Francis Akpa-Inyang | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Francis Akpa-Inyang | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Research Associate | Durban University of Technology | South Africa

Dr. Francis Akpa-Inyang is a multidisciplinary public health scholar whose research integrates bioethics, indigenous knowledge systems, research integrity, and applied health sciences. His work advances understanding of informed consent within African traditional medicine, exploring how cultural values, communal decision-making, and indigenous ethical frameworks shape patient autonomy and healthcare interactions. He has developed a pluralistic model for healthcare decision-making that offers a culturally grounded alternative to Western biomedical ethics, contributing significantly to debates on ethics in global health. His scholarship further extends to orthopaedic research, 3D-printing innovation, public health behaviour, infectious disease knowledge, and higher-education teaching and learning. He has published widely in peer-reviewed journals, addressing themes such as ethical regulation, cross-cultural consent processes, infection control, ergonomics in remote work, pedagogy, and health-seeking behaviours. In addition to his academic contributions, he plays an active role in strengthening research integrity systems in Africa, drafting institutional policies, investigating ethical breaches, and providing training in responsible research conduct. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, contributes to international conferences, and supports emerging scholars through supervision and mentorship across public health, clinical sciences, and social science research. His work on ethical, legal, social, and cultural issues in emerging technologies, including synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, reinforces his commitment to ethical governance in rapidly evolving scientific landscapes. With expertise spanning bioethics, public health research, academic development, and research integrity leadership, he is recognized for advancing culturally responsive ethical practices and promoting high standards of scientific conduct within African and global research environments.

Featured Publication

Akpa-Inyang, F. (2025). The San Code of Ethics versus international ethical guidelines: A cross-cultural analysis. African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies, 7(1).

Dimitri Koutzoumis | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Dr. Dimitri Koutzoumis l Infectious Diseases
| Best Researcher Award

Medical laboratory in Maryland | United States

Dr. Dimitri Koutzoumis is an accomplished biomedical scientist with extensive expertise in neuroscience, neurodegeneration, and translational research, focusing on dopamine signaling and gut-brain interactions. His doctoral research at the University of Florida examined the role of gut microbiota and bacterial metabolites in modulating dopamine neuron vulnerability, demonstrating how microbiome-induced changes in immune cell populations influence neurodegenerative processes. During his postdoctoral tenure at The City College of New York, he conducted advanced immunohistochemistry, cytokine profiling, and behavioral assays in Parkinson’s disease models, combining molecular and functional approaches to elucidate mechanisms of neuroinflammation and motor deficits. At Sanaria Inc., he applied his skills to vaccine development, including cryopreservation of malaria sporozoites, in vitro potency assays, and GMP-compliant quality management, bridging academic research with industry applications. His notable publication, “Characterizing Dopamine Transporter Mediated Uptake and Efflux in Brain Slices: A New Approach”, highlights innovative methods for studying transporter dynamics in neural tissue. Dr. Koutzoumis has 131 citations across 4 documents, an h-index of 3, and is indexed under Scopus Author ID 57188503800, reflecting his impact on the field. With a strong foundation in molecular biology, pharmacology, and translational science, he continues to advance understanding of neurodegenerative mechanisms while contributing to practical biomedical innovations.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publication

Koutzoumis, D. (n.d.). Characterizing dopamine transporter mediated uptake and efflux in brain slices: A new approach

Emmanuel Chona | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Mr. Emmanuel Chona | Public Health | Young Scientist Award

Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences | Tanzania

Mr. Emmanuel Chona is a passionate registered nurse and young research scientist specializing in clinical nursing, public health research, and academic teaching, with a research impact of 18 citations from 16 documents and an h-index of 2. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), Tanzania, and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Implementation Science at the same institution. Driven by a strong commitment to improving healthcare systems, Emmanuel combines hands-on clinical experience with advanced research in public health challenges. He served as an intern nurse at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, where he provided direct patient care, supported clinical procedures, and contributed to patient education. Currently, he is a Tutorial Assistant at MUHAS and St. Joseph University in Tanzania, actively supporting teaching, research, and curriculum development in clinical nursing while enhancing his skills in research and consultancy. Emmanuel’s research contributions are significant, with twelve peer-reviewed journal publications, five as the first author. His work focuses on important public health issues such as cervical cancer, diabetes care, and stroke awareness in Tanzania, addressing patient experiences and healthcare delivery barriers. He received an Early Career Research Grant from the Tanzania Diabetes Association, the Distinguished Alumni Award from MUHAS for academic excellence, and the EMPOWER-TZ Master’s Scholarship by Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. Emmanuel is an active member of the Tanzania National Nurses Association and the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) and volunteers with the Tanzania Red Cross Society, reflecting his deep commitment to community health. Combining clinical practice, academic teaching, and research, Emmanuel Z. Chona continues to advance public health interventions and improve patient care outcomes, especially in resource-limited settings across Tanzania.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

  1. Chona, E. Z., Gosse, R. A., Msengi, E. A., Aruldhas, T. P., Mkonongo, L., Matle, T. M., Iseselo, M. K., & Ambikile, J. S. (2025). Life experiences of women diagnosed with cervical cancer in Sub‐Saharan Africa: A systematic review of qualitative studies. Psycho-Oncology, 34, e70280.

  2. Chona, E. Z., Gosse, R. A., William, D. A., Kiang, R. H., & Ramadham, F. B. (2025). Dietary knowledge and practices among diabetes patients attending Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Health Research, 26(4).

  1. Chona, E. Z., Kayange, L. F., & Iseselo, M. K. (2024b). Factors associated with satisfaction with diabetes care among patients attending public diabetic clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A cross-sectional study. Public Health Challenges, 3(3), 1–8.

  1. Chona, E. Z., Kayange, L. F., & Iseselo, M. K. (2024a). Barriers and facilitators to satisfaction with diabetes care: The perspectives of patients attending public diabetic clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PLoS One, 19(5), 1–20.

  1. Chona, E. Z., Msengi, E. A., Gosse, R. A., & Ambikile, J. S. (2023). The lived experiences and caring needs of women diagnosed with cervical cancer: A qualitative study in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. PLoS One, 8(1), 1–16.

sintayehu wolka |Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Young Scientists Awards

Mr. sintayehu wolka | Public Health | Best Researcher Award

Mr at Ministry of Health Ethiopia Ethiopia

Sintayehu Wolka Worsiso, an MPH graduate from Jimma University, Ethiopia, brings over 11 years of progressive experience in public health. He has held various positions, including Health System Strengthening Specialist at FHI 360 and the Federal Ministry of Health, Ethiopia. Sintayehu has led initiatives in health systems strengthening, nutrition, and maternal and child health. He has developed and implemented strategies, tools, and systems to enhance health services at national and regional levels. Proficient in project design, monitoring, and evaluation, he has contributed to significant health policy and strategy developments. He is skilled in statistical analysis and data management.

profile:

Orcid

🎓 Educational Background

MPH in General Public Health: Jimma University, CGPA 3.78, BSc in Public Health: Woliata Sodo University, BA in Management: Haramaya University, High School: Woliata Sodo High School

💼 Professional Experience

Health System Strengthening Specialist, FHI 360 (Jan 2024 – Present)

  • Developed HSS strategies related to nutrition.
  • Provided technical assistance to MOH at various levels.
  • Collaborated with MOH departments and partners to strengthen health systems.

Nutrition Coordination and Development Expert, Seqota Declaration, MOH (Jan 2022 – Oct 2023)

  • Coordinated food and nutrition programs at the national level.
  • Led strategy implementation, monitoring, and evaluation in multiple regions.
  • Developed innovative strategies, tools, and systems for health system strengthening.

Health System Strengthening Advisor, MOH Ethiopia (2017 – 2022)

  • Conducted training programs to enhance healthcare providers’ capacity.
  • Implemented electronic health record systems.
  • Engaged with community leaders to establish healthcare initiatives.

Maternal and Child Health Program Manager, MOH SNNPR Region (2013 – 2016)

  • Led maternal and child health services.
  • Conducted capacity building for health professionals.
  • Contributed to proposal design and writing.

📚 Special Skills and Interests

Conducting health-related research using epidemiological study designs. Proficient in statistical analyses (STATA, SPSS). Data mining techniques. Reading scientific journals and motivational books.

🎓 Relevant Trainings

Nutrition Leadership, New IMAM ToT, Health Research Methodology and Health Ethics, Quality Improvement by the Institute for Health Care Improvement, Infection Prevention and Patient Safety, Evidence Translation and Evidence-Based Decision Making, Leadership, Management and Governance (LMG) TOT, Monitoring and Evaluation by USAID

Publication:📝

  • Mobile Health and Nutrition Team Service Implementation in Somali and Afar Regions of Ethiopia: A Qualitative Implementation Science Study
    • Journal: Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare
    • Year: 2022-12
    • DOI: 10.2147/JMDH.S388104
    • Contributors: Sintayehu Wolka, Mamo Dereje Alemu, Markos Gobana, Gemu Tiru Bati, Hizikiyas Gerawork, Zeleke Abebaw

 

  • The Prevalence of Alcohol Consumption Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    • Journal: Maternal and Child Health Journal
    • Year: 2022-09
    • DOI: 10.1007/s10995-021-03286-1
    • ISSN: 1092-7875, 1573-6628
    • Contributors: Bereket Duko, Asres Bedaso, Sintayehu Wolka, Temesgen Tantu, Dereje Wolde, Getinet Ayano

 

  • Prevalence of Depression Among Women with Obstetric Fistula in Low-Income African Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

 

  • Prevalence and Determinants of Gender-Based Violence Among High School Female Students in Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia: An Institutionally Based Cross-Sectional Study

 

  • Determinants of Maternal Satisfaction with Existing Delivery Care at Wolaita Sodo University Teaching and Referral Hospital, Ethiopia
    • Journal: BioMed Research International
    • Year: 2020-09-25
    • DOI: 10.1155/2020/6403123
    • ISSN: 2314-6133, 2314-6141

 

  • National Health Equity Strategic Plan (2020/21-2024/25)
    • Type: Online resource
    • Contributor: Sintayehu Wolka