment to empowering healthcare teams and nurturing future healthcare leaders. His work integrates psychological and sociological perspectives to address pressing public health challenges, aiming to create impactful, long-term health outcomes. With a passion for regulatory compliance and quality in clinical research, Agongo brings valuable expertise to clinical trial oversight, ensuring ethical and high-quality practices. His dedication to continuous learning and personal development underscores his drive to stay at the forefront of healthcare advancements. Through roles in patient care, research, and health education, Agongo contributes meaningfully to public health, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based practices and empathetic care.
Emmanuel Yidana Ayamba
ABOUT EMMANUEL YIDANA AYAMBA Emmanuel Yidana is a Research Officer with specialized expertise in study coordination and field management for clinical trials and epidemiological research. With a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology, Emmanuel brings a robust background in public health research, particularly focusing on malaria studies and vaccine efficacy. His extensive experience enables him to make significant contributions to public health through meticulously coordinated research efforts and community-centered initiatives. Emmanuel’s role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including the oversight of daily study operations, active community engagement, and training and managing field staff. Known for his detail-oriented approach, he ensures the precise and accurate completion of case report forms, as well as thorough data reviews to maintain research quality and reliability. His work is instrumental in advancing the understanding and effectiveness of public health interventions, particularly in malaria prevention and vaccine development.
Abraham Hodgson
ABOUT DR. ABRAHAM HODGSON
Oscar Bangre
ABOUT OSCAR BANGRE Oscar Bangre is a dedicated Senior Health Research Officer at the Navrongo Health Research Centre, with a specialty in epidemiology, tropical disease research, and neuro-cognitive health. Holding a BSc from the University of Ghana and an MSc in Population-Based Field Epidemiology from the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, Oscar Bangre brings an academic and hands-on approach to public health research. Oscar Bangre joined Navrongo Health Research Centre in 2000 as a Research Assistant. One of his early notable contributions was coordinating a groundbreaking study on pre-referral rectal artesunate suppositories for children with severe malaria, culminating in the drug’s FDA registration in Ghana. From 2003 to 2005, he also played a pivotal role in establishing a Community Health Nurses’ Training School in Kassena-Nankana, which became a model for national healthcare training. Oscar has managed high-impact vaccine trials, including the Meningitis Conjugate vaccine and a study with WHO/PATH that led to the successful pre-qualification of a vaccine for children in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, he is coordinating the Malaria Resservior Study and a study on long-term neuro-cognitive effects in adolescents with a history of severe malaria among other studies. His research interests encompass tropical disease epidemiology, mental health, and neuro-cognitive interventions. Recognized for his achievements, Oscar received the INDEPTH Network Young Scientist Award (2008).