Samuel Kwasi Opoku | Public Health | Best Paper Award

Samuel Kwasi Opoku | Public Health | Best Paper Award

Germany

Mr. Samuel Kwasi Opoku is a clinical researcher with practical experience in clinical research coordination, pharmacovigilance, and regulatory documentation within EU and international settings. Trained at Parexel Academy in ICH-GCP, trial master file management, monitoring support, and clinical trial operations, he has contributed to study start-up activities, site support, safety documentation, and data quality assurance. His professional experience includes supporting pharmacovigilance activities, preparing safety and regulatory reports, conducting medical literature screening and signal detection, and contributing to inspection-ready documentation in compliance with EU regulations. He is detail-oriented, reliable, and motivated to support high-quality clinical research within CRO and sponsor environments.
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Featured Publications

Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis | Health Professions | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Bikila Balis, Haramaya University, Ethiopia

Mr. Bikila Balis is a highly skilled and results-oriented health professional with a strong focus on improving maternal and child health. He has made significant contributions to public health through his work at Gimbi Public Hospital and as a proactive lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. With over 8 years of experience, Mr. Balis has secured four research grants for projects on COVID-19 vaccines, child vaccines, diarrhea, and maternal and child health.

Education:

Higher Diploma Program (HDP), Haramaya University (2021-2022)

Expected Completion Date: July 1, 2022

Achievements: Certificate

Language of Instruction: English

Field of Study: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Role: Assistant Professor

Master of Science (MSc), Haramaya University (2018-2019)

Expected Completion Date: August 2, 2019

Major: Maternity and Neonatal Nursing

Achievements: GPA of 3.92

Language of Instruction: English

Bachelor of Science (BSc), Haramaya University (2011-2014)

Expected Completion Date: July 10, 2014

Major: Midwifery

Achievements: GPA of 3.75

Language of Instruction: English

Entrance and Matric, Amuru High School and Preparatory, Ethiopia (2007-2010)

Achievements: Certificates

Language of Instruction: English

Professional Profiles:

Scopus Profile

Professional Experience:

Currently, Mr. Balis is coaching 8 BSc research projects and 5 Master’s theses while teaching various courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students at the College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University. He also holds the position of freshman program coordinator at the college, enhancing the academic experience for new students. His dedication to both teaching and research makes him a valuable asset to the health sector and academia in Ethiopia.

Top Notable Publications:

Systemic and meta-analyses of diabetic retinopathy and its care-related predictors after diabetic mellitus treatment initiation in Ethiopia

Authors: Motuma, A., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Mohammed, F., Mussa, I.

Published in Endocrine and Metabolic Science, 2025, 17, 100209

Association between the use of herbal medicines during pregnancy and adverse fetal outcomes among mothers in eastern Ethiopia

Authors: Getachew, T., Tura, A.K., Dheresa, M., Regassa, L.D., Eyeberu, A.

Published in Heliyon, 2024, 10(24), e40941

Further analysis of determinants of Pentavalent and Measles immunizations dropouts among children under five years of age in Ethiopia from Mini-EDHS 2019

Authors: Tolera, M., Birhanu, A., Regassa, L.D., Balis, B., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Health Services Research, 2024, 24(1), 1527

Knowledge, perceived needs of continuous professional’s development, and associated factors among healthcare workers in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohamed, A., Behir, K., Debella, A., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 497

Diarrheal disease and associated factors among children aged 6 to 59 months in Oda Bultum District, Eastern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Getachew, Z., Asefa, N., Gashaw, T., Regassa, L.D., Mussa, I.

Published in BMC Infectious Diseases, 2024, 24(1), 303

Prevalence and adverse outcomes of twin pregnancy in Eastern Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Getachew, T., Negash, A., Debella, A., Shiferaw, K., Eyeberu, A.

Published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth, 2024, 24(1), 169

Utilization of continuous professional development among health professionals in East Ethiopia: a multi-health facility-based cross-sectional study

Authors: Yadeta, T.A., Mohammed, A., Alemu, A., Balis, B., Letta, S.

Published in BMC Medical Education, 2024, 24(1), 61

Predictor of anemia among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: a case-control study

Authors: Dufera, T., Dheresa, M., Dingeta, T., Balis, B., Balcha, T.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 438–445

Trend, prevalence and predictors of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors: Balis, B., Bekele, H., Hunde, A.D., Abdisa, L., Lami, M.

Published in International Health, 2024, 16(4), pp. 371–379

Patterns of basic pneumococcal conjugated vaccine coverage in Ethiopia from 2015 to 2018; further analysis of Ethiopian DHS (2016–2019)

Authors: Gamachu, M., Mussa, I., Deressa, A., Balis, B., Demissie Regassa, L.

Conclusion:

Mr. Balis’ extensive community involvement, both academically and professionally, makes him a standout candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His contributions have had a tangible impact on healthcare and public health in Ethiopia, demonstrating his holistic approach to improving health systems.