Doctorate at University of Ghana, Ghana
Profile
👨⚕️ Academic Background:
Billal Musah Obeng is a dedicated researcher and academic specializing in molecular epidemiology and virology. With significant experience in both laboratory and field settings, he focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions and the spread of infectious diseases. His work contributes to global health initiatives, particularly in HIV research and public health.
🎓 Education
Billal Musah Obeng is currently pursuing a joint Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Medicine at IUHS and the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, expected to conclude in 2024. He earned his Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Microbiology, specializing in Virology, from the University of Ghana in 2017, following a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Medical Laboratory Sciences with a focus on Microbiology from the same institution in 2014. His comprehensive education has equipped him with a robust foundation in medical and laboratory sciences, supporting his advanced research in infectious diseases and molecular epidemiology.
💼 Professional Experience
Billal Musah Obeng has accumulated extensive experience in both research and academic settings. As a Research Officer at the Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, he leads field and clinical laboratory teams in the Global Health Program, focusing on HIV viral load and drug resistance testing. Previously, as a Research Assistant at the same institute, he managed data and analysis for global health projects. His experience also includes roles as a Laboratory Manager and Senior Laboratory Scientist at Frontiers Healthcare Services in Ghana, where he managed COVID-19 testing and staff training. Additionally, Billal has held academic positions as Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Technology and Lecturer in Medical Microbiology, demonstrating his expertise in teaching and curriculum development. His career is marked by a commitment to advancing public health through both practical laboratory work and educational contributions.
🔬 Research Interests
Billal Musah Obeng’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular epidemiology and infectious disease dynamics. His work primarily focuses on understanding host-pathogen interactions and the mechanisms through which infectious diseases evade and spread across populations. Currently, he is engaged in research to optimize HIV viral load and drug resistance testing, contributing to global health initiatives aimed at controlling and eventually eliminating HIV transmission. His use of molecular epidemiological tools allows for detailed investigations into the genetic and environmental factors influencing disease propagation and resistance. Billal’s research aims to provide insights that inform public health strategies and enhance disease monitoring and management.
Article: Genetic landscape for majority and minority HIV-1 drug resistance mutations in antiretroviral therapy naive patients in Accra, Ghana
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- Authors: Appiah, P., Gbassana, G., Adusei-Poku, M., Duedu, K.O., Sagoe, K.W.C.
- Journal: Heliyon
- Year: 2024
- Volume: 10
- Issue: 12
- Article Number: e33180
Review: Molecular epidemiology to aid virtual elimination of HIV transmission in Australia
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- Authors: Obeng, B.M., Kelleher, A.D., Di Giallonardo, F.
- Journal: Virus Research
- Year: 2024
- Volume: 341
- Article Number: 199310
Article: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with sickle cell disease at the Korle-Bu teaching hospital
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- Authors: Mawuli, G., Dzudzor, B., Tachi, K., Arjarquah, A., Bonney, J.H.K.
- Journal: Virology Journal
- Year: 2022
- Volume: 19
- Issue: 1
- Article Number: 73
Article: Transmitted drug resistance mutations and subtype diversity amongst HIV-1 sero-positive voluntary blood donors in Accra, Ghana
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- Authors: Obeng, B.M., Bonney, E.Y., Asamoah-Akuoko, L., Abana, C.Z.-Y., Sagoe, K.W.C.
- Journal: Virology Journal
- Year: 2020
- Volume: 17
- Issue: 1
- Article Number: 114