Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku PhD (University of Basel); MPhil (University of Ghana); BSc (University of Ghana)
Senior Research Fellow, University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Greater Accra · Ghana
Editorial leadership for International Journal of Coronaviruses ISSN 2692-1537
Research interests
- Tuberculosis
- Molecular Epidemiology
- Host Genetics
Biography
Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku is a distinguished Senior Research Fellow at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, specializing in the molecular epidemiology of infectious diseases. Her primary research is dedicated to understanding the transmission dynamics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), particularly within the West African sub-region. Dr. Asante-Poku employs advanced whole-genome sequencing and other molecular techniques to characterize pathogen strains, identify transmission clusters, and study the evolution of drug resistance. Her work has been instrumental in shaping public health policies and TB control strategies in Ghana. She is also deeply involved in capacity building, training the next generation of African scientists in molecular diagnostics and genomic research, contributing vital knowledge to curb the spread of this persistent global health threat.
Education Details
- PhD in Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokyo, Japan (2014)
- MPhil in Zoology (Applied Parasitology), University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana (2005)
- BSc in Zoology, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana (2001)
Professional Background
- Senior Research Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana (Present)
- Research Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research / Kitasato University, Japan
- Principal Research Assistant, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research
Achievements
- Royal Society Africa Prize (2023)
- Affiliate Member, The African Academy of Sciences
- Fellow, Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD) Early Career Fellowship
- Recipient, Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship for PhD studies
Current Research Projects
Her current research involves using whole-genome sequencing to investigate the transmission of drug-resistant tuberculosis in urban settings in Ghana. She leads projects on genomic surveillance to provide real-time data for TB control programs and works on the development and evaluation of rapid molecular diagnostic tests for respiratory infections.
Academic Profiles of Dr. Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku
Selected publications
- Phylogenomics of Mycobacterium africanum reveals a new lineage and a complex evolutionary history 2021 cited 100×
- Comparative genomics of Mycobacterium africanum Lineage 5 and Lineage 6 from Ghana suggests distinct ecological niches 2018 cited 42×
- Reduced transmission of Mycobacterium africanum compared to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in urban West Africa 2018 cited 37×
- Improving experiences of neglected tropical diseases of the skin: Mixed methods formative research for development of a complex intervention in Atwima Mponua District, Ghana 2024 cited 9×
- Genotypic and phenotypic diversity of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex genotypes prevalent in West Africa 2021 cited 8×
- Predictors of Adverse TB Treatment Outcome among TB/HIV Patients Compared with Non-HIV Patients in the Greater Accra Regional Hospital from 2008 to 2016 2020 cited 8×
Ranked by citation impact (Crossref) where available, newest otherwise · verified via ORCID.
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This journal is guided by Dr. Adwoa Asante-Poku (Senior Research Fellow, University of Ghana Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Legon, Greater Accra) and a peer-review board of practising researchers. Open access, author-retained copyright (CC BY), and a clear editorial process.