Cletus Tindana
ABOUT CLETUS TINDANA Cletus Tindana is an experienced Health Information Officer and Data Manager with over three decades at the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC). He began his career at NHRC in 1992, working as a Field Worker/Senior Field Supervisor on the Entomology Project within the Impregnated Bednets Trials Study, where he contributed to landmark research on mosquito vector control and its impact on child mortality in the Kassena-Nankana district. Over the years, Cletus has gained extensive field and technical experience across various public health studies. In the mid-1990s, he contributed to the Navrongo Demographic Surveillance System, conducting verbal autopsies, and later supervised fieldwork for the Malaria Attack Rates Study in collaboration with NAMRU-3 in Egypt. From 2000 to 2007, he coordinated field activities for meningitis and malaria studies, managing team recruitment, training, and data collection for projects such as Neisseria Colonisation in the African Meningitis Belt and the Roll Back Malaria surveys in Northern Ghana. Since 2001, Cletus has also managed data for large-scale projects, including the Malaria Transmission Intensity and Mortality Burdens across Africa (MTIMBA) project. Currently, as Health Information Officer at War Memorial Hospital, he oversees the Management Information Systems (MIS), designing databases to track and analyze patient data for both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This data supports decision-making for both the hospital and NHRC, reinforcing Cletus’s commitment to using data-driven insights to improve public health. With research interests in Health Information Management, Demographic Surveillance, International Health, and Public Health, Cletus is a dedicated contributor to advancing health information systems in Ghana.
Simon Bawa
ABOUT SIMON BAWA Simon Subinleeb Bawa is an experienced Data Manager with a robust background in health data management. Previously, he worked for over a decade with the National AIDS/STI Control Programme under the Global Fund, where he managed HIV-related data and coordinated services for health facilities across the Kassena Nankana Municipal and West Districts. In this role, Simon successfully led initiatives to improve antiretroviral therapy retention, achieve viral load suppression, and reduce HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and new infections, including transmission from mother to child. At NHRC, Simon’s responsibilities include designing data entry tools, training research assistants for data collection and management, and generating timely reports for decision-making in both local and international projects. His work is instrumental in ensuring high data quality for clinical and social science research projects. He also contributes to NHRC’s mission as an active member of the Institutional Review Board, reviewing research protocols for ethical merit, and as a committee member of the NHRC Education/Academic Steering Committee. Dedicated to continuous professional growth, Simon is committed to advancing global health research and sharing knowledge within his field. His approach is grounded in teamwork and a passion for data quality, with a strong interest in staying informed on global news and advancements in computing.
Edna Kunkuri
ABOUT EDNA KUNKURI Edna Kunkuri is a Quality Control Officer in the Clinical Science Department, where she ensures adherence to research protocols, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance in clinical studies. In her role, she is responsible for monitoring processes, verifying data integrity, and supporting the implementation of quality assurance systems that uphold both scientific rigor and ethical standards in research. With an academic background in nutrition and public health, Edna’s research interests lie in public health nutrition, with a particular focus on maternal and child health, adolescent nutrition, and the prevention of micronutrient deficiencies such as anemia. She is passionate about generating evidence-based insights to inform nutrition interventions and policies that improve the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Her professional journey reflects a strong commitment to advancing high-quality research and applying scientific evidence to strengthen health outcomes at both clinical and community levels. Through her work, Edna aims to contribute to the design and implementation of effective nutrition and public health strategies, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in maternal and child health.
Benedicta An-Mwaaba
ABOUT BENEDICTA AN-MWAABA Benedicta An-Mwaaba is an emerging statistician and public health researcher with an interest in population health and the demographic factors that shape health outcomes. Her focus is to understand patterns in births, fertility, migration, and mortality, and applying statistical methods to demographic and health surveillance data to generate evidence that informs effective public health interventions. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics from the C. K. Tedam University of Technology and Applied Sciences, where she built a foundation in statistical theory and applications. Over time, she has developed technical expertise in using STATA, SPSS, and other analytical tools for data management, analysis, and visualization. As a research intern at the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC), Benedicta has contributed to projects, including supporting the development of a proposal aimed at improving household data collection and updates within the Navrongo Health Demographic Surveillance System (NHDSS) through innovative approaches such as telephone interviews. These experiences have honed her skills in data analysis, research design, and problem-solving, while also enhancing her ability to collaborate effectively within research teams. With a blend of analytical skills, technical proficiency, and applied research experience, Benedicta is committed to advancing knowledge in population and public health. Her long-term goal is to contribute to evidence-based solutions that address health challenges, improve surveillance systems, and support the design of policies that strengthen health systems and outcomes at both local and global levels.
Gloria Puponu Alongya
ABOUT GLORIA PUPONU ALONGYA Gloria Puponu Alongya is an emerging public health researcher with a growing interest in infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the health challenges of vulnerable populations. She is interested in interdisciplinary perspectives that explore the intersections of health, culture, and climate change, with a particular focus on how cultural practices, social contexts, and environmental changes influence disease dynamics, health behaviors, and access to healthcare. As an intern, Gloria has contributes to proposal writing, conducts ethnographic research, and coordinated project activities. These opportunities have sharpened her research, communication, and organizational skills, while also enhancing her ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and build strong professional relationships. Through these experiences, Gloria has developed a strong interest in examining the biosocial and cultural factors that shape health, disease, and medicine. She is particularly passionate about understanding how the interplay of biology, culture, and environment can inform more effective and inclusive health interventions. Gloria envisions her career at the interscetion of health research, cultural studies, and public health policy, contributing to innovative solutions that address the complex challenges facing vulnerable communities in a changing world.
Josephine Awaafo
ABOUT JOSEPHINE AWAAFO Josephine Awaafo is a graduate intern in health economics with a developing research interest in road traffic accidents and their impact on public health and development. With an academic background in social sciences and ongoing training in health economics, she is building expertise at the intersection of health systems, policy, and development research. Her growing interest in road traffic accidents stems from their increasing recognition as a leading public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the burden of injuries and fatalities is disproportionately high. Josephine is keen on exploring how research in this area can inform effective prevention strategies, strengthen emergency response systems, and improve overall health system preparedness. As a graduate intern, Josephine is gaining valuable experience applying health economics tools and frameworks to real-world challenges. She actively contributes to collaborative projects, sharpening her skills in evidence generation, data analysis, and policy-relevant research. While early in her research career, she is motivated by a strong commitment to bridging academic knowledge with practical solutions that address pressing health and societal challenges. Beyond research, Josephine is passionate about continuous learning, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. She values engaging in conversations that connect public health evidence with on-the-ground practice and sees her developing career as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to road safety initiatives and public health improvements. Through her work, Josephine aspires to be part of the global effort to reduce the burden of road traffic injuries, strengthen health systems, and influence policy and development strategies that save lives and improve population health.
Felix E. Nenyewodey
ABOUT FELIX E. NENYEWODEY Felix E. Nenyewodey is a motivated and dynamic researcher with expertise in molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and bacteriology. With over two years of experience as a Research Assistant, Felix has developed a strong foundation in laboratory techniques, bioinformatics, and analytical research skills, which he applies to advancing knowledge in Malaria and Cancer Genomics. His laboratory expertise spans a wide range of techniques, including Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell (PBMC) isolation, DNA/RNA purification, primer design and optimization, Nested-PCR, qPCR, RT-qPCR, microscopy, cell culture, agarose gel electrophoresis, staining techniques, and blotting methods for protein analysis. Additionally, he has hands-on experience in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), bacterial culturing, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, biochemical tests, and serotyping. Felix is also proficient in various research and data analysis tools, including SnapGene, GraphPad Prism, SPSS, R (basics), and ChemSketch, allowing him to integrate computational and experimental approaches in his research. His ability to blend wet-lab expertise with bioinformatics makes him uniquely positioned to tackle complex biological questions in infectious disease and cancer research. A notable achievement in his research career was the successful sequencing of Plasmodium falciparum using Nanopore technology in Navrongo, Ghana. This not only deepened his appreciation for genomics but also ignited his passion for Malaria Genomics, inspiring him to apply cutting-edge sequencing and bioinformatics approaches to address pressing global health challenges. Felix holds a BSc in Biochemistry, where he built a solid academic foundation that has guided his professional journey. Through his commitment to staying updated with emerging trends in molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics, Felix is dedicated to contributing to the development of innovative strategies for disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. His ultimate goal is to harness the power of genomic technologies to make significant contributions in Malaria research, while also exploring the genetic underpinnings of cancer. Driven by curiosity and passion for discovery, Felix is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and improving public health outcomes globally.
Patrick Dery Bayagr
ABOUT PATRICK DERY BAYAGR Patrick Dery Bayagr is a Molecular Biologist and Research Assistant specializing in the development and optimization of Lamp -mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) assays. His research focuses on designing sensitive and specific molecular diagnostics for the detection of pathogens and genetic variations, with the ultimate goal of advancing medical diagnostics, public health, and personalized medicine. With strong interest in DNA/RNA amplification techniques, genomic analysis, and bioinformatics, Patrick leverages cutting-edge molecular biology approaches to develop diagnostic tools that are rapid, reliable, and cost-effective. His work emphasizes enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of LAMP assays, making them suitable for both clinical laboratories and field applications. In his current role, Patrick is actively engaged in conducting research, designing experiments, and analyzing data to improve molecular diagnostics. His responsibilities include preparing and maintaining laboratory equipment, managing sample collections, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to advance knowledge in pathogen detection and genetic variation analysis. Patrick’s skill set encompasses a wide range of molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, primer design, and quantitative PCR (qPCR). His passion for innovation in molecular diagnostics is rooted in a vision to strengthen disease detection and monitoring systems, thereby improving public health outcomes and supporting personalized medicine initiatives. By combining laboratory precision with bioinformatics-driven genomic insights, Patrick is building a career committed to transforming diagnostics and contributing to global health solutions through molecular biology research.
Cecilia Suglat Bugbillah
ABOUT CECILIA SUGLAT BUGBILLAH Cecilia Suglat Bugbillah is a passionate microbiologist and dedicated research assistant in the Bacteriology Unit of the Biomedical Science Department. Her research interest spans across microbiology, with a strong focus on understanding the mechanisms underlying bacterial pathogenesis through the application of next-generation sequencing techniques. She is particularly interested in genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Streptococcus pneumoniae within human populations, exploring factors that contribute to virulence and antibiotic resistance. Cecelia’s goal is to uncover novel insights into bacterial pathogenesis and deepen the global understanding of microbial genetics, with the long-term vision of developing innovative diagnostic tools and preventive strategies for Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). As a research assistant, Cecelia is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of laboratory premises, conducting experiments, managing documentation such as sample reception, results, and storage, and developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs). Her meticulous approach ensures accuracy and reliability in both experimental work and data management. Cecelia holds a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of Development Studies. She has gained extensive hands-on laboratory experience, particularly in microbial culture, and has undergone additional specialized training in bacteriology, equipping her with skills to apply cutting-edge molecular and microbiological techniques in her research. Her technical expertise includes microscopy, bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, molecular biology assays (PCR), and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Cecelia’s attention to detail, combined with her strong work ethic, positions her as an emerging scientist with the potential to make meaningful contributions to the fields of microbiology, infectious diseases, and public health research. Through her commitment to advancing knowledge in microbial genetics, Cecelia aims to contribute to reducing the global burden of pneumococcal diseases and improving health outcomes worldwide.
Jeremiah Kwame Ganyo
ABOUT JEREMIAH KWAME GANYO Jeremiah Kwame Ganyo is a biomedical researcher with a strong interest in host-pathogen interactions, particularly focusing on Streptococcus pneumoniae and its impact on human health. His research centers on understanding the immune responses to pneumococcal carriage and infections, with a special emphasis on the roles of immune cells and cytokines in detecting and combating this pathogen. Given that S. pneumoniae is a global public health concern, especially among children and the elderly, Jeremiah’s work seeks to uncover the strategies employed by the pathogen to evade the immune system. By leveraging advanced techniques in molecular biology, bioinformatics, and immunology, his goal is to deepen the understanding of host-pathogen dynamics and provide insights that can inform pneumococcal vaccine reformulation strategies. Ultimately, Jeremiah is committed to contributing to global efforts aimed at reducing the burden of pneumococcal diseases and improving public health outcomes worldwide. His research interests place him at the intersection of infectious disease research, immunology, and vaccine development, with the vision of advancing knowledge and practical solutions in the fight against pneumococcal infections.