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Cyprus

Academic level at this moment: PhD student.

-Founder and Executive Co-Director of the MRN.

- Graduate student, Cyprus International Institute of Environmental and Public Health (CII).

- Research Assistant, water and Health Laboratory (CII).

- Virtual Intern, West African Institute of Public Health.

Areas of interest: Global health, communicable diseases and NTDs, NCDs, maternal and newborn health, environmental pollutions and health policies.

Samuel is a PhD researcher who is passionate about human and environmental health and the point where these two intersect, especially in low-and-middle-income-countries.  He has a keen interest in understanding environmental exposures and their effect on human health (e.g., the effect of oil exploration and/or refining on health outcomes such as cancers, asthmas in children and preterm births among workers and nearby residents) as well as the impact of human activities on climate change and its resultant effect on human health. He is also very interested in the epidemiology of infectious and non-communicable diseases.

As a planetary health enthusiast, he opines that man-made disasters are a more pressing concern for planetary conservation than natural disasters are. He believes that ethics and policy deliberations, advocacies and awareness campaigns aimed at correcting unhealthy planetary behaviours, when properly geared with an understanding of the social structures of the target population, will go a long way in controlling environmental and human hazards.

Watching soccer or seeing movies, listening to good music, quiet travels and tours, and reading well-written literature are his escape room from the bustle of this 21st century.

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Egypt

Academic level at this moment: Associate Professor

-Founder and Executive Director of the MRN.

-Associate Professor, Medical Parasitology, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.

- Founding Director, Narrative medicine and Planetary health, Integrated Program of Kasr Al-Ainy (IPKA), Cairo University, Egypt.

-Committee member, Curriculum, training and professional diploma, postgraduate studies, Kasr Al- Ainy School of Medicine, Egypt.

-Trainer, Certified International Professional Trainer, Cairo & Missouri states Universities, Egypt and USA.

-Certified in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials, Beijing, China

-Guest Editor, Challenges Journal of Planetary Health, MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

-Reviewer, PLOS Global Public Health Journal, USA.

-Invited Faculty, Nova Integration Hub, NOVA Institute for Health, Baltimore, USA.

-Board member, Earthrise Spiritual &Contemplative Community, Planetary Health Alliance (PHA) and Nova Network, John Hopkins University, USA.

-Board member, Global Indigenous and Traditional Medicine Alliance (GITMA), Virtual Global Alliance based in India.

Areas of interest: Disease ecology, Global Public Health, Communicable & non-communicable diseases, planetary health, Antimicrobial resistance, Chronobiology, Microbiome science, Food science, Traditional Medicine, Exposome science, Mental health and mindfulness, Islamic sciences, Ancient Egyptian medicine, and History.

As a medical doctor and Associate Professor of Medical Parasitology at the Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, my scientific pursuit has evolved and shaped by a search for connection. A search for wholeness, where medicine meets traditional wisdom, where food and climate shape health, and where wellbeing is nourished in both body and spirit. Narrative Medicine and Planetary Health course at the Integrated Program of Kasr Al-Ainy (IPKA), Cairo University is our contribution as a place-based approach where medicine is studied from an ancient Egyptian medical perspective while integrating culture, spirituality, and the arts with contemporary human and planetary health challenges.
To deepen my understanding of healing traditions, I received a certificate in Traditional Chinese Medicine from the Beijing Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Medicinal Materials. This experience affirmed my belief that traditional and indigenous knowledge holds essential wisdom for shaping a more compassionate and holistic future of health on all scales.
It has been a privilege to serve as invited faculty at the Nova Institute for Health in the US and as guest editor for the Challenges Journal of Planetary Health (MDPI), where I support research on the profound interdependence of the grand challenges affecting human wellbeing and flourishing of all life on Earth.
Through co-founding the Mentoring Research Network (MRN), I have had the privilege to learn from scholars across the Global South—strengthening research capacity, exchanging knowledge for transdisciplinary research, and honoring diverse wisdom traditions in the pursuit of a sustainable future for all.
At the heart of my journey is a guiding philosophy: to place pedagogy before technology, humanity before science, and the sacred at the very center for healing ourselves and our planet. I see medicine as more than the treatment of dis-ease, it is the nurturing of wisdom, healing, compassion, and balance within us and around us, in service of both people and the planet.

Website:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Mona-El-Sherbini-2

https://novainstituteforhealth.org/mona-el-sherbini-md/

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Brazil

Academic level at the moment: PhD .

- Co-founder and Head of Scientific and Creative Strategy of the MRN.

-Integrative Health professional, dietitian, wellness mentor and Pilates instructor

-Certified in Health and Wellness Coach

Doctoral student  in Food Science at Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

-Specialization in Functional sports nutrition

Member of the Lifestyle Medicine Brazilian College and Functional Nutrition Brazilian Institute.

-Maternal and child nutrition and  functional food  teacher in  post graduate courses.

-Planetary Health ambassador at São Paulo University and member of ACOPPHE community.

- Africa Community of Planetary Partners for Health and Environment (ACOPPHE).

Areas of interest: food biodiversity, bioactive compounds, metabolomics, one-carbon metabolism, regenerative food systems, circular economy, creative expression, cultural exchange, and the dialogue between scientific knowledge and Indigenous and traditional knowledge systems.

Vanessa Goes is the MRN Co-founder and Head of Scientific and Creative Strategy, where she leads the development of the Wellness Mentorship Program. Vanessa is a transdisciplinary researcher, educator, integrative health professional, and artist dedicated to cultivating pathways for human and planetary flourishing.

Her work bridges science, the arts, movement, philosophy, and diverse wisdom traditions. Grounded in a holistic perspective and informed by systems thinking, it builds bridges across disciplines, cultures, and diverse ways of knowing through the lens of Planetary Health, fostering creative, integrative, and future-oriented approaches to health, education, sustainability, and cultural transformation.

A Registered Dietitian, she holds an MSc and PhD in Food Science from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Her multidisciplinary training also encompasses Functional Sports Nutrition, Contemporary Dance, Somatic Movement, Movement-Based Rehabilitation and Therapy (Angel Vianna Centre for Movement and Arts Studies), Pilates, and Health and Wellness Coaching. She is a member of the Brazilian College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Brazilian Institute of Functional Nutrition.

She is a Lecturer at AFYA, Brazil's largest ecosystem for medical education and healthcare solutions, and an invited speaker on Integrative Health, Nutrition, Lifestyle Medicine, and Planetary Health.

Vanessa serves on the Leadership Team of the Governance Working Group for the Planetary Health Roadmap, co-led by both Sunway and Georgetown University. She contributed to the São Paulo Declaration on Planetary Health, co-developed the Food Detectives educational initiative, and collaborates with Girawa to advance transdisciplinary, nature-centred education.

In the arts, she leads transdisciplinary initiatives that foster dialogue between science, the arts, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and other diverse wisdom traditions through decolonial and intercultural perspectives. She played a leading role in establishing the Arts Programme Committee of the 2025 Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM 2025), helping integrate the arts into its scientific programme.

She believes that education, creativity, and the arts are among the most powerful pathways for reconnecting people with themselves, one another, and the living world, cultivating the conditions for human and planetary flourishing.

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Her interests include Spanning multiple scales—from molecular metabolism to planetary systems, Vanessa's work explores the interconnections between Planetary Health, integrative health, nutrition, movement, education, the arts, systems thinking, and diverse wisdom traditions.

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Academic level at this moment: Senior Lecturer

-Executive Manager of Mentorship of the MRN.

-Senior Lecturer, Department of Biomedical Sciences | Faculty of Medical & Life Sciences, Sunway University, Malaysia.

-Member, Malaysian Society of Neurosciences (MSN).

-Member, Australian Neuroscience Society.

Member,Malaysian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (MSBMB)

As a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Biological Sciences at Sunway University, I have seamlessly

blended teaching, research, and administrative roles to foster an enriched academic environment. I have accumulated over 10 years of experience in academia, research, and industry

collaboration, securing more than USD 100,000 in funded research and projects.

• I collaborate closely with industry partners, NGOs, government bodies, and communities on

various projects, including research, education, public health and awareness, and event

organization.

• I have assumed critical responsibilities in university administration, taking on leadership roles in

diverse projects while also making significant contributions to curriculum and program

development of undergraduate Biosciences programs.

• My roles have included Program Leader of BSc (Hons) Biology with Psychology, Internship

Coordinator for Biosciences UG Programs, Head of Early Career Researchers at Sunway

University, Co-Chair of the Early-Mid Career Researcher Association at Melbourne University, and

Research Fellow in Neuropharmacology at Melbourne University.

• I was awarded the prestigious Australian Brain Foundation Award by the Brain Foundation

Australia, a testament of my ability to conduct world-class research in the field of Neuroscience.

• My research has been on an upward trajectory, with my current role at Sunway University

enabling me to secure numerous grant (national/international) over a span of two years.

Evidently, my research has been published in high-ranked journals, including the British Journal

of Pharmacology, Journal of Neuroinflammation, and Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, where I

have served as the first or corresponding author.

Additionally, I was appointed as a Parliamentary Advisor on the Tobacco Product Control and

Public Health Bill on 9 August 2023 by “Dewan Rakyat” (House of Representative) Malaysia.

I am recognized for my ability to effectively collaborate with individuals from diverse cultural

backgrounds, creating inclusive and harmonious working environments.

My commitment lies in advancing academic excellence through innovative research within a

collaborative and nurturing environment.

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Brain injury, Neuroinflammation, targeting the gut-brain axis using pre-clinical and clinical samples

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Nigeria

Academic level at this moment: MPH Field Epidemiology

Executive Research Manager of the MRN

-Member of :

Triad Institute for Health Research and Development

Planetary Health Alliance

Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

International Society for Infectious Diseases

International Association for Public Health Logisticians

Nigerian Bioinformatics and Genomics Network

American Society for Microbiology

Nigerian Society for Microbiology

Areas of interest:zoonotic infectious diseases, vector-borne diseases, and antimicrobial resistance and how anthropogenic factors contribute to the emergence of infectious diseases occurring at the interface of humans, animals, and their environments,One health and Planetary health.

Yusuf Amuda Tajudeen is a microbiologist from the Department of Microbiology, University of Ilorin, and a field epidemiologist from the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He has a great interest in addressing the public health threat attributed to zoonotic infectious diseases in a holistic one-health lens. As an early-career researcher and a Research Manager at Mentoring Research Network, he has published about 40 articles in international peer-reviewed journals and has attended both international and local conferences aimed at addressing zoonotic infectious diseases, arboviruses, and other topical one health issues at the interface of humans, animals, and the environment. Through this course of research, he has collaborated on projects from the prestigious organizations such as Institute of Advanced Medical Research and Training, OHDI, and has received grants and worked on collaborative project funded by organizations including NIHR UK, ASM, IHVN, RSTMH, Wellcome Trust, and Bill and Melinda Gates foundations. He is the present American Society for Microbiology Young Ambassador to Nigeria. Currently, he is a pharmacovigilance consultant for Viatris Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd in Nigeria, a division of Pfizer, where he identifies patterns and trends in adverse events, risk assessments, signal detection, and communicate drug safety with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administrative and Control (NAFDAC).

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Nigeria

Academic level at the moment: (B.Sc.) B. Pharmacology, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

-Executive Deputy of the MRN

Habeebullah Jayeola Oladipo is an early-career researcher. He is a microbiologist and a pharmacist whose work spans microbiome science, genomic medicine, host–pathogen interactions, and microbial informatics. He earned a B.Pharm (Distinction, 2024) and a First-Class B.Sc in Microbiology (2017) both from the University of Ilorin. He currently serves as an Intern Pharmacist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. His planetary-health advocacy includes service as a Global Campus Ambassador with the Planetary Health Alliance and leadership within the Mentoring Research Network, alongside coordination roles for American Society for Microbiology programs and collaboration on a Royal Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene project investigating zoonotic spillover. He has co-authored 28 peer-reviewed publications across infectious diseases, AMR, and global health.

Habeebullah is visionary planetary health advocate who, through his dynamic educational journey, advocacy, and prolific research contributions, is poised to shape the future of global health and environmental sustainability.

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Infectious Diseases, AMR, One Health, Biotechnology, Pharmacy Education.

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Nigeria

Yinmi Oladeji is an early year career researcher with keen interest in public health, planetary health and infectious disease epidemiology. His interests are influenced by his desire to promote human wellbeing and enhance reasonable human relationship with the planet. To this effect, he served as a Planetary health Campus Ambassador to his current institution, Obafemi Awolowo university (OAU), Ile-Ife in 2022 and still plays the same role.

Yinmi won the Planetary Health Alliance 2022 Travel Scholarship to attend the Planetary Health Annual Meeting (PHAM), 2022 which held at Harvard Medical School, Boston MA, USA. He is currently ensuring that the pioneer student led planetary health club prospers in his school, OAU, Ile-Ife.

Yinmi is currently in his final year of studies at OAU,Ile-Ife where he is studying Microbiology.

EMAIL: Oladejigabrael@gmail.com, ygoladeji@student.oauife.edu.ng

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yinmi-oladeji-5b6ab019a

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Nigeria

My name is Munira Aminu Bello, and I’m a data analyst and public health professional. I’m passionate about optimizing technology to drive sustainable development, especially in the public health sector. Over the past few years, with the help of my mentors and my professional network, I have explored this passion by working, volunteering, and learning about public health, leadership, and advanced technical skills.

I studied Human Physiology at Ahmadu Bello University, and since graduating in 2019, I have broken into the public health space. I have led myself and my peers across 28 countries and four continents as we have developed ourselves for impactful careers in public health. I have published three articles and presented at two conferences on different public health topics. My most recent research experience was focused on studying innovative financing mechanisms to scale up health equity and health access for UHC. I researched the start-up space for health-tech companies in Africa and how receptive people and governments are to venture capital funding and public-private partnerships as opposed to receiving grants to improve financing for universal health coverage on the continent.

My life’s motto is "do today’s 1%," and this is how I’ve built great habits to continually develop myself.

Email: aminumunirab@gmail.com

http://linkedin.com/in/aminu-munira

www.aminumunira.com

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Sierra Leone

Isaac is a public health professional who has acquired experience in planning, implementing, and managing public health and media programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. I am an effective communicator with excellent budgeting, training, management, organisational, and negotiation strengths as well as the ability to lead, reach consensus, establish goals, and attain results. I have conducted research with a proven track of successful outcomes. I have the ability to work under pressure, in multicultural environments and timely accomplishment of work and report writing to the highest standard.

isaacsantous@gmail.com

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Liberia

Born on February 16, 1968 in Grand Kru County- Liberia, Kay Sieh Smith is a nurse and Public health Technician with focus in Health Policy, Management and administration. Kay worked for the Ministry of Health in Liberia for 24 years as a nurse, Disease Surveillance Officer, Community Health Director with direct supervision over public health programs, Master Trainer and Health Services administrator. Kay has specialties in patients’ care, Training and Public Health program management. As Health Services Administrator in Liberia, Kay led a multi skilled workforce of more than 200 employees in developing, transforming and delivering innovative healthcare package (that include Pharmaceuticals management, Health financing, Management of Human resource for Health, Public Health Service/ Disease prevention, and General health services delivery). Currently a Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Liberia Science College, and the Christian Carver University in Liberia respectively.

During his early days, Kay’s focused on becoming a good teacher; Kay later shifted this very inspiration. He found passion in improving patients’ lives following his training as a nurse. During his time with the Liberia Ministry of Health, Kay developed a deep understanding of the challenges associated with delivering health care in low income communities and areas with poor accessibility. Before being named as Health Services Administrator, Kay served as Officer In-Charge (OIC) for several primary health facilities in Liberia, where he managed Patients’ care, disease prevention, logistics and general health service delivery. Kay also served as the first Manager of Human Resource for health for Grand Kru County in Liberia, where he provided training opportunities for young people to become health workers in their local communities. This expanded health service access across Grand Kru County in Liberia. Kay’s accomplishments include driving the transformation of the Grand Kru County health system by focusing investment around Human resource for Health (recruitment, training and incentives), Medicines and Medical supplies, Health Infrastructures, Basic public health services, and the planting of health facilities across Grand Kru County, Grand Geddeh County, and River Cess County in Liberia considering needs.

Kay earned a Certificate in Nursing Education from the Esther Bacon school of Nursing in Zorzor, Liberia, PHC (Primary Health Care Certificate) and Certificate in Healthcare services management from The Mother Patern College of Health Sciences in Monrovia, BSc in Public Health from the William V.S. Tubman University, Harper City in Liberia and MPH from the University Of Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia.

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Kenya

Collins is currently pursuing a Master of Science Degree in Environmental & Biosystems Engineering at the University of Nairobi, Kenya after graduating from the same institution with a BSc degree. For his MSc Research Project, Collins is working on Evaporative Cooling Systems in a bid to help address the issue of Post-Harvest Food Loss, especially of fruits & vegetables, which has been listed by the United Nations and other organizations as among the major contributors to Climate Change.

Collins is a member of the Institution of Engineers of Kenya (IEK) and has been volunteering with the Girawa Project, Spice Warriors KE (Kenya) and Rescue Earth CBO; all with a common aim of making the Earth a safer and better place to live in.

He is an Environment enthusiast, pushing for action to counter the Triple Planetary Crisis (Climate Change, Pollution and Biodiversity Loss). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is another area of interest to him.

Email: kiruicollins146@gmail.com

Email: kiruicollins146@students.uonbi.ac.ke

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Nigeria

Academic level at this moment :PhD (in progress) in Clinical Medicine at the University of Oxford

-One Health Researcher

-American Society for Microbiology .

-Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE)

Areas of interest: Public Health Microbiology, One Health, vaccinology, Infectious Diseases and Antimicrobial Resistance

Iyiola Oladunjoye is a vaccine scientist at the University of Oxford, where he supports the development of vaccines targeting outbreak pathogens. His work focuses on early-stage clinical trials and preclinical research, contributing to efforts that aim to improve global preparedness and response to emerging infectious diseases.

Iyiola earned a First-Class Honours degree in Microbiology from the University of Ilorin, Nigeria. Driven by a commitment to health equity, he pursued the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s in Leading International Vaccinology Education (LIVE), a fully funded program that allowed him to study across top institutions in Spain, Belgium, France and the United Kingdom. His decision was shaped by a desire to strengthen vaccine development and manufacturing capacity across Africa.

With more than six years of cross-sector experience spanning environmental management, animal health and human health, he brings a One Health perspective to his work. His passion lies in advancing sustainable, vaccine-based solutions to some of the world’s most urgent health challenges, including antimicrobial resistance, emerging infections and cancer.

Between 2021 and 2023, Iyiola served as the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) Young Ambassador to Nigeria, leading mentorship and professional development programs for students and early-career scientists. He has also served on the ASM Young Leader Circle advisory board and currently contributes to the MicroBio-LEAP task force.

His contributions have earned several honors, including being named a 2022 West Africa Rhodes Scholarship Finalist, a 2023 Diana Award recipient and winner of the 2024 ASM Young Ambassador Excellence Award.

Outside of work, Iyiola enjoys traveling, cooking, reading and playing chess.

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Liberia

Academic level at this moment:

- November 2021- Kuwo Leadership Academy- Certificate in Intensive Leadership Training

May 31, 2016: William V. S. Tubman University, Harper, Maryland with Bachelor Degree in

Nursing (BSN & RN)

Areas of interest:
Maternal and child health, One health, Infection Prevention and control(IPC).

I’m a passionate person who possesses a considerable knowledge regarding Hospital,

community health and social work, clinical skills, programming,Gender and infection prevention

and control. I am a quick learner who can absorb new ideas and is experienced in planning and

organizing a wide range of community and patient’s activities. Well organized and a brilliant

team player with a proven ability to work proactively and navigate in a difficult environment.

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Rwanda

Academic level at this moment:

-Plant Protection College, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, 650201, China

Rwandan Association of Ecologists (ARECO RWANDA), Kigali, 4900, Rwanda.

-Founder of Rwanda Biosolution Ltd, using Effective Microorganism Technology to

Recycle Cities organic wastes in organic fertiliser for sustainable agriculture and  green cities.

Areas of interest: Insects, pollination, biodiversity, natural resources,, ecosystem services, climate, and human interaction

I commenced my Applied Biological academic practice in 2011, 2016-2017 teaching disciplines of Health and Safety in tourist and remote areas in Kitabi College of Conservation and Environment Management (KCCEM-Rwanda) under Buffett foundation support.  I worked with International and local organization like RED-CROSS as regional basic first aid instructor, Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (REMA) as community environmental education trainer. I studied Agricultural Entomology and Pest Management in my master degree and published 2 papers on insect taxonomy and their ecosystem services for sustainable biodiversity conservation. My Master degree gave me a deeper insight on the taxonomy (Thysanoptera), pollinators, decomposers, and ecosystem balancing agents (Insects). Not only limited to knowledge-based science as i struggle with raising awareness and being the voice of agro ecological best practices such as using biological agents to control pests instead of spraying pesticides, promoting organic fertilizers and minimize chemical fertilizers, and all other best practices which can turn the natural beauty. I implement this teaching learning practices, mentoring of young entrepreneurs and conservationists to create a better world for living. I’m currently doing Ph.D. in the same major, working in Rwandan Association of Ecologists as researcher, and steering committee of UN-Sustainable Development Solution Network (UN-SDSN) on conservation field.

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Kenya

Academic level at this moment: Bachelor student

- Student, University of Ghana, Legon, Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
- Researcher, GreenFuel Innovation Africa.
-Member of Sustainability Week, Ghana.
-Volunteer, Young Reporters of the Environment.

Areas of Interest: Research Interests are climate change, Renewable Energy Technology

I’m passionate about environmental health and climate action to be precise, hence I made a choice to study Materials Science and Engineering in the University of Ghana. I have joined environmentally oriented groups in order to help identify problems in the environment and also find long lasting solutions to these problems. I am working with GreenFuel Innovation Africa, a budding renewable energy company in Ghana which seeks to find clean, green and renewable energy alternatives to our conventional energy in Ghana and Africa. I am excited to join the ACOPPHE research group because I would love to learn from the community of renowned researchers and also contribute to the health of our planet through research and solution finding and implementation

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South Africa

Academic level at this moment:

-Center For Excellence in Learning and Teaching, Durban University of Technology.

-Educational Technologist and Masters student in Fine Arts

Areas of interest: Decolonial studies ,Echo Health (new to me but absolutely interesting)African and African American studies,Cultural studies

1- what are your expectations from this network

I am hoping to learn and grow as an individual and learn new skills that will contribute to changing the plight of Africa and its many problems and amplify the African voice. I have no background in the health sector and I honestly feel like a fish out of water, but I can understand that our planet needs our help and as an African I can understand that this is intriticately intertwined with personal health. I know there are different approaches to how we can achieve this and this is what I look forward to learning more about.

2- what other global networks should we play an active role with?

I don't know any yet, this is the first one I have joined and I will be looking out for others that may be worth engaging with.

3- what do you expect as the mentoring research network short/long term plan?

Short term: I would like to learn to work with other people on a global scale, I do not expect this to be easy.

Long term: Become a better researcher and practitioner to effect change in our society.

4- Any insights as we are moving forward

I am passionate about decolonial studies and I am building my academic career in this sector. I can see the common threads that approaches such as Eco Health have with Decolonisation. This is where I can see myself fitting in. I think identifying these approaches and sewing them together also eliminates silos in doing the work to restore our planet. I hope to see this grow and I am extremely appreciative of being a part of this group.

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South Africa

Academic level at the moment: Post-doctorate (Ph.D.)

Dr Chanelle Mulopo is a Public Health Social Scientist at Stellenbosch University with a Ph.D. in Public Health and a background in Health Promotion and Psychology. Her research focuses on equity and inclusion in climate change and health, with particular emphasis on health systems strengthening and evidence-informed policy. She brings expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, evidence synthesis, and knowledge translation and community engagement. Dr Mulopo is passionate about advancing socially responsive public health through transdisciplinary collaborative research across the African continent and beyond. She is also active in academic teaching and supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

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Planetary Health, Climate-Health and Adaptation, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, Knowledge Translation, Evidence Synthesis, Health Policy and Systems and Research and Community Engagement.

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Kenya

Academic level at this moment:

-Clinical Biomedical Scientist/Lecturer of Biomedical Sciences at The Technical University of Kenya.

-Certified diagnostic scientist, Public health practitioner.

-Member of the American Society of Microbiology and ACOPPHE community.

Areas of interest: Planetary Health, Research  and Education

As a PI or co-investigator, Dr. Onkoba has conducted research on design, screening and evaluation of putative vaccine candidates for tropical infectious diseases, ethnographic surveys and other Public Health/Ecohealth related thematic areas. Dr. Onkoba has published over 20 peer reviewed scientific articles with over 100 citations on diverse aspects of biomedical research and Public Health. He also supervises and mentors Masters Students and several undergraduate students. Dr. Onkoba has extensive experience in managing research groups, staffing, recruitment of study participants, research design and execution, and budgeting. In this regards, Dr. Onkoba has lead funded projects on development and validation of the non-human primates as suitable animal models for studying malaria in pregnancy and preclinical vaccine evaluation, characterization of Trichinella Zimbabwensis as an emerging food borne infections and socio-economic effects of climate change on jiggers’ infestation in Kenya. He also serves on various advisory and review committees on higher education curriculum development, use of animal models for biomedical research and as a peer reviewer of various international journals.

As a planetary health enthusiast, he is excited to reverse the impacts  of humans anthropocentric behaviour oo restore earth to original glory through research, education and community engagement.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nyamongo-Onkoba

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Uganda

Academic level at this moment: Diploma.

- lubega school of health professions in Uganda

- environmentalist with Nakyusibwa youth and

environment Uganda.

- a climate activist ,a youth

advocate and a student of clinical medicine.

I have great passion for the environment ,and shall stand to defend it.My love for health has pushed me to college to pursue a diploma in clinical medicine and am optimistic that this shall grace many lives

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Nigeria

Academic level at this moment: Bachelor student

University of Ibadan

Areas of interest: Climate change, planetary health, environmental health

Hello, This is Aminat. A Planetary Health Campus Ambassador and an alumna of Global University Climate Forum, Yale school Sustainability. She is passionate about planetary health, environmental health and public health. Aminat is a sustainable climate advocate that has published several peer-reviews articles in reputable journals on planetary health and cogent environmental issues facing Africa.

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Nigeria

Academic level at this moment:

MSc in Management in Health and Social Care, Oxford Brookes University, UK.

-Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin Nigeria.

-Learning and Development Officer- The Learning Craft LTD

Research Director- Impact Youth Sustainability Kwara Nigeria.

Areas of interest: Cell Biology and Genetics, Education, Microbiology and Virology,	Development and Cancer, Stem Cell Technology and healthy ageing, climate change, inclusion, migration, refugee, job satisfaction, clinical psychology, creative industries and artificial intelligence.

Abdul Kareem Aisha is a Biologist, Environmentalist, SDG advocate, 21st Century Educator, Learning and Development Officer and a Public Speaker.

She recently bagged her MSc degree from the department of Psychology, Health, and Professional Development, Oxford Brookes University, UK. Her research work on Clinical Psychology got approved and published by the Get Published Team, Oxford Brookes University.

She currently work as a Radiology Assistant with the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford, UK. She is also a member of the ACOPPHE- African Community of Planetary Partners for Health and Environment and member of MRN- Mentoring Research Network.

She is also a member of Oxford Brookes Future Thinkers for Research, Innovation and Knowledge Exchange Network which entails collaboration and multidisciplinary research that makes an impact on society and covers children, young people, healthy ageing, climate change, inclusion, migration, refugee, creative industries and artificial intelligence.

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Illinois, USA

Academic level at this moment: Master student.

University of Glasgow (Post-Graduate: One Health)

Registered Nurse.

Areas of interest: Maternal Child Health, Planetary Health, One Health, Eco health (and how these three concepts can be used collaboratively to inform humans on how to better interact with the natural world). Indigenous knowledge and languages, Responsible and sustainable nutritional practices.  Involvement of children from an early age in knowledge creation and dispersal with the understanding that they are the future leaders of humanity and must be treated as such. I am also quite interested in communicable and non-communicable diseases (and how this connects to the source of foodà (agriculture and agricultural practices).

As a practicing registered nurse that has worked in both the global South and Global North, I see the divides that exist between humans and the natural world as well as the divides that exist among the human race. I believe that these two divides go hand in hand. Healing the broken relationships among ourselves and with nature will leave us happier and healthier. I have a keen interest in the health and well-being of the child. I have a strong conviction that the health of children in a community also informs on the health of everyone in that community including that of the natural environment. Therefore, it is appropriate to say that Child Health is Planetary Health. I am interested in supporting, working with, and elevating the voices of children, as we jointly imagine and work towards the healthiest future for all people and the one planet we all share.

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California, USA

Academic level at this moment:

-University of California, San Francisco, USA.

-Voluntary Clinical Professor of Pediatrics.

Areas of interest:
Planetary Health, One Health, Community Health, Child Health, Climate Change, Law and Policy, Movement Building, Ethical Relationships, Planetary Justice, Advocacy

I have a strong interest in exploring, understanding, preserving, protecting, and honoring the beauty and diversity of life using lenses of Equity, Ethics, and Ecology. I am a passionate advocate for Planetary Justice, Health, and Sustainability and would appreciate the opportunity to connect as we build and accelerate representatively diverse and transformative global movements. Within this process, I advocate for explicitly operationalizing collaboration and humility by intentionally highlighting and uplifting existing unifying and holistic practices which recognize the fundamental truth that people and nature are inseparable and that we are happiest and healthiest when we are connected, supported, and loved. This deep wisdom is widespread in Indigenous communities and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. I am working to both highlight realities about deep ancient wisdom and the sacredness of all places by bridging divides for a maximally harmonious balancing between “old” and “new”, “us” and “them”.

Several research questions and topics that I am especially interested in exploring include: -The synergistic overlaps between child health and planetary health -Translations of planetary health into clinical practice and priorities -Real world examples of community-centered approaches to reuniting people with nature that blend art and science, traditional and modern -Collaborative approaches that celebrate diversity and showcase the reality that harm to people and harm to planet are fundamentally intertwined, and that important  issues like climate change, extreme poverty, structural inequities, biodiversity loss, and ecological degradation are downstream effects and symptoms of these broken relationships

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Menzi Maseko

South Africa

Indigenous Healer

Menzi Maseko is a Sankofarist* Futurist, Social/Cultural Entrepreneur, Community Developmental Strategist, Digital Content Creator, Writer, Translator; Knowledge-Activator and Communication Specialist involved in Arts, Culture, Heritage and Planetary Health  works for over two decades.

Established a tourism business called S’yavaya Travel and Tours with long term friend and fellow entrepreneur, focussing on unique township based and bespoke, tailor-made tours:  2001 – 2005.

Following this stint in the tourism sector he partnered with a Congolese-South African designer to create a lifestyle/retail brand called Urban Zulu Clothing/ Zwakala Books and Music store in Durban: 2006 – 2010.

Maseko founded Afrikan-Flava, a series of Afrocentric Fashion and Creative Arts Lifestyle events, and workshops focussing on equipping upstart designers with business skills.

Joined the BAT Centre (Bartel Arts Trust) a premier Community Arts Centre in Durban where multi-disciplinary arts/ artists are developed, through various training programmes and entrepreneurial skills. Responsible for the role of Resource Centre coordinator and events Manager, facilitating various workshops on creative writing, mindfulness, youth development, arts entrepreneurship, performance and artistic profession: 2001 – 2016.

A founding member and General Secretary of Slam Poetry Operation Team and Nowadays Poets, socially involved Arts organisations focussing on youth advocacy in areas of literature, health, education, and anti-racism: 2000 - 2016.

Employed, as Programmes Supervisor for a British Council project, Global Xchange; working towards establishing Best-Practices in community peace building, mediation, and organisational development in local and global Arts communities in South Africa and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom: 2009 - 2011.

Founding Member and Deputy-Director Institute of Afrikology, offering social, educational and cultural developmental solutions from an African perspective: 2013 - 2016.

Established a company Green Ankh Works (PTY) LTD, where he is the Chief Knowledge Officer and Creative Director. Green Ankh Works specializes in translation, healthy lifestyle and communication services, as well as discovering, developing, promoting hidden capacities and enhancing the multifaceted skills of creative people. The company also organises special events, book-selling, and provision of life-long learning tools for the Knowledge and Creative Economy.

He works as a Cosmic Knowledge and Afrikan Heritage Activist, Social Commentator (regularly in the media with Power FM/Vuma FM/Capital FM/SA FM and Daily Thetha on SABC-2 and YouTube etc.), a Translator, Writer and Poet with keen interest on the Ecological, Socio-Political, and Spiritual development of Youth, Creative sector and the underprivileged in the Southern African region.

Currently projects include working as Chief Knowledge Officer at Ikhambi Natural Healing, a regenerative health and wellness institution based in Gauteng but mostly active online, doing webinars, masterclasses, workshops on integrative/ holistic wellness. He is also a founding Director at the Academy for Contextual Metaphysics.

Contact Details:

Menzi.maseko@gmail.com

greenankhworks@gmail.com

greenankhworks.wordpress.com

https://naturalhealingsessions.com/

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Kenya

Independent Research and M and E consultant

Protus Musotsi has a background in Environmental health and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Research Methods and Masters in Public Health. He also holds professional certification in Climate Change and Health  and M&E. Protus currently  works as an independent research and M &E consultant for several organizations. He is also a part-time Consultant and Research Coordinator at Sentum Scientific Solutions, an international development firm based in Kenya and USA. Protus is passionate about One Health and is actively involved in student led One Health Activities in Kenya.

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Kenya

Entomology Branch,Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria, Center for Global Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.

Areas of Research Interest: Vector-pathogen interactions, Vector-microbe interactions, Insecticide resistance, Vector Control.

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Kenya

University of Eldoret

Assistant Lecturer, Planetary Health Alliance Senior Next Generation Fellow, the Founder of Planetary Health Eastern Africa Hub, Associate team member of Women Leaders for Planetary Health

Areas of  interests: Planetary Health, One Health and Research

Melvine Anyango Otieno is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Eldoret, School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resource Management, Department of Environmental Sciences. As the Planetary Health Alliance’s Senior Next Generation Fellow, she is working to inspire, activate and convene the next generation of Planetary Health Campus Ambassadors from around the world, as well as conduct outreach to facilitate local and international collaborations through her leadership in growing the Planetary Health Eastern Africa Hub. She is also an associate team member of Women Leaders for Planetary Health where she advocates for gender equality for sound environment and public health solutions. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Biology and Health and a Masters in Environmental Health from University of Eldoret.

Email: melvineanyango@gmail.com

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Zimbabwe

Chinhoyi University of Technology

Ecology, Biodiversity, Freshwater Ecosystems, Aquaculture, FisheriesCrispen Phiri  is an ecologist who holds a Bachelor of  Science  (Honours) degree  in  Biological  Sciences and a Master of Science degree in Tropical Resource Ecology  from the  University of  Zimbabwe, as well as Doctor of Philosophy  degree in Zoology  from the University of Cape Town. He is currently a senior lecturer in the Freshwater and  Fishery  Sciences  Department at Chinhoyi University of Technology. His interests include biodiversity conservation, maintaining of aquatic ecosystem health and enhancing food security through strengthening of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors.

Email: crispenphiri@gmail.com

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1- Academic writing resources and links:

Scitable – Learn Science at Nature (www.nature.com/scitable)
AMA Manual of Style (www.amamanualofstyle.com)
Academic Phrasebank – Commonly used academic words (www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk)
Online Writing Lab – Improve English grammar (owl.english.purdue.edu)
VocabProfile – Analyse your vocabulary use in your paper (https://www.lextutor.ca/vp/eng/)
Writefull – AI-based writing analysis of your paper (https://writefullapp.com/)
Nature – Statistics for Biologists (www.nature.com/collections/qghhqm)
BMJ – Statistics Notes (www.bmj.com/specialties/statistics-notes)
Declaration of Helsinki (https://www.wma.net/policies-post/wma-declaration-of-helsinki- ethical-principles-for-medical-research-involving-human-subjects/)
Equator Network (www.equator-network.org)
Nature – Challenges in Irreproducible Research (www.nature.com/news/reproducibility-1.17552)
Nature – Life Sciences Reporting Summary
(www.nature.com/authors/policies/ReportingSummary.pdf) Committee on Publication Ethics (publicationethics.org)
ORCiD – Unique identifier for researchers (www.orcid.org)

2-Tutorials
Nature Masterclasses Online (https://masterclasses.nature.com/)
Springer Author tutorial
(http://www.springer.com/gp/authors-editors/authorandreviewertutorials)
Research 4 life - Authorship skills development
(http://www.research4life.org/training/authorship-skills-2/)

3- About Predatory journals:

A)  BEALL'S LIST OF PREDATORY JOURNALS AND PUBLISHERS

Beall's List was a prominent list of predatory open-access publishers that was maintained by University of Colorado librarian Jeffrey Beall on his blog Scholarly Open Access. The list aimed to document open-access publishers who did not perform real peer review, effectively publishing any article as long as the authors pay the open access fee. Originally started as a personal endeavor in 2008, Beall's List became a widely followed piece of work by the mid-2010s. Its influence led some publishers on the list to threaten defamation lawsuits against Beall, as well as to lodge official complaints against Beall's work to the University of Colorado. As a result, Beall deactivated his blog and the list in January 2017.

The link of Beall's list:

https://beallslist.weebly.com/

Of course the list is not 100% accurate and is not updated till 2019, but it is a very good indicator of most current predatory journals. If you find a publisher or a journal there better stay away from it.

B)   General guidelines to identify predatory journals: (Adapted from Victoria Glasson, RX communications)

1.      Always check the website thoroughly

Often, a tell-tale sign of a predatory journal is the mistakes in both spelling and grammar on their website. Poor use of language shows a low professional standard.

The journals’ fees should be clearly stated on the website and should only be requested from the author after the article has been accepted for publication. If a journal requests a submission fee before the article is accepted, this may be a predatory journal.

If the journal states that it is indexed in Scopus or Thomson Reuters, Please check these websites for the journal existence as many predatory journals falsely claim that they have impact factors and they don’t.

2.      Check if the journal is a member of DOAJ, COPE, OASPA or STM

If they advertise membership to the Directory of Open Access Journal (DOAJ), Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association (OASPA) or International Association of Scientific, Technical and Medical Publishers (STM), check their membership on the relevant website. These associations are all reputable organisations that vet their members for adherence to publishing standards. If in doubt, send an email to the organisation, and they should be able to confirm or deny membership.

3.      Check the journal’s contact information

It is important to ensure there is verifiable contact information that matches the advertised nationality of the journal. Often predatory journals state that their offices are in one country, whereas the contact details will be in another. Check that the time-stamps of incoming emails are during working hours of the country of origin, ensure the phone number has the correct country-code, and if they provide an address, search for it!

4.      Research the editorial board

One way to look credible is to list experts in the field as members of the editorial board. Often predatory journals will create fake scholars or they will list scholars without their permission. One way to know for sure is to check the professional online profiles of named individuals through their listed institution page, LinkedIn or Research Gate. If there is no mention of the journal, then proceed with caution.

5.      Take a look at their peer review process and publication timelines

Peer review is essential to uphold the quality of scientific articles and journals. The peer review process is an important stamp of approval for the publication of academic research. When an article is published in a scientific journal, readers can assume the information published is reliable, credible, and has been evaluated by an editor and at least two independent experts in the field. Predatory journals tend to miss this peer review process out completely. If the journal advertises exceptionally quick peer review timelines, investigate them further, and ensure they state online their peer review policy in full.

6.      Read through past issues of the journal

Many predatory journals will publish any and all articles that are submitted to them. Read through past issues of the journal and see whether the articles published are true to the journals’ advertised speciality areas; if a cancer journal is publishing articles on the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, you can assume their editorial policies are lacking! If you find articles with many mistakes this could show their poor Peer Review process! Also, if past issues are missing or listed as ‘coming soon’, this could be a strong sign that the journal is not legitimate.

C)  Other tips to identify predatory journals

1.      The scope of interest of the journal is very broad and may include non-biomedical subjects alongside biomedical topics

2.      Images are distorted/fuzzy, intended to look like something they are not, or which are unauthorized

3.      The homepage language targets authors

4.      The Index Copernicus Value is promoted on the website

5.      Description of the manuscript handling process is lacking

6.      Manuscripts are requested to be submitted via email

7.      Rapid publication is promised

8.      There is no retraction policy

9.      Absent Information on whether and how journal content will be digitally preserved

10.  The Article processing/publication charge is usually very low (e.g., < $150 USD)

11.  Journals claiming to be open access either retain copyright of published research or fail to mention copyright

12.  The contact email address is non-professional and non-journal affiliated (e.g., @gmail.com or @yahoo.com)

Shamseer, et al., BMC Medicine 15:28 (2017).

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Cameroon

Global Health Security, PHC, One Health Advocate

Francoise is vice-President of AfroPHC, Public health and President from Family Health And Development Foundation, Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon.

Francoise is a community implementer and a public health specialist interested to grow knowledge to be at best practice. Area of expertise maternal and child health.

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Ethiopia

Jimma University

Masters of science student in Integrated clinical and community mental health in Jimma University, Ethiopia.

Certified mental health professional with bachelor of science in psychiatry with four years of both effective teaching and clinical service experience with wide range of conditions, including major depressive disorder, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorders and mental health problems with comorbid another medical condition. I have excellent exposure in research activities and community service projects with my seniors in Wolayta Sodo University. I strongly believe in teamwork. My future ambition is to be best researcher, best teacher and best clinician to provide mental health service to my community.

My research interests

Common mental disorders

Relationship of environmental, animal and human health (mental health)

Relationship of mental disorders with another medical condition

Pharmacologic versus non pharmacologic intervention of mental disorders

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Ghana

Academic level at the moment: Lecturer, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana

Percival Delali Agordoh is a Lecturer at the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana.

He is a registered dietitian-nutritionist with interests in indigenous foods and food systems, reproductive health and sexual rights, indigenous foods, diets and food systems, nutrition in infectious diseases (malaria & HIV), food environment research, implementation science, and non-communicable diseases. He also has a growing interest in planetary health and climate research, particularly how these affect the nutrition and well-being of marginalized, vulnerable, and traditional populations.

Percival, the immediate past Vice President of the Ghana Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (GAND), served as Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the 9th Africa Nutrition Conference (ANC2024), a joint initiative of the African Nutrition Society and the GAND, held in Cape Coast, Ghana. He also serves on the leadership teams of several planetary health and nutrition advocacy committees, both nationally and on the African continent.

He holds postgraduate degrees in Dietetics and Public Health and several other specialized training courses.

His research interests

Indigenous Foods

Sustainable Food Systems.

Food environments

Planetary health

Non-communicable diseases
& Infections and (mal)nutrition

https://www.scopus.com/redirect.uri?url=https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7055-7806&authorId=57208491603&origin=AuthorProfile&orcId=0000-0001-7055-7806&category=orcidLink

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Nigeria

B.Sc., PGDE, M.Sc. , MNIFST.

University of Maiduguri, Borno, Nigeria

Registered member of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria

Aishatu was born on 14th May 1992 in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. Holds a Diploma in Nutrition Therapeutic and Health, a Professional Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety Management, as well as a Bachelor's and Master’s degree in Food Science and Technology. Her academic background reflects a deep commitment to the fields of nutrition, food systems, and health management.

Professionally, she served as a Nutrition Manager with Borno Women Development Initiative (BOWDI) for two years, where I led and coordinated key nutrition interventions. Her responsibilities included the management of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) programs, referral and management of malnutrition cases, and oversight of Blanket Supplementary Feeding Programs (BSFP). Beyond program implementation, She also handled essential administrative duties, ensuring the smooth operation and effective delivery of services to vulnerable populations.

Her career has been driven by a strong passion for improving nutrition, especially for individuals with unique dietary needs. She  particularly interested in the intersection of nutrition, food systems, and climate change — recognizing the critical role sustainable food systems play in achieving long-term health and food security goals. Her work is rooted in a desire to contribute meaningfully to public health through evidence-based nutrition strategies and innovations that address both current and emerging challenges.

With a solid background in both the theoretical and practical aspects of food and nutrition, She is committed to continuous learning and dedicated to making a positive impact on the health and well-being of communities, particularly in regions affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related vulnerabilities.

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Indigenous foods

Therapeutics

Maternal and Child nutrition

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Kenya

Deputy Vice Chancellor, Amref International University

One health, Public Health, SRHR, Harmful practices.

Prof. Tammary Rotich has a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences and MSc in Human Sexuality studies from the University of Leuven, Belgium. She is the current Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Affairs at the Amref International University, Nairobi, Kenya. She is a global leader in public health and sexual medicine. Her vast experience spans across academia, research, programming, policy and advocacy, capacity building, and resource mobilization to promote sexual and reproductive health and gender equality through programmes to end sexual and gender-based violence including female genital mutilation, early and forced marriage among other harmful practices. Her expanding focus in the area of the impacts of global health security including humanitarian emergencies and climate change on women and girl’s health as it worsens their existing vulnerabilities. Her research in sexual and reproductive health and gender based violence has contributed immensely to global policy guidelines by MoH, WHO, EAC, AU and UNFPA among others. She is the current Interim President of the African Society for Sexual Medicine, Global Outreach and Education committee member of International Society of Sexual Medicine, Professional Education in Sexology Ad-Hoc Committee of the World Association of Sexology, technical reviewer and editor with the Sexual Health Collection in the African Journal of Primary Health Care and Family Medicine.

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Kajelcha Fikadu Tufa, BSC,M.Sc.in Health Biotechnology

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Kajelcha Fikadu Tufa, BSC,M.Sc.in Health Biotechnology

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Ethiopia

M.Sc in Health Biotechnology Addis Ababa University.

BSc, Biotechnology Wolkite University

I am Health Biotechnology instructor and researcher at Dambi Dollo University with

M.Sc. in health biotechnology from Addis Ababa University. I have been conducting different researches on

antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in E. coli for the past few years (Published here). I have been an ambassador for

Elsevier Africa and a community science organizer through Stanford’s BIO4E. I want to pursue a Ph.D. to further

my research in, but not limited to, the One Health issues including AMR, Bioinformatics, alternate anti-microbial

(bacteriophage and probiotics), and vaccine manufacturing. I was in the Next Generation Leaders program at

Asilomar this year.

Membership

 Next Generation Leader (NGLs) for “The Spirit of Asilomar & The Future of Biotechnology” 2025

onwards.

 “The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP)” 2024 onwards

 Ethiopian Biotechnology Society 2024 onwards

 BIO4E at Stanford University science community since 2023

MRN team and AMLD 2022 onwards

E-Mail: kajelchafikadu10@gmail.com

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Ethiopia

Jimma university (MSc student in integrated clinical and

community Mental health)

His area of research interest: Mental health and women
Mental health during epidemic and disaster crisis-Substance use and adolescence- Mental health awareness.

Kedir Mohammed from Ethiopia has BSc. degree in psychiatry. He has worked for one year in Ethiopian health institution and then joined Dire Dawa university as assistant lecturer and currently studying post graduate education at Jimma university on final year of graduation. During COVID-19 he helped his community with his team of psychosocial support at Dire Dawa.

Email address:  kedir9296@gmail.com

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Kenya

University of Eldoret, Kenya

Planetary Health, Maternal and child nutrition, Sustainable food systems

Sheila Chebichii is an early career researcher and a post graduate student at the University of Eldoret pursing a Master of Science in Community Nutrition. She is also a Planetary Health Campus Ambassador and a team player at the Planetary Health Eastern African Hub. She is passionate about child nutrition and environmental conservation through enhancing the local food systems and exploring indigenous foods. Her research interests include: maternal and child nutrition, planetary health, food science technology, sustainable food systems and climate smart agriculture.

chebichiisheila@gmail.com

www.linkedin.com/in/sheila-chebichii

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Egypt

Ain Shams University “ASU”, Cairo, Egypt

Internationalization, One Health, Gender Based Violence, Forensic and Toxicology, Sustainable Development, SDGs

-Assistant lecturer of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology - Faculty of Medicine - ASU
-Doctoral Candidate- Joint supervision with University of Nottingham - UK
-ICU doctor at Poison Control Center - Ain shams University Hospitals
-Duke One Health 2017 training program graduate - USA
-Previous iSTEP tutor in TUFH - THE Netowrk
-Vice Director of Grants Office and Executive assistant of --International Relations and Academic Collaboration Sector - ASU
-Trainer at the National Council for Women “Gender based violence” - Egypt
-Children’s University coordinator at ASU
-Erasmus+ Coordinator for many agreements at ASU
-Participated in several international projects and local and international conferences
-Represented ASU in several European countries in accordance with international agreements and projects
-Certified Trainer for Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (Graduate of the first batch of Be an Ambassador Program)
-ASU MENA FRI 2019 fellow and 2021 faculty
-Member of several committees in the administration of Ain Shams University (Sustainability Committee - ASU COP27)
-Member of the advisory editorial board of the Indian Journal of Forensic and Toxicology
-Published several international research papers in the fields of forensic medicine and medical education

noha.elrafie@med.asu.edu.eg

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Ethiopia

(B.Sc. in public health, MPH in Biostatistics), Lecturer and researcher at Mettu University (MeU), College of Health Science, Dept. of Public Health.

Gebiso is a biostatistician and public health researcher with research interest on non-communicable disease, nutrition, maternal and child health studies using advanced statistical analyses (survival and longitudinal analysis, joint modeling, Bayesian analysis and structural equation modelling). He obtained his MPH in Biostatistics (2020) from University of Gondar. His master thesis was Bayesian Joint modeling of incident chronic kidney disease and its association with fasting blood sugar change among diabetic patients. He received his Bachelor's degree in Public Health (MeU, 2017) in Ethiopia. Previously he has published more than 10 articles on reputable international journal and presented his research finding on 3 international and 8 national research conference. He involved in research, community health services and teaching at MeU. He is looking for a PhD scholarship in either Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, or Epidemiology.

Email address: gebisa.roba123@gmail.com/ gebiso.roba@meu.edu.et   Phone: +251912266721/+251922042777

Research link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gebiso-Roba-Debele/research

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Ntirenganya Elie, Rwandan by nationality, PhD (in view) at Africa Center of Excellence for Climate Smart Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation (ACE Climate 

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Rwanda

Naturalist, conservationist, insects’ lover. Member of IPBES, Association of African Insects Scientists (AAIS). My biggest wish is being active change maker and voice of ecosystem restoration based on Climate Smart Agriculture for sustainable climate change adaptation and mitigation. In addition, I’m a promoter of insects conservation based on their ecosystem services education and sustainable use.

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Nigeria

I am Olawumi Olukemi Esther, a Microbiology graduate from Obafemi Awolowo University with research experience in Biomedical Research.

Alongside research, I am passionate about mentorship and academic support, with proven success as an academic tutor helping students excel in science subjects. As a member of the Mentoring Research Network (MRN), I am committed to collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and building capacity for impactful research. My long-term goal is to advance infectious disease and antimicrobial resistance research, contributing innovative solutions to global health challenges.

Research Assistant  Obafemi Awolowo University, Microbiology Laboratory, Nigeria

BSC Thesis: Soil – A Source of Important Industrial Bacteria and Secondary Metabolites

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Kenya

Academic level at the moment: KRCHN/ BScN/M&E/ MPH/PhD

Lucy Namusonge is a nurse and a Public Health specialist with concentration in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) teaching at Kibabii University, School of Nursing. She commands 7 years of higher education teaching & research and has 5 health related peer reviewed research publications. She has seventeen years work experience, five of them being at management level where she coordinated integrated health services including HIV/AIDs care and treatment as well as psychosocial support at a health center in Lesotho (Southern Africa). She has been involved in RMNCAH programming, planning, budget management, staff management, writing reports to donors, proposal development and facilitating capacity building. She has good experience in teaching, mentorship, management of health services and research. She has worked as a Project Assistant with AMREF and PRONTO international in the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) project. She took a leading role in the reorientation of Traditional Birth Attendants to birth companions and referral agents which led to improving RMNCAH indicators in Kakamega County especially in increasing skilled birth attendance and reduction in maternal and newborn mortalities and morbidities. She has also participated in research on Post abortion care (PAC) in Bungoma County which was sponsored by Ipas. Worked with PATH in the APHIAplus Western Kenya Program, USAID funded as a Program Officer (RH/MNCH/FP) coordinating RMNCAH activities as well as clinical mentorship in Siaya and Kisumu Counties. Psychosocial support was one of the priority components in her project implementation mandate. She has worked as a part time lecturer at the University of Namibia (UNAM), Rundu Campus, currently a part time lecturer at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in the School of Public Health and a Lecture/ Research Fellow (Public Health) at Kibabii University School of Nursing as the examinations coordinator.

In addition to her experience, She is a Kenya Registered Community Health Nurse (KRCHN) of which she was the best research student and also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nursing Science obtained with a distinction from The University of South Africa (UNISA) in which she specialized in Health services management, Health sciences education and Community health. She has also done a certification course in Monitoring and Evaluation at Kenya Institute of Management (KIM). She holds a Masters degree in Public Health (Reproductive Health option) from Kenyatta University and holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Public Health obtained at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST).

Consultancies done include Global Fund & Irish Aid Lesotho- January 2013- Community sensitization (IEC) on the signs, symptoms, prevention, Direct Observation and Treatment (DOTS) of Tuberculosis; Pronto International- Jan 2012-December 2013- Collection of near miss data using the near miss tool; Amref Health Africa- June 2015- Reorientation of Traditional Birth Attendants to Birth companions and referral agents in Mwingi. I am a supervisory consultant at the University of Burao, Somaliland and Amref International University. Mentor Hackathon, Amref Health Africa with the theme: Intersection of AI, climate change and PHC

The professional basis of the training Lucy commands has enabled her to play significant roles in:

·       Health promotion

·       budget support and grant management,

·       capacity development,

·       policy work & facilitation,

·       Climate change, AI an PHC

·       occupational curriculum, education, and training needs assessment,

·       Implementation research

·       M&E- mid-term and summative evaluation.

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Kenya

Academic level: BSc, MSc and PHD in medical laboratory sciences.

Dr Rose Nyambura Gachie, a female aged 57 and a mother. She is a Kenyan born in Muranga County in Central Kenya to a peasant farmers. She later went through primary and secondary schools after which she joined the Kenya Medical Training College in the year 1987 which she completed in 1989 with a certificate in medical laboratory sciences. In pursuit for higher education she went back to school for various upgrades including diploma, BSc, MSc and later PHD. She attained Bachelors of Science in medical laboratory sciences, Msc in clinical cytology/histology and PHD in hematology. She is registered by Kenya medical technician & technologist board and she is licensed to practice in Kenya.

Dr.Rose has a working experience of 34 years in medical laboratory sciences at all level of laboratory (levels 3, 4 & 5) where she has headed different departments.  She is currently coordinating diagnostic services and blood transfusion services in Naivasha sub County Nakuru County. She has skill to manage and supervise laboratory technologists and interpersonal skills to help create a good working environment among the staff having worked in different managerial capacities.  She has a wide knowledge, skills and experience in many areas of laboratory diagnosis notably histology/cytology with a hands on experience as the departmental head in Nakuru teaching and referral Hospital for 3 years performing fine needle aspiration and fluid cytology and also tissue sectioning and examination. She has also had an experience in hematological department where She was involved in examination of peripheral blood films among other activities in the department.  Having been appointed as the County blood transfusion Officer she has been actively involved in blood transfusion services and she is well versed with the unit.

She has been involved in lecturing work as a faculty associated for over 10 years in various teaching institutions including JKUAT, Mount Kenya University, Laikipia University, technical university of Nairobi and KMTC. As a lecturer she has taught histology/ cytology, hematology/blood transfusion, biotechnology, biochemistry among others which she can still teach if called upon. Having been a trainer both in the teaching institutions and at the County level as a TOT, she is able to impact my expertise to students and also to other professionals. She has a proven track record of prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines and she is also flexible in any area of my expertise.

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Kenya

Academic level : Masters in Medical Lab Sciences

Laura Abiba wanga is a licensed and registered medical laboratory scientist, lab superintendent, lecturer and ministry of education board of management member. Currently I’m pursuing my masters of Science degree in immunology at technical university of Mombasa Kenya, I’m also a junior lecturer at technical university of Mombasa in the medical science department. I’m a holder of bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science with 10 years working experience in performing pre-examination, examination and post-examination analysis of human specimens, use of laboratory information management systems to run laboratory tasks, implementing lab safety protocols, performing equipment maintenance. As a lab superintendent I perform the following roles: Training and supervising laboratory staff in accordance with quality management systems, Resolving technical problems with solutions that follow accreditation standards, Ensuring all equipment in the laboratory are validated and verified to meet quality and safety standards, Implementing new programs, testing procedures methodologies and laboratory equipment, Maintaining professional knowledge through attendance of professional workshops, Reviewing standard operating procedures, verification and approval of lab reports. My passion is to serve humanity in the area of human health by doing research. I value mentorship by offering career guidance and financial support to teenagers and youths from humble background. Research, Teaching, entrepreneurship, mentorship and motivational speaking are my area of interests. Currently I’m a resident of Mombasa, country Kenya, I’m married and a mother of two kids.

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India

Academic level: Bachelor's degree in Ayurvedic Medicine

Mr. Gokul Rajendran is a passionate Ayurvedic medical student from India and an inspiring leader. Joining the Mentoring Research Network (MRN) in December 2023, Gokul is dedicated to advancing Ayurvedic medicine and preserving traditional knowledge. One of his key achievements is developing the largest global digital library of medicinal plants, aiming to safeguard ancient wisdom and protect vital medicinal species threatened by climate change.

In addition to his contributions to Ayurveda, Gokul has showcased exceptional leadership on the global stage. He was invited to the UN Ocean Conference 2022, spoke at the Open Health Innovation Summer School, and represented youth at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. His work on climate action and sustainable development also earned him an invitation to COP27 in Egypt, where he showcased his Govardhan App, addressing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and indigenous medicine.

At COP28, Gokul was invited by the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine to feature his work, organizing 12 side events across various pavilions. He was also the only youth representative to organize a side event on Traditional Medicine at the World Health Assembly 77 (WHA77), further cementing his role in advancing both health and sustainability on a global scale.

Affiliations & Memberships

President, Goodwall Global Student Council (2020–Present)

Commission Member, IUCN – Commission on Education and Communication (2023–Present)

Regional Supervisor, YOUNGO Ocean’s Voice, UNFCCC Working Group (2022–Present)

Member, YOUNGO (UNFCCC Constituency of Youth NGOs, 2021–Present)

The Max Thabiso Edkins Climate Ambassador, GYCN – World Bank Y2Y (2022 Cohort)

Member, Wyss Academy for Nature (2021–Present)

Global Youth Ambassador, Theirworld (2021–Present) & Youth Building the Future Global (2022–Present)

YOUNGA Youth Delegate, BridgingTheGap Ventures (2021–Present)

Recent Achievements & Delegations

Official Delegate & Speaker, COP28 UAE (Ukraine Ministry Invitation, 2023)

Delegate & Speaker, COP27 – UN Climate Change Conference, Egypt (2022)

Delegate & Representative, COP26 – UN Climate Change Conference, UK (2021)

Youth Delegate, UN Ocean Conference (2022) & UN Water Conference (2023)

Youth Delegate, UN Women CSW67 (2023)

Youth Delegate, IMPAC5 Conference, Vancouver (2023)

Youth Delegate, “Peace and Coexistence under the Iraqi Constitution” Conference, UN HQ Geneva (2022)

Invited Delegate, HPAIR Asia (New Delhi, 2022) & HPAIR Harvard (USA, 2023, Full Scholarship)

Invited to CERN for scientific collaboration

All-Around Goodwaller of the Year 2021

Leadership & Founding Roles

Founder & CEO, Govardhan App – Global Medicinal Plant Library (2021–Present)

Founder & CEO, Climate Entertainment (2021–Present)

Co-Founder, RespectedFood – Promoting organic & holistic food (2023–Present)

Founder, Brain Space (2020–Present)

Other Notable Contributions

COVID Warrior, Government of Kerala – National AYUSH Mission (2020–Present)

Winner, WYSS Academy Award for Sustainability Idea

Android Developer & Data Science Self-learner

BAMS Graduate (Ayurveda Doctor), PN Panicker Souhruda Ayurveda Medical College (2017–2023)

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Kenya

Academic level at the moment: PhD professional, Registered Dietician and Nutritionist Certified Diabetes Educator

Dr. Ojwang Alice Achieng completed her Ph.D. studies at the North-West University and her Master of Nutrition at the University of Stellensbsoch both in South Africa. Alice heads the Department of Human Nutrition at The Technical University of Kenya. She is a Nutrition and Dietetic consultant with over 20 years of experience in the prevention and management of Non-communicable diseases specifically the prevention of obesity and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in communities in Kenya and Sub-Sahara Africa. Her research interests include carbohydrate intake in weight reduction and reversal of T2D and the cost-effectiveness of dietary and lifestyle interventions. She was instrumental in setting up the Clinical Care Centres (CCC) for HIV treatment as well as the Food by Prescription programs to cater for HIV/AIDS malnourished children and adults in Kenya. She has been engaged in community nutrition education and support, for vulnerable populations such as sickle cell anemia, cerebral palsy, and young footballers in informal settlements in Nairobi-Kenya. She works as a Nutrition and Dietetics Practitioner, Health Promoter, Researcher and Diabetes Educator.  She continues to mentor young nutrition/dietetic professionals in Africa.

“Taking drugs without eating healthy is like washing hands and drying them in the dirt”, Anonymous

Email:ojwangaa@tukenya.ac.ke; ojwangaa@gmail.com

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Kenya

Academic level: MSc. Molecular Medicine,

KEMRI Graduate School of Health Sciences

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology

I am an early-career researcher passionate about applying innovative techniques to address urgent global health challenges. Currently pursuing a MSc. Molecular Medicine, I have a solid foundation in experimental design, molecular techniques, and data analysis, gained through academics and professional interdisciplinary collaboration.

My research journey spans antimicrobial resistance, recombinant protein development, and, most recently, virology—where I plan on working on human papillomaviruses (HPV) and molecular diagnostics. I have grown passionate about equitable access to accurate, effective, and innovative diagnostics. Through this work and collaboration with fellow researchers, have also gained interest in bioinformatics and its use in biopharmaceutical development in LMICs.

In parallel, I serve as a Pre-Award Specialist, a role that involves identifying funding opportunities, supporting grant development, coordinating proposal submissions, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements. Through this, I help other researchers navigate the complex grant application landscape while promoting high-quality, competitive proposals.

Here, I hope to engage with researchers across different disciplines, learn from experienced mentors, and potentially collaborate on impactful projects.

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antimicrobial resistance, recombinant protein development, and virology

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Kenya

Academic level : biomedical science at Daystar University

Eugene Okanda, a pioneering biomedical scientist, was born on November 17, 1999, in a serene village in Migori, Kenya. Raised in a tight-knit community surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, Eugene's early years were marked by an intrinsic fascination with the world around him and a relentless curiosity about the complexities of the human body.

Eugene's academic journey began with determination and resilience, navigating challenges to pursue a degree in biomedical science at Daystar University, a local institution. His commitment to academic excellence caught the attention of mentors, propelling him to a postgraduate program in biomedical sciences. Eugene's research during this period focused on addressing prevalent health issues in underserved communities, emphasizing affordable solutions for diseases prevalent in the region.

After obtaining his degree, Eugene continued his impactful research as a graduate fellow, collaborating with international teams to develop accessible and effective healthcare solutions. His work in identifying locally relevant biomarkers for infectious diseases showcased a commitment to addressing health challenges specific to his community.

Eugene's dedication to translational research led him to contribute to the development of diagnostic tools tailored to the needs of resource-limited settings. Embracing community engagement, he collaborated with local healthcare providers and community leaders to implement these solutions, ensuring they reached those who needed them most.

In a significant career move, Eugene transitioned to a leadership role in a Kenyan biotechnology firm, where he spearheaded initiatives to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and practical healthcare solutions. His work continues to impact healthcare accessibility and affordability in rural areas, making Eugene Okanda an important figure not only in the field of biomedical science but also as a dedicated advocate for health equity in his native Migori.

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Cameroon

Abdou Aziz LINJOUOM holds a PhD in Public Health with several areas of expertise, including field epidemiology, with a growing interest in airborne and waterborne diseases across various WASH systems (households, schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, etc.), particularly in low-income countries such as Cameroon, where he holds nationality and permanent residence. As an Independent Consultant/Academic, he has carried out numerous activities aimed at strengthening the health system in areas such as health financing, sexual and reproductive health, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, and immunization programs. With 9 years of experience, he remains committed to doing more through collaboration with humanitarian organizations and academic or research institutions, where he has also learned a great deal from peers while supervising and building the capacity of many field actors.

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Nigeria

Dr. Abdurrahman Ahmad Sadiq is a Lecturer and Research Fellow in Histopathology

at the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, and

an Honorary Senior Resident Doctor in Histopathology at ATBU Teaching Hospital. A graduate

of Bayero University Kano, he has built a career spanning medical education, research, and

clinical service, with a strong interest in oncologic pathology, infectious diseases, and molecular

diagnostics.

He has contributed to several collaborative research projects and publications, including studies

on urinary tract infections, enteric fever, and cancer immunogenetics. His accepted abstracts

include rare presentations of intestinal endometriosis and a multicenter molecular review of

paediatric endemic Burkitt lymphoma in Nigeria.

Dr. Sadiq is a Member of the West African College of Physicians (Faculty of Laboratory

Medicine, Anatomic Pathology) and actively participates in regional and international scientific

conferences. He has also served in leadership and community roles, including as Chief Resident,

group coordinator for postgraduate examination preparation, and community health advocate.

Passionate about advancing Histopathology and Molecular Pathology in resource-limited

settings, his current focus is on low-cost diagnostic approaches and capacity building for cancer

care in Nigeria.

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India

Academic level at this moment:

Master’s degree in Public Health; Registered Dentist

·       Master of Public Health (MPH), Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar (completed 2025).

·       Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Government Dental College and Hospital, Patiala.

·       Research Intern, Jhpiego, Lucknow – conducted a mixed-methods research study at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in Chinhat Block, exploring barriers to diabetes and hypertension follow-up and medication adherence. Integrated quantitative patient interviews and qualitative provider perspectives to develop recommendations for strengthening chronic disease management at the primary healthcare level.

·       Intern, Mamta Health Institute for Mother and Child, Shimla – contributed to the National Quality Assurance Standards (NQAS) assessments of Health and Wellness Centers, evaluating service delivery, infrastructure, infection control, and patient rights. Conducted gap analyses and prepared facility-specific recommendations for quality improvement.

·       Associate Dentist, Lord Shiva Dental Clinic, Haryana (2019–2023) – provided preventive and curative dental care, while also engaging in community oral health promotion.

·       Research experience includes NFHS-5 data analysis on anemia among children in Haryana, and rural health survey participation assessing health, nutrition, and community facilities.

·       Volunteer Community Outreach Coordinator at LetsStopAIDS, Toronto, Canada leading HIV awareness and youth engagement initiatives.

·       Guest Editor for the Global Journal of Medicine and Public Health, supporting peer review and academic publishing.

·       Actively engaged in academic competitions, poster presentations, and global collaborations including the Indo-Pacific Malaria Eradication Case Study Challenge 2024 hosted by the University of Melbourne, Australia.

·       Life member of the Indian Public Health Association.

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Communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, mental health, tuberculosis, HIV, epidemiology, health systems strengthening, quality of care, health promotion, behavioral sciences, implementation research, global health equity, and social justice.

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India

University: Shri Krishna University

Course: M.Sc. Microbiology

Year of Passing: 2023–2025

Suhani Chaudhary holds an MSc in Microbiology from Shri Krishna University with research interests in clinical research, microbiome studies, and next-generation antimicrobials. She completed an internship at Ethical Edufabrica Pvt. Ltd. in association with AIIMS, New Delhi, where she contributed to clinical research protocols and regulatory milestones in gene therapy. Recognized with the Best Presentation Award at gPBL 2025, she is also building skills in bioinformatics, Python, and MySQL to integrate biotechnology with data-driven research. Suhani aspires to pursue a PhD focused on advancing biomedical science through trans disciplinary collaboration.

AWARDS

Global Project-Based Learning (gPBL) program hosted by Suranaree University of Technology, Thailand. Best Presentation Award – Rumah Teduh: Climate-Responsive Housing for Jakarta’s Informal Settlements Collaborated in an international, multidisciplinary team to design the “Rumah Teduh (Cool Home) Package”, a scalable passive housing upgrade addressing heatwave vulnerability in urban informal settlements.

Integrated reflective surfaces, solar chimneys, vertical greening, and pico-solar kits into

the design to improve thermal comfort, reduce heat stress, and promote sustainable energy use.

Mapped project outcomes to the United Nations SDGs (3, 7, 11, and 13), highlighting its potential to improve public health, urban resilience, clean energy adoption, and climate change mitigation.

Delivered the final presentation at the Global Project-Based Learning 2025 program and was honored with the Best Presentation Award.

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Email:Suhanichaudhary1515@gmail.com   LinkedIn:https://www .linkedin.com/in/suhani-c-a360b8343?utm
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Ghana

Dr. Collins Afriyie Appiah is a lecturer in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana. Dr. Appiah is currently the Programme Coordinator for the undergraduate (BSc.) Dietetics  degree programme. He holds a PhD degree (in dietetics) from the University of the Free State, South Africa. He also holds a Master of Philosophy degree in Dietetics from the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana. He is a licensed dietitian with the Allied Health Professions Council, Ghana and about 15 years’ experience in nutrition and dietetics practice in Ghana.  He also holds a BSc.(Hons.) Biochemistry degree (First Class Division) from the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, KNUST.

He was the Principal Investigator of the research work to determine the effect of Bridelia tea consumption on oxidative status in people living with diabetes which culminated in his doctoral degree. He has collaborated with other researchers within and outside the University to publish his research in international peer-reviewed journals and has participated in several national and international scientific conferences. He received an International Union of Nutritional Sciences (IUNS) Travel Grant to present his research at the 2021 International Congress of Dietetics, Cape Town, South Africa. He also received a full travel grant award by the The Nutrition Society, UK and the Nutrition Society of South Africa to present his research at the 2024 Nutrition Congress, Durban, South Africa. Dr. Appiah has been a reviewer for reputable international journals.

I have developed a more focused research area/interest mainly in nutrition/lifestyle intervention in diet-related chronic diseases, especially diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (hypertension and stroke) and application of food analysis techniques to determine serving sizes of indigenous local dishes with a long term focus in developing serving size management aid for indigenous Ghanaian foods for effective management of diabetes and other diet-related diseases. I have also applied food analysis techniques (atomic absorptions spectrophotometry) in profiling the macro-minerals emphasized in the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet in commercially vended foods around KNUST campus community to generate empirical evidence to inform University food policy in addressing the previously reported high prevalence of hypertension in the University community. My research has also included maternal and pediatric nutrition, which is also a major area receiving national and international attention

In the next phase of my career, I plan to build on the national and international collaboration and networks I have acquired to explore these research areas deeper to generate knowledge and empirical data to support policy initiatives in addressing the rising problem of diet-related diseases, especially diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. I am currently exploring international collaborative research opportunities in human nutrition and health especially across Africa, South America and other developing countries.

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Ghana

Lecturer/Physiotherapist

Acting Head of Department

Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences

School of Allied Health Sciences

University of Health and Allied Science

Dr. Cosmos Yarfi is a Lecturer and early career researcher at the University of Health and Allied Science (UHAS) in Ghana. He is Acting Head of Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, UHAS. He is a physiotherapist by training, with a PhD in Physiotherapy (Stroke Rehabilitation) at University of the Western Cape, South Africa and a Fellowship in Palliative Care from the Institute of Palliative Medicine, India. He graduated from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana with a Master of Science in Disability, Rehabilitation and Development and has a Bachelor of Science degree in Physiotherapy from the University of Ghana. His research interests are in stroke rehabilitation, physical activity in older adults, rehabilitative palliative care, and disability.

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Stroke Rehabilitation
Physical activity levels in older adults
Community reintegration post-stroke
Disability Accessibility
Palliative Care

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Ghana

Esmond W. Nonterah is a researcher and public health professional with expertise in health research, monitoring, and evaluation. With a strong background in mixed methods, climate health, population health, and maternal and child health, Esmond has contributed to various research projects and published in peer-reviewed journals. He is passionate about leveraging digital health solutions to advance research excellence, capacity building, and knowledge translation, ultimately improving health outcomes in Africa.

Membership:

• NCDI Poverty Network (2023- present)

• Developmental origin of health and disease (DoHaD Africa Chapter) (2021 – Present)

• International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (2020 – Present)

• Youth Leaders for Health (2020 – 2021)

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Climate health, Mixed Methods, Population health, Non-communicable diseases, Implementation Science,
Nutrition, Maternal and child health.

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Malawi

George N Chidimbah Munthali is a Researcher and Adjunct Lecturer at Mzuzu University,

Malawi. His PhD studies specializes in Agriculture (Crop Science Economics & Technology) from

Yangtze University, China, where his dissertation focused on the impacts of conservation

agriculture technology adoption on rural household food production in Sub-Saharan Africa, with

Malawi as a case study.

George research centers on sustainable agricultural technologies, food systems resilience, rural

development, and the socioeconomic determinants of wellbeing. He has authored over 20 peer-

reviewed publications in high-impact journals such as Frontiers in Nutrition, BMC Public Health,

and Sustainable Food Systems. His work often explores the intersection of policy, technology

adoption, and community-level outcomes in developing economies.

An active international collaborator, he has engaged in research and academic exchange programs

across China, India, Italy, Morocco, and Zambia. He is proficient in quantitative data analysis

(SPSS, Stata) and scientific writing (LaTeX), and serves as an Academic Editorial Board Member

for PLOS ONE. George is fluent in English and Chinese, and his broader interests include

microfinance, tobacco control policy, and the role of mobile advisory services in mitigating food

insecurity.

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Agricultural Technology Adoption
Food Security
Quality of Life and Wellbeing
 Rural and Community Development

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Zimbabwe

I’m a public health researcher, epidemiologist, and senior consultant with extensive experience leading HIV prevention initiatives, digital health, implementation science, and strategic advisory work in Zimbabwe. My research has shaped national priorities, and I’ve contributed to multiple consultancies supporting ministries and global partners with planning and MEL integration. As a lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe, I mentor emerging professionals and support academic editing across technical reports, manuscripts, and policy briefs. I’m passionate about bridging research and practice, and I actively contribute to regional networks focused on sustainable, evidence-driven health systems.

Awards & Recognition

Jeffrey P. Koplan Award for Excellence in Scientific Presentation (2017): Awarded at the FETP International Night, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, USA. Presented best scientific poster titled “Hospital-Acquired Neonatal Sepsis in an Intensive Care Unit of a Central Hospital, Zimbabwe (2016): A Cohort Study”

Named in honor of Dr. Jeffrey P. Koplan—renowned former CDC Director and global health champion—to recognize outstanding presentation and scientific rigor. https://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/healthprotection/fetp/int_night/presenters-awards.htm

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Infectious disease programming, data-driven decision-making, and
translating evidence into actionable policy. 

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Malawi

Master’s in Global Health Implementation – University of Malawi, College of Medicine

Bachelor’s in Nursing and Midwifery – University of Malawi, Kamuzu College of Nursing

University of Sussex – Research Fellow | Brighton, UK | May 2025 – Present

Hellen Rahma Mbutuka is a Registered Nurse-Midwife, mental health advocate, and early-career

global health researcher with over six years of experience in healthcare delivery, health systems

strengthening, and community engagement in Malawi. She currently serves as a Nurse at the

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation in Malawi.

She is also a Governance & Integrity Anti-Corruption Evidence Research Fellow at the

University of Sussex, where her project focuses on corruption in healthcare, governance, and

equity in health service delivery. In addition, she works as a Mobilisation Officer with IMIND

Malawi, advancing youth mental health awareness and reducing stigma.

She has presented at both local and international conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed

publications. Hellen has actively participated in research studies, quality improvement projects,

and health promotion initiatives within the healthcare sector, and has led multidisciplinary teams

to design and implement evidence-based, human-centred interventions. She has a strong

background in health promotion, quality improvement, community engagement, and advocacy,

and has collaborated closely with NGOs, the Ministry of Health, and academic institutions.

Beyond her professional work, she also volunteers as a mentor for young girls. Passionate about

health equity, resilience, and governance, Hellen aspires to strengthen systems that ensure

accessible, high-quality, and inclusive healthcare for all

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Maternal and child health, mental health, disease prevention, non-
communicable diseases (NCDs), and health system strengthening.

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Email:mbutukahellen@gmail.com      
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellen-rahma-mbutuka

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Japhet Jonah,RN, RM, BNSc., MSc. Public Health

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Japhet Jonah,RN, RM, BNSc., MSc. Public Health

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Nigeria

Japhet Jonah Haruna is a Registered Nurse and Midwife from Nigeria with over 12 years of experience in public health, nutrition, and humanitarian response. He holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science (First Class) and a Diploma in Nursing, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health.

Over the course of his career, he has worked with international organizations including FHI360, Save the Children, International Rescue Committee, Action Against Hunger, and Médecins Sans Frontières, leading programs in community-based management of acute malnutrition (CMAM), outbreak response, and health systems strengthening.

He previously served as a Clinical Data Scientist Intern at Vextor Hub Limited and as a Volunteer

Research Officer with Equicare Strategies, where he applied his expertise in data analysis and

health research. Japhet is skilled in qualitative data analysis using NVivo and ATLAS.ti, and

quantitative analysis with SPSS, Excel, SQL, and Python. He is also a 3MTT DeepTech Ready

Fellow specializing in data science and machine learning.

Japhet has participated in several large-scale surveys, including the National Food Consumption

and Micronutrient Survey (NFCMS) (Nigeria), Nutrition SMART Surveys, Infant and Young

Child Feeding (IYCF) KAP Surveys, Key Population Size Estimation, SQUEAC, and SLEAC

assessments.

His research interests include nurse migration, health system resilience, infectious disease control,

climate change and health, eHealth policy, and the application of geospatial data science in public

health. He is a member of the Global Nurses Working Group on Climate Crisis.

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 Nurse migration, health system resilience, infectious disease control,
climate change and health, eHealth policy, and the application of geospatial data science in public health. 

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Email: japhetjonah06@gmail.com             

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China

Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

l  Major: Master of Translation and Interpretation (English)

l  Instiude of Linguists/Distinction in Spanish

l  Translation and Transmission of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the perspective of Artificial intelligence;

l  Medical and Translation Ethics issues produced by Large Language Models.

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Using Artificial Intelligence to help more traditional medicines get promoted and spread.
	Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, Gemini, etc.) is trained based on linguistic resources, mainly resources focusing on American and European regions, which causes various kinds of Traditional medicines are gaining “bias” in artificial intelligence – AI seldom realize the existence of them. 
	My mentor and I are trying to figure out “Who should take the responsibility of this bias?” and “What we could do to relieve this situation?”.

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Ethiopia

Mulatu Wubu Bayafers is an experienced MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning) professional with over 11 years of experience in public health program management, research, and evaluation. He holds a Master of Public Health in Health Monitoring and Evaluation from the University of Gondar and a BSc in Health Officer from Jimma University.

Mulatu has extensive expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive MERL frameworks, conducting quantitative and qualitative analyses, and generating actionable insights to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making. He has held leadership roles at Tamra for Social Development Organization and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, overseeing M&E teams, guiding digitalization initiatives, coordinating national-level public health responses including COVID-19, and mentoring professionals to build their capacity in monitoring, evaluation, and research.

He has published research on health systems, violence, and reproductive health and has received advanced training in Community Led Monitoring, SRHR policy, Latent Class Analysis, and digital data management tools such as DHIS2 and Power BI.

Mulatu is passionate about evidence-based planning, program implementation, and professional capacity-building to strengthen health systems and social development initiatives in Ethiopia.

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Rwanda

Niyigena Delice Ilinde is a dedicated Nutritionist recognised by the Rwanda Allied Health Professional Council (RAHPC). She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Rwanda, and she is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy in International Community Health at the University of Oslo in Norway. With two years of experience as a Nutrition and Dietetic Laboratory Technician at the University of Rwanda, Delice has made significant contributions to the field. Her work focuses on Nutrition and Public Health, particularly in the area of maternal and child health. She has authored five publications that explored nutritional interventions for children under five, underscoring her commitment to improving health outcomes in her community.

Awards:

 2021 BSc Human Nutrition and Dietetics best performer in for the cohort of 2016 to 2021

 2020, Introduction to the early childhood development certificate

 2020, Integrated Early Childhood Development Programming for Young Vulnerable Children certificate.

 2016 Award of the Government of Rwanda scholarship for BSc studies

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Ghana

Dr. Papa Kwasi Opare is a medical doctor with the Ghana Health Service and Medical Officer in charge of the Maternity Ward at Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital. He earned his MBChB from the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ghana, and is pursuing an MPH at Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and an MBA at Nexford University, USA. His research experience includes retrospective studies on cervical necrotizing fasciitis, national lymphatic filariasis mapping, and case reports on maternal health. His interests focus on maternal and child health, global health leadership, and strengthening diagnostic capacity in resource-limited settings.

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Burkina Faso

Lab Technician-NGS-Omics-AMR-Bioinformatician-Data Scientist-Linux-R-REDCap-CRISPR-Public Health- Biobanking-Quality Control- ISO 15189:2022;19011:2018 Certified-BGI-Genomic fellowship 2024/Africa CDC -Fellowship 2025

Biomedical Technologist, holder of a bachelor's degree in biomedical analysis. I am ISO 15189:2022 certified: medical laboratories, requirements for quality and competence, ISO 19011:2018 certified: Management system auditing, certified in GLP based on the 5S system, I am also trained in the #STeLab epidemiological and laboratory data traceability system, in preventive maintenance of microbiological safety cabinets #PSM. I have also just obtained a certification in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)/Bioinformatics at #BGI and a double certification in Laboratory Technologies for Disease Control at #BGI and the Hunan International Business College, after three months of full-time training in the People's Republic of China. Training in research data management, microscopic diagnosis of malaria, and use and preventive maintenance of Microbiological Safety Cabinets. In terms of experience, immediately after my training, I first worked in a clinical biology laboratory, then I went to the Institute for Health Sciences Research (IRSS) where I participated in research projects including the “DIMORO” project on malaria, “Serological Epidemiological Study of COVID-19,” " Serological and Epidemiological Study of Dengue,“ ”COVID-19 and Pregnancy,“ ”Serological and Epidemiological Study of HIV-AIDS/STIs in Key Populations," and others. I am currently working in the pathogen genomics department of the Central Reference Laboratory of the National Institute of Public Health.
Responsibilities:
- National health monitoring through genomic surveillance of epidemic and pandemic pathogens, metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, bioinformatics, and public health.
National biobank, detection and response to epidemics
- Technical governance of national reference laboratories
- Centralization and management of data from national reference laboratories.
- Implementation of quality standards in national reference laboratories.
As a certified medical laboratory auditor, I have already conducted audits and even served as audit team leader at the National Reference Laboratory for Mycobacteria.
In humanitarian activism, I currently hold the position of Deputy Secretary General in the National Coordination of Islamic Medical Relief in Burkina (SMIB) and the position of Secretary General of the Health and Action Circle for Development (CSAD).
This is a summary of my profile.
OMICS FOR ALL!

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India

Dr. Sriram S S is a Public Health Specialist with an MBBS degree and a Master’s in Public

Health (Social Epidemiology) from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. He has extensive

experience in infectious disease research and public health program implementation,

having worked with ICMR as a Medical Research Officer, with Médecins Sans Frontières

(MSF) as a Medical Public Health Specialist, and with WHO in two key roles: as a Field

Medical Consultant supporting the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program, and as a

Surveillance Medical Officer for vaccine-preventable diseases and immunization.

Currently, he serves as Senior Public Health Specialist at Tata Steel UISL, focusing on

Vaccination,vector-borne disease control, rabies prevention, and occupational health, with

a strong interest in the One Health approach. He is passionate about outbreak

investigation, technical support for immunization programs, and infectious disease

control.

Dr. Sriram is deeply committed to the upliftment of marginalized communities and

believes in community-based learning as a cornerstone of public health practice. He is

keen on mentoring budding public health enthusiasts, building the capacity of field

workers, and fostering practical, hands-on learning in the field. He holds a Diploma in

Global Health from the Royal College of Physicians and a Postgraduate Diploma in Family

Medicine.

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Uchenna Collins Ojukwu, RDT, MD, MPH (in progress)

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Uchenna Collins Ojukwu, RDT, MD, MPH (in progress)

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Nigeria

Public Health Practitioner | Medical Doctor | Health Systems Scholar | World Medical Association Student Representative (2025)

I’m a clinician who thinks in two directions at once—hands on the patient, eyes on the health system. Now serving as the 2025 World Medical Association Student Representative, I’m focused on making everyday care safer, fairer, and easier to access for the people who need it most.

I’m a clerkship student at UV Gullas College of Medicine (Cebu, Philippines) and completing my MPH at Suffolk University, where my concentration is resilient, people-centered health systems. Certified in Health Education and Administration, I design programs that turn evidence into action.

Leadership is my constant thread. As President of the Nigerian Students Association (Cebu) and founder of the Firebreeze Healthcare Initiative, I’ve helped deliver health education campaigns, free clinics, and community-health worker trainings across Nigeria and the Philippines—work recognized with the 2024 NANS Philippines Leadership Award and a board role with Charity Faith International.

My research interests span public health, emergency medicine, cancer and mental-health epidemiology, clinical trials, communicable and vector-borne diseases, cardiovascular health, and STIs/HIV & AIDS. I’ve authored 10+ publications and review manuscripts for outlets including the European Journal for Scientific Research and Reviews. I’m engaged with the Royal College of Physicians, World Medical Association, AMSA, and APHA.

I believe in amplifying voices that go unheard and letting communities lead. If you care about building health systems that actually work—let’s connect.

Certifications:

Servant Leadership

Mental Health and wellness

Certified Health Education Specialist

(CHES)

Organizational Leadership

Certificate of Appreciation

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Public Health, Emergency Medicine, Cancer and Mental Health
Epidemiology, Clinical trials, Communicable and Vector borne
diseases, Cardiovascular Diseases, Sexual Transmitted Diseases/
HIV&AIDS.