Daniel Azongo
ABOUT DANIEL AZONGO Daniel Azongo is a seasoned Social Epidemiologist with over 16 years of experience in longitudinal population-based health research. Currently serving as an Epidemiologist on the GSK RTS,S/AS01E Malaria Vaccine studies, he leads field operations and is instrumental in technical reporting, manuscript preparation, and research grant proposals. Previously, Daniel managed the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), a key role that reinforced his expertise in health systems interventions and epidemiological studies. Throughout his career, Daniel has been deeply involved in designing and implementing research studies focused on maternal and child health, antimalarial drugs, malaria vaccine efficacy, and evaluation of health interventions. His comprehensive field experience and data-driven approach ensure the effective execution and evaluation of health programs aimed at improving public health outcomes. With a research portfolio that includes child and maternal health interventions, implementation research, mortality estimations, and non-communicable diseases, Daniel is committed to advancing health equity through impactful research. He is also dedicated to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) strategies, emphasizing continuous improvement and evidence-based health policies.
Dr. Raymond Aborigo
ABOUT DR. RAYMOND ABORIGO Dr. Raymond Akawire Aborigo holds a PhD in Global Public Health from Monash University in Australia and is the Head of the Social Science and Public Health Department at the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC). Dr. Aborigo’s journey in health research began as a field data collector at NHRC, progressing through various roles to his current position as a leader in social science research in Ghana. With extensive expertise in social and behavioral sciences, Dr. Aborigo has coordinated and conducted research on numerous projects, including studies on CHPS-NCD, Mental Health, and LEAP-ISS. His research interests focus on maternal and neonatal health, the dynamics between traditional and modern treatment approaches, research ethics, and developing methodologies to determine causes of death in low-resource settings. Dr. Aborigo has published widely in the field, authoring numerous articles that contribute to public health knowledge and advancements. A dedicated mentor, he provides guidance to emerging researchers and has served as a consultant for international organizations, particularly in implementation research and training in research methodologies. His contributions to academic publishing are significant, as he serves as a peer reviewer and editor for multiple journals, reinforcing his commitment to quality and evidence-based health research. Dr. Aborigo’s research impacts policies and interventions addressing public health challenges, making him a respected figure in global public health. His dedication to innovative solutions for health systems in low-resource environments underscores his influence in improving health outcomes across Ghana and beyond. PUBLICATIONS Constructing a Nurse-led Cardiovascular Disease Intervention in Rural Ghana: A Qualitative Analysis – PubMed (nih.gov) Self-reported provision of person-centred maternity care among providers in Kenya and Ghana: scale validation and examination of associated factors – PubMed (nih.gov) Optimising reporting of adverse events following immunisation by healthcare workers in Ghana: A qualitative study in four regions – PubMed (nih.gov) Individual and situational predictors of psychological and physiological stress and burnout among maternity providers in Northern Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov) Breast cancer screening pathways in Ghana: applying an exploratory single case study methodology with cross-case analysis – PubMed (nih.gov) Compliance to HIV testing and counseling guidelines at antenatal care clinics in the Kassena-Nankana districts of northern Ghana: A qualitative study – PubMed (nih.gov) Social and demographic correlates of cardiovascular mortality in the Kassena-Nankana districts of Ghana: a verbal post-mortem analysis – PubMed (nih.gov) ‘Poverty can break a home’: Exploring mechanisms linking cash plus programming and intimate partner violence in Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov) ‘Joy, not sorrow’: Men’s perspectives on gender, violence, and cash transfers targeted to women in northern Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov) Exploring infant and young child-feeding practices among mothers of well-nourished children in northern Ghana: An INPreP substudy – PubMed (nih.gov) Community Barriers, Enablers, and Normative Embedding of Second Year of Life Vaccination in Ghana: A Qualitative Study – PubMed (nih.gov) Evaluation of Container Clinics as an Urban Immunization Strategy: Findings from the First Year of Implementation in Ghana, 2017-2018 – PubMed (nih.gov) Provider implicit and explicit bias in person-centered maternity care: a cross-sectional study with maternity providers in Northern Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov) Provider implicit and explicit bias in person-centered maternity care: a cross-sectional study with maternity providers in Northern Ghana – PubMed (nih.gov) Community perspectives on cardiovascular disease control in rural Ghana: A qualitative study – PubMed (nih.gov) (PDF) Male Partner Involvement in Antenatal Care: Narratives from Key Stakeholders in the Community-Based Health Planning and Services Zones in Northern Ghana (researchgate.net) Person-centred care (PCC) research in Ghana: a scoping review protocol A cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the ‘Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience’ intervention on person-centered maternity care in Kenya and Ghana: Study Protocol Sociodemographic and Behavioral Factors Associated With Hypertension and Depression in 4 Rural Communities in Northern Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining the Impact of Integrated Obstetric Simulation Training on the Quality of Antenatal Care in Northern Ghana It takes a village: A pilot cross-randomized trial to enhance pregnancy care and support in northern Ghana A cluster randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of the ‘Caring for Providers to Improve Patient Experience’ (CPIPE) intervention in Kenya and Ghana: study protocol Exploring infant and young child-feeding practices among mothers of well-nourished children in northern Ghana: An INPreP substudy Barriers and facilitators to community acceptability of integrating point-of-care testing to screen for sickle cell disease in children in primary healthcare settings in rural Upper East Region of Northern Ghana Factors influencing healthcare workers’ and health system preparedness for the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study in Ghana Perceptions of healthcare workers on linkage between depression and hypertension in northern Ghana: a qualitative study
Dr. Sabastian Achana
ABOUT DR. SABASTIAN ACHANA Dr. Sabastian Achana is a Social demographer with over 20 years of experience in public health research, specializing in maternal and child health, sexual and reproductive health, and population development. Currently serving as the Deputy Chief Health Research Officer for the Ghana Health Service at the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Dr. Achana is highly regarded for his expertise in implementation research, operational studies, and the monitoring and evaluation of health interventions. Dr. Achana’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Population and Family Life Education from the University of Cape Coast, followed by an MSc in Demography and Health from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) in the UK. He later completed his PhD at the University of Cape Coast, solidifying his foundation in population health and applied research methodologies. Throughout his career, Dr. Achana has led numerous studies and has been published extensively in peer-reviewed scientific journals. His recent work investigates how women’s autonomy influences child mortality in Ghana’s Upper East Region, adding critical insights to ongoing public health efforts in the region. With substantial experience in field surveys and health research implementation, Dr. Achana has a proven ability to lead projects that advance health systems in Ghana and beyond. Dr. Achana’s commitment to evidence-based health interventions and his focus on the interconnectedness of health and development make him a pivotal figure in shaping health policy. His work contributes not only to the academic field but also to practical solutions that impact community health outcomes in low-resource settings.
Dr. Samuel Chatio
ABOUT DR. SAMUEL CHATIO Dr. Samuel Tamti Chatio is a Senior Research Fellow at the Navrongo Health Research Centre with a strong background in public health and social science. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast (2002), a Master’s in Applied Health Social Science (2012), and a Doctorate in Public Health (2020), both from the University of Ghana. Additionally, he earned a Certificate in Health Administration and Management from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) in 2021. Since joining the Navrongo Health Research Centre in 2002, Dr. Chatio has been actively involved in numerous research projects focused on health interventions and public health challenges in Ghana. His work includes studies on adolescent sexual and reproductive health, malaria prevention and treatment, maternal and neonatal mortality, and the community’s response to COVID-19 vaccine trials. He has also contributed to studies on diabetes and cardiovascular screening, using innovative community-based approaches through faith-based centers. Currently, Dr. Chatio is involved in projects such as the independent verification of primary health care indicators and a sickle cell disease screening study exploring the integration of point-of-care testing in rural healthcare facilities. With over 40 peer-reviewed journal publications and one book, Dr. Chatio’s research interests focus on the socio-cultural determinants of health and the impact of health interventions on communities. He is skilled in qualitative research methodologies and the use of software tools such as Nvivo and Atlas.ti for qualitative data analysis.
Irene Kuwolamo
ABOUT IRENE KUWOLAMO Irene Kuwolamo is a Senior Research Officer with the Social Science Department at the Navrongo Health Research Center, where she has contributed for nearly three decades. Her primary research interests lie in maternal and child health, with a growing focus on non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Irene is highly experienced in both quantitative and qualitative data collection, research coordination, qualitative data analysis, and research report writing. Throughout her career, she has coordinated numerous impactful research projects. Notably, she led Every Mother Every Newborn (EMEN) study, a health systems implementation research project aimed at improving maternal and newborn care. She also played a crucial role in the Person-Centered Maternity Care (PCMC) study, where she coordinated efforts and conducted qualitative interviews to assess factors influencing person-centered maternity care in Ghana. Currently, Irene serves as the coordinator for the CHPS Opportunity for Mentally and Behaviorally Integrated NCD Engagement (COMBINE) study. This pilot project tests the feasibility of using CHPS program nurses to provide treatment for hypertension and depression, with the support of community health volunteers who offer wellness counseling. Her expertise in research proposal development, qualitative data analysis, and her commitment to advancing maternal health and addressing the growing burden of NCDs are hallmarks of her distinguished career.
Aaron Kampim
ABOUT AARON KAMPIM Aaron Kampim is a Public Health Specialist with over a decade of experience in health programs and research. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Vrije Universiteit, Royal Tropical Institute in the Netherlands, with a specialization in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights. Aaron’s career has focused extensively on maternal and child health, health systems research, and strengthening health systems. Currently serving as a Senior Research Officer at the Navrongo Health Research Center (NHRC) in Ghana, Aaron brings a wealth of expertise in developing essential research tools and protocols. His skills include creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), work plans, informed consent forms, manuals, monitoring tools, and data collection instruments. Additionally, he is adept at managing research projects that align with ethical standards and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) requirements. One of Aaron’s most notable recent achievements is his successful coordination of the mortality module for the WHO Malaria Vaccine Pilot Evaluation project (RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine). His efforts played a key role in supporting the scale-up of the malaria vaccine in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, based on expert recommendations. Aaron’s research interests span across Reproductive Health, Health Systems Strengthening, and Public Health Nutrition, reflecting his commitment to advancing healthcare delivery and outcomes in his community and beyond. His expertise, combined with his practical contributions, underscores his dedication to improving public health systems and ensuring sustainable health interventions.
Ali Moro
ABOUT ALI MORO Ali Moro is a Senior Research Officer with a robust background in public health research and a focused expertise in environmental health. Over his 8 years in the health research field, Mr. Moro has worked on diverse health projects, including maternal health, malaria prevalence, health quality assessments, and stress studies. Since 2017, he has directed his research toward exploring the effects of environmental factors on human health, especially concerning vulnerable populations in low- and middle-income countries. Mr. Moro’s current work investigates air pollution and its health impacts at both the household and ambient levels. Through this lens, he examines how exposure to air pollution affects community health, aiming to bridge critical gaps in the understanding of the biological, social, economic, and environmental determinants that influence health outcomes. His work specifically targets the intersection of energy poverty and disease burden, providing valuable insights into how air quality impacts public health and poverty. Looking ahead, Mr. Moro is committed to addressing the relationship between air pollution, population health, and energy poverty interventions. His research seeks to create actionable solutions to reduce the disease burden associated with poor air quality and to improve the health conditions of disadvantaged communities. By focusing on these intersections, Mr. Moro aims to contribute meaningful evidence and recommendations that support healthier, more resilient populations globally.
Peter Wontuo Domezag
ABOUT PETER WONTUO DOMEZAG Peter Wontuo Domezag is the Deputy Chief Health Research Officer of the Ghana Health Service and serves as Senior Data Manager at the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC). Since April 30, 2013, he has led NHRC’s Data Science Department, which encompasses Data Management, Information Technology, Statistics, Health Informatics, Archives & Library, and Demographic Surveillance. In this role, he manages essential operations within these units, focusing on data planning, analysis, processing, training, and archiving, and represents the department in management meetings, offering expert technical guidance. Peter Wontou’s career with NHRC began in March 1989 as a fieldworker for the Vitamin A Supplementation Project’s Child Survival Study (Ghana VAST). He was promoted to Deputy Field Supervisor in 1990, later transitioning to the Computer Centre as a Data Assistant. By 1997, he was appointed Data Manager for the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NHDSS), followed by a promotion to Head of the Computer Centre in 1999. Recognizing the need for integrated data operations, he established the Information Technology Unit, which later merged with the Data Unit to form the comprehensive Data Management Unit at NHRC. Peter has overseen the data management of numerous significant research studies, including NIH Studies, GMZ2, MenAfriCar, INESS Eurartesim, P3 Cookstove, EpiMAL, H3Africa, and EMBRACE. He has also provided technical support to other research centers in Ghana and across Africa via the INDEPTH Technical Support Network. Peter Wontou holds a Diploma in Data Processing from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and a Master of Science (MSc) in Information Technology from the University of Liverpool in partnership with LAUREATE Online Education.
Dr. Timothy Awine
ABOUT DR.TIMOTHY AWINE Dr. Timothy Awine is an epidemiologist with over 20 years of experience in health research, primarily in Northern Ghana. His research expertise spans infectious disease epidemiology, including malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as schistosomiasis, as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cardiovascular diseases. Dr. Awine specializes in analytics and modeling of these diseases, with a strong focus on malaria epidemiology and vaccine trials. Throughout his career, Dr. Awine has contributed significantly to understanding malaria prevention, particularly in infants. His early work explored the impact of intermittent preventive malaria treatment in infants, and he later participated in a study tracking a birth cohort to assess the effects of maternal preventive malaria treatment on infants’ malaria incidence. His extensive fieldwork has not only advanced infectious disease knowledge but also highlighted the emerging epidemiological transition from infectious to non-communicable diseases in the region. Dr. Awine advocates for a balanced research focus, emphasizing the need to address both infectious diseases and the growing NCD burden. His work underscores the importance of integrated approaches in public health to tackle the diverse health challenges facing Ghana and other similar contexts.
Samuel Oladokun
ABOUT SAMUEL OLADOKUN Samuel Oladokun is a biostatistician with extensive experience in data management and statistical analysis in health and demographic research. With a career spanning over two decades, Samuel’s journey began with a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Statistics, which he completed in 2003. Following his National Service with the Ghana Statistical Service, he contributed as an enumerator and supervisor on multiple large-scale projects, including the National Industrial Census, Integrated Child Health Survey, Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS5), and the World Food Program, gaining hands-on experience in field data collection and management. Samuel joined the Navrongo Health Research Centre in 2008 as a Bio-statistician and quickly advanced as a data manager for key clinical trials, including the RRV-TV and Rotateq follow-up projects. He expanded his expertise while managing data entry, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis for projects such as the Qualmat Clinical Decision Support System, GARDASIL clinical trial, and entomology and IPAS baseline projects. Balancing work with further studies, he earned a BSc in Statistics in 2013 and later completed a Master of Science in Epidemiology with a focus on Biostatistics in 2020. Currently, Samuel heads the Navrongo Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS), where he coordinates field activities, oversees verbal autopsy data management, and supports data extraction and analysis using STATA. His expertise lies in managing longitudinal and survey data, with a dedication to improving the accuracy and quality of data for research projects.