Background

Professor Martin Nyaaba Adokiya (PhD., MPH., BSc.), is a Professor of Global Health with over 25 years’ experience in teaching, research and community engagement.

Education/Training
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Community Nutrition from the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, UDS in 2004; a Master’s degree in Public Health from the School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana in 2010; a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Public Health from the Institute of Global Health, University of Heidelberg, Germany in 2015; a Postdoctoral fellowship in Global Health from the School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA in 2017. He also undertook studies at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA and he further received fellowship training at the School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.

Positions and Ranks
In May 2026, he was appointed as Dean of the School of Public Health, UDS. Adokiya is the immediate past Vice-Dean of the School of Public Health, UDS, Ghana. He previously served as  Head of Department (HoD) of the Department of Health Sciences Education (Faculty of Education), the Department of Paediatric Nursing (School of Nursing and Midwifery) and the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Disease Control (School of Public Health), UDS, Ghana. Adokiya has worked at different ranks including a Senior Research Assistant, Principal Research Assistant, Lecturer, Senior Lecturer, Associate Professor and Professor.

Research Experience
Adokiya is a prominent researcher affiliated with multiple institutions across Ghana and internationally. His research often emphasizes the health disparities faced by rural populations, contributing to a deeper understanding of the unique challenges in these communities. Adokiya's contributions to public health research are significant, as they not only address pressing health issues but also inform policy and intervention strategies. His research focuses on the maternal and child health, health systems, migration, nutrition, climate, immunizations, infectious diseases, disease surveillance, noncommunicable diseases and one-health. His research portfolio includes studies on maternal and child health, family planning, antenatal care, anaemia, global health education, adverse newborn outcomes, hepatitis B, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Tuberculosis, malaria, Ebola, vaccination, nutrition, disease surveillance and data quality, He also works on emerging and re-emerging infectious (e.g. COVID-19, Ebola) and noncommunicable diseases (e.g. diabetes, hypertension and cervical cancer), adolescent risk behaviors, and other global public health concerns.

A notable pattern in Adokiya's scholarly output is his focus on the intersection of social determinants and health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. His research often explores the influence of socio-economic factors, cultural practices, and access to healthcare on health behaviors and outcomes. This thematic approach not only enriches the academic literature but also serves as a foundation for developing targeted health interventions that address the specific needs of diverse communities. Overall, Adokiya's work is characterized by a commitment to improving public health through rigorous research and a focus on equity in health access and outcomes. He has authored several peer-reviewed scientific articles and delivered presentations at international conferences. He has mentored students and staff and remains passionate about mentoring young faculty from Ghana and beyond.

Grants/Awards/Fellowships/Associations
Adokiya has raised funds and collaborated with several universities including University of Ghana, Ghana, University of Michigan, USA, University of Sheffield, UK, University of Heidelberg, Germany, Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany, Catholic University of Applied Sciences, Cologne, Germany, and other public health agencies - global health partnerships and international health groups. He has received several fellowships, awards and grants from distinguished institutions including the Fogarty Center of the NIH, USAID/Quality Services for Health (Q4H) Activity, USAID/Systems for Health, Volkswagen Foundation, University of Sheffield, UK & World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa.

Adokiya is a member of the Ghana Science Association (GSA), the Consortium of Universities for Global Health (CUGH) Education Committee, the Bellagio Global Health Education Initiative (BGHEI), the Global Health Educators Community (GHECo), and the African Forum for Research and Education in Health (AFREhealth). He has served as a reviewer or academic editor for several journals.