BUA Institution

Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin

Research Description

My research focuses on strengthening health systems, with a particular emphasis on vaccine production and uptake in Ghana. By examining the systemic and contextual factors that shape vaccine production, I aim to generate evidence that can inform policy and improve equitable access to vaccines in low- and middle-income settings.

Where in the world has your career been largely based until now?

Until I joined the Einstein Research Unit Technologies in Global Health, my career had been largely based in Ghana.

Why Berlin?

Berlin offers a uniquely dynamic and internationally connected research environment that is exceptionally well-suited to global health inquiry. The Einstein Research Unit: Technologies in Global Health at Charité provides access to world-class expertise in health systems and digital health, enabling me to pursue rigorous, policy-relevant research with real global impact. The city's collaborative academic culture and its strong commitment to interdisciplinary research made it the natural choice for this chapter of my career.

What fascinates you about your research area?

What fascinates me most is the complexity of the systems through which health is delivered, and the profound consequences when those systems fall short. Vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools ever developed, yet millions of people remain unreached. Understanding why - whether due to production capacity, policy gaps, health worker capacity, or institutional and community trust - and translating those insights into actionable solutions is both intellectually compelling and deeply meaningful.

How will your research change the world?

By generating robust evidence on the barriers and enablers of vaccine uptake in Ghana and similar settings, my research has the potential to inform smarter, more equitable vaccine production and acceptance policies across Sub-Saharan Africa. In a region where vaccine-preventable diseases still claim far too many lives, strengthening the systems that deliver vaccines could save thousands of lives annually and contribute to more resilient, responsive health systems over the long term.

What major short-term goal are you currently working towards with your research?

My immediate goal is to complete a comprehensive mixed-methods study examining the structural and demand-side determinants of vaccine uptake in Ghana. I aim to produce findings that are directly useful to policymakers and program managers, generating evidence that moves beyond describing what the problems are to offering practical, context-sensitive recommendations for how they can be addressed.

How did you become interested in your specific topic?

Growing up in Ghana, I observed firsthand how preventable illnesses continued to affect communities despite the existence of effective interventions. This sparked a deep interest in understanding not just the science of disease, but the systems and policies that determine whether that science reaches the people who need it most. My background in health systems research naturally drew me toward technologies in global health - a field where systems-level challenges are both well-documented and urgently in need of solutions.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

A health policy analyst, and, in many ways, that is exactly what I am working towards.

Rumour has it that nobody is perfect. Which skill or ability have you really had to work on in your career (or are you perhaps still working on)?

Learning to communicate complex research findings in accessible, actionable language has been an ongoing and deliberate effort. As researchers, we are trained to nuance, but nuance without clarity rarely influences policy. I have worked hard to bridge that gap, and it remains a discipline I continue to develop.

How does the academic culture in Berlin differ from the academic culture you are used to?

The academic culture in Berlin places a strong emphasis on structured processes, institutional collaboration, and long-term strategic thinking - qualities that differ from the more resource-constrained, adaptive research environments. Here, there is greater infrastructure for interdisciplinary exchange, and a culture that genuinely values rigor and methodological transparency. Navigating these differences has been enriching and has sharpened my own approach to research design and dissemination.

What would your advice be for colleagues at home interested in a research stay in Berlin?

Come with an open mind and a willingness to engage beyond your immediate research group. Berlin rewards curiosity - there are seminars, collaborations, and conversations happening across institutions every week that can genuinely transform your thinking. Learn at least a few words of German; it signals respect and opens doors. And do not underestimate the importance of building relationships early - the city's research community is warm and welcoming, but connection takes intentional effort.