Chizaram Onyeaghala | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Chizaram Onyeaghala | Infectious Diseases | Best Researcher Award

Consultant Physician | University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital | Nigeria

Dr. Chizaram A. Onyeaghala is a Consultant Physician and Infectious Diseases Specialist at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. His expertise lies in infectious diseases, HIV medicine, emerging and re-emerging infections, and global health. With a strong academic foundation, he holds qualifications from prestigious institutions, including the West African College of Physicians, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, and advanced certifications in Vaccinology, Genomics, and Global Health from Stellenbosch University, Liverpool John Moores University, and the Royal College of Physicians, London. Dr. Onyeaghala’s research portfolio reflects a robust engagement with global health challenges. His works, cited over 837 times with an h-index of 11 and i10-index of 12, have been published in top-tier journals such as The Lancet Infectious Diseases, European Respiratory Journal, and Clinical Infectious Diseases. His collaborations with renowned institutions, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Queen Mary University of London, and Washington University in St. Louis, underscore his commitment to international scientific partnership and multidisciplinary inquiry. He has contributed to several landmark studies on Mpox, COVID-19, tuberculosis, antimicrobial resistance, and Lassa fever, which have informed clinical practice and public health response strategies in Nigeria and beyond. As a lead clinician in WHO- and LSTM-funded studies, and a member of national technical working groups, his research and leadership have had tangible societal impact—enhancing epidemic preparedness, infection prevention, and community health resilience. Dr. Onyeaghala’s professional engagements extend to editorial and review roles for international journals and active membership in organizations such as IDSA, IAS, ESCMID, and NIDS. His growing scholarly influence, mentorship activities, and policy-driven research continue to strengthen global infectious disease control and scientific innovation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  1. Mitjà, O., Alemany, A., Marks, M., Mora, J. I. L., Rodríguez-Aldama, J. C., Silva, M. S. T., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Mpox in people with advanced HIV infection: A global case series. The Lancet, 401(10380), 939–949. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00273-3 — Citations: 480

  2. Ogoina, D., Dalhat, M. M., Denue, B. A., Okowa, M., Chika-Igwenyi, N. M., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Clinical characteristics and predictors of human mpox outcome during the 2022 outbreak in Nigeria: A cohort study. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, 23(12), 1418–1428. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(23)00409-7 — Citations: 49

  3. Global Tuberculosis Network, Casco, N., Jorge, A. L., Palmero, D. J., Alffenaar, J. W., Fox, G. J., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2023). Long-term outcomes of the global tuberculosis and COVID-19 co-infection cohort. European Respiratory Journal, 62(5). https://doi.org/10.1183/13993003.00925-2023 — Citations: 45

  4. Migliori, G. B., Visca, D., van den Boom, M., Tiberi, S., Silva, D. R., Centis, R., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2021). Tuberculosis, COVID-19 and hospital admission: Consensus on pros and cons based on a review of the evidence. Pulmonology, 27(3), 248–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pulmoe.2020.12.016 — Citations: 41

  5. Haeuser, E., Byrne, S., Nguyen, J., Raggi, C., McLaughlin, S. A., Bisignano, C., Onyeaghala, C. A., et al. (2025). Global, regional, and national trends in routine childhood vaccination coverage from 1980 to 2023 with forecasts to 2030: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. The Lancet. — Citations: 26

Valmir Rastely-Junior | Infectious Diseases | Young Scientist Award

Mr. Valmir Rastely-Junior | Infectious Diseases | Young Scientist Award

Universidade Federal da Bahia | Brazil

Mr. Valmir Rastely-Junior is a distinguished physician specializing in infectious diseases, pediatrics, and neuropediatrics, with an MD from the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA, 2015). He has accumulated extensive clinical and research experience, focusing on child health, congenital Zika syndrome, antimicrobial resistance, and public health inequities, integrating multidisciplinary care with evidence-based interventions. His professional trajectory includes work at Fiocruz Bahia on neurodevelopmental studies, epidemiologic surveillance, teratogen information services, and COVID-19 teleadvice programs. He has been instrumental in technology-driven initiatives such as Telecoronavírus (UFBA) and Artificial Intelligence as a Service for Combating COVID-19 (Rede CoVida/Cidacs Fiocruz), emphasizing the translation of research into practical, community-focused solutions. Mr. Rastely-Junior’s research interests center on infectious-disease–driven child health, neurodevelopmental outcomes in congenital infections, health disparities, and AI-supported clinical and epidemiological tools. He possesses strong research skills, including clinical study design, epidemiologic analysis, bibliometric synthesis, and international collaborative research, demonstrated through six peer-reviewed publications in Scopus and PubMed-indexed journals, three joint research projects, two conference presentations, and mentorship of research scholars. His work has earned eight awards and recognitions, including first-place honors at Fiocruz Bahia and an honorable mention in the International Balint Award/Ascona Prize, reflecting both scientific excellence and societal impact. Mr. Rastely-Junior is an active member of 16 professional bodies, contributing to editorial, review, and volunteer initiatives that promote knowledge dissemination and community engagement. In conclusion, his blend of clinical expertise, innovative research, international collaborations, and commitment to evidence-based public health positions him as a promising leader in global biomedical research, capable of advancing high-impact publications, AI-enabled solutions, and mentorship programs that enhance healthcare outcomes and scientific standards worldwide. 27 Citations | 3 Documents | 2 h-index.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

  1. Aguilar Ticona, J. P., Nery Jr, N., Doss-Gollin, S., Gambrah, C., Lessa, M., … Rastely-Junior, V. N. (2021). Heterogeneous development of children with Congenital Zika Syndrome-associated microcephaly. PLoS One, 16(9), e0256444. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0256444. Cited by: 26

  2. Nery Jr, N., Aguilar Ticona, J. P., Gambrah, C., Doss-Gollin, S., Aromolaran, A., … Rastely-Junior, V. N. (2021). Social determinants associated with Zika virus infection in pregnant women. PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 15(7), e0009612. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0009612. Cited by: 14

  3. Aromolaran, A., Araujo, K., Ladines-Lim, J. B., Nery Jr, N., do Rosário, M. S., … Rastely-Junior, V. N. (2022). Unequal burden of Zika-associated microcephaly among populations with public and private healthcare in Salvador, Brazil. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 120, 201–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijid.2022.06.021. Cited by: 6

  4. Mattos, A. M., Rastely-Junior, V. N., Pires, M. M., Aguilar, J. P., Lessa, M. S. A., Regis, C., … (2023). Predictors of neurodevelopment in microcephaly associated with congenital Zika Syndrome: A prospective study. Children, 10(12), 1831. https://doi.org/10.3390/children10121831. Cited by: 3

  5. Brito, L. B., Rastely-Junior, V. N., Browne, E. S., Nery Júnior, N. R. R., … (2016). Sinais e sintomas de zika-virus em gestantes internadas em um Hospital Público de referência da Bahia. Cited by: 2

 

Solomon Tesfaye | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye | Immunology and Microbiology | Best Researcher Award

Researcher at University of Gondar, Ethiopia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of biomedical sciences, specializing in infectious diseases, parasitology, and epidemiology. He holds a PhD in Biology from Addis Ababa University and has over two decades of experience in academia, currently serving as an Associate Professor at Gondar University, Ethiopia. His extensive research portfolio includes numerous publications in high-impact journals, focusing on malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, and gastrointestinal parasitic infections. Dr. Tesfaye has made significant contributions to public health through his studies on disease prevalence, risk factors, and control strategies. His work is widely recognized for its impact on healthcare policies and disease management in Ethiopia. In addition to research, he has played a crucial role in mentoring students and advancing scientific knowledge. With a strong academic background, ongoing research, and collaborative efforts, Dr. Tesfaye continues to be a leading figure in biomedical research and higher education.

Professional Profile 

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye has a strong academic background in biology and biomedical sciences. He earned his PhD in Biology under the Biomedical Sciences Stream from Addis Ababa University (2011–2017), where he conducted extensive research on infectious diseases. Prior to that, he completed his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Biology under the Biomedical Sciences Stream at Addis Ababa University (2006–2008), further strengthening his expertise in medical research. His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology from Dilla University (1996–2000), providing him with a solid foundation in biological sciences. Dr. Tesfaye’s early education includes high school at Butajira Senior Secondary School (1989–1993) and elementary education at Butajira Elementary School (1982–1988). His progressive academic achievements have enabled him to excel in biomedical research, making significant contributions to infectious disease studies, particularly in Ethiopia. His dedication to education and research has established him as a leading scholar in his field.

Professional Experience

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye has extensive professional experience in academia and research, with a strong focus on biomedical sciences. He is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at Gondar University, Ethiopia, a position he has held since September 2024. Prior to this, he served as an Assistant Professor at the same university from 2018 to 2024 and as a Lecturer from 2017 to 2018. His teaching career began in 2000, with roles as a Biology and Chemistry teacher in various secondary schools, including Butajira Senior Secondary School and Mechara Secondary School. He also worked at the School of Tomorrow Preparatory Private School in Addis Ababa. Over the years, Dr. Tesfaye has combined his teaching expertise with impactful research in infectious diseases. His vast experience in higher education and research has allowed him to mentor students, contribute to scientific advancements, and enhance public health initiatives in Ethiopia.

Research Interest

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye’s research interests lie in the field of biomedical sciences, with a strong focus on infectious diseases, parasitology, epidemiology, and public health. His work primarily investigates the prevalence, risk factors, and control strategies for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, and gastrointestinal parasitic infections. He is particularly interested in vector-borne diseases and the impact of environmental and biological factors on disease transmission. Dr. Tesfaye’s research also explores antimicrobial resistance patterns, seroprevalence studies, and innovative approaches to disease prevention and management. His studies contribute significantly to understanding disease dynamics in Ethiopia and beyond, with implications for healthcare policies and public health interventions. Through his research, he aims to develop effective strategies for disease control and to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and practical healthcare applications. His commitment to advancing biomedical research continues to have a meaningful impact on both academia and public health.

Award and Honor

There is no specific mention of awards and honors received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye in the provided information. However, based on his extensive research contributions, academic achievements, and professional experience, he is likely to have earned recognition in his field. As a highly accomplished researcher in biomedical sciences, his work on infectious diseases, parasitology, and epidemiology has had a significant impact on public health in Ethiopia and beyond. His numerous publications in reputable journals, mentorship of students, and dedication to scientific advancement may have led to institutional and academic recognition. Additionally, his role as an Associate Professor at Gondar University and his involvement in collaborative research projects indicate his influence in the academic and scientific community. If further details on specific awards or honors are available, they would provide a clearer picture of his formal recognitions and achievements in the field of biomedical research.

Research Skill

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Solomon Tesfaye possesses strong research skills in biomedical sciences, with expertise in infectious diseases, parasitology, epidemiology, and public health. His ability to design and conduct scientific studies is evident through his extensive publication record in high-impact journals. He excels in data collection, statistical analysis, and interpreting epidemiological trends, particularly in disease prevalence and risk factors. Dr. Tesfaye is skilled in laboratory techniques related to microbiology and parasitology, including serological testing and antimicrobial resistance studies. His research also involves fieldwork, assessing disease patterns, and evaluating environmental influences on disease transmission. He is proficient in using advanced research methodologies, literature reviews, and evidence-based approaches to address public health challenges. His collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and mentoring of students further highlight his research leadership. Through his analytical skills, innovative thinking, and dedication to scientific discovery, Dr. Tesfaye continues to contribute significantly to biomedical research and public health advancements.

Conclusion

Based on his extensive research contributions, impactful publications, and academic experience, Solomon Tesfaye is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work significantly contributes to biomedical sciences, particularly in infectious diseases affecting public health. Strengthening international collaborations, securing funding, and translating research into innovations can further enhance his profile.

Publications Top Noted

  • Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C and HIV Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care Unit at Simada Hospital, South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Tirngo Abebaw, Endalkachew Bizualem, Daniel Mehabie, Amir Alelign, Valeria Pasciu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: BioMed Research International, DOI: 10.1155/bmri/6895237
  • Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Typhoid Fever in Patients Attending Bishoftu Town Health Centers, Oromia, Central Ethiopia

    • Authors: Gebeyehu Mekonnen, Solomon Tesfaye, Damtew Bekele, Esubalew Asmare
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5875722/v1
  • The Prevalence and Factors Influencing Scabies among Elementary School Children in Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Mequanint Alem, Damtew Bekele, Ashenafi Alemu
    • Year: 2025
    • Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-5850656/v1
  • Sero-Prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis and Associated Risk Factors among Febrile Patients Attending Metema Hospital, West Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Tibebnesh Getu, Tilahun Yohannes, Damtew Bekele
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Acta Parasitologica, DOI: 10.1007/s11686-024-00882-3
  • Sero-prevalence of Visceral Leishmaniasis and Associated Risk Factors among Febrile Patients Attending Metema Hospital, West Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Tibebnesh Getu, Tilahun Yohanes, Damtew Bekele
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: Preprint, DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4213210/v1
  • Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Risk Factors Among Secondary School Students in Wonji Shoa, Adama District, East Shoa Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia

    • Authors: Abera Adugna, Tilahun Yohannes, Solomon Tesfaye, Francesca Mancianti
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: BioMed Research International, DOI: 10.1155/2024/5520924
  • Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, C, and its Associated Risk Factors Among Clinically Suspected Patients Attending Poly and Maraki Health Centers, Gondar City, North West Ethiopia

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Adefework Alemu, Endalkachew Bizualem, Daniel Mehabie, Amir Alelign
    • Year: 2024
    • Citation: SAGE Open Medicine, DOI: 10.1177/20503121241266347
  • Ocular Bacterial Infections and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Patients Attending Gondar Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

    • Authors: Yeshambel Belyhun, Feleke Moges, Mengistu Endris, Banchamlak Asmare, Bemnet Amare, Damtew Bekele, Solomon Tesfaye, Martha Alemayehu, Fantahun Biadgelegne, Andargachew Mulu et al.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citation: BMC Research Notes, DOI: 10.1186/s13104-018-3705-y
  • Impact of Fertilizers and Green Algae (Spirogyra) on the Survival and Development of Immature Malaria Vector, Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Lato Giles (Diptera: Culicidae)

  • Bacteriological Profile and Drug Susceptibility Patterns in Dacryocystitis Patients Attending Gondar University Teaching Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

    • Authors: Yared Assefa, Feleke Moges, Mengistu Endris, Banchamlak Zereay, Bemnet Amare, Damtew Bekele, Solomon Tesfaye, Andargachew Mulu, Yeshambel Belyhun
    • Year: 2015
    • Citation: BMC Ophthalmology, DOI: 10.1186/s12886-015-0016-0
  • Trends of Tuberculosis and HIV Infections Between 2004 and 2008 in Wolaita Sodo, Southern Ethiopia

    • Authors: Teklu T, Yeshambel Belyhun, Solomon Tesfaye, Girmay Medhin
    • Year: 2012
    • Citation: Ethiopian Medical Journal, PMID: 22519157
  • Malaria Prevalence Pattern Observed in the Highland Fringe of Butajira, Southern Ethiopia: A Longitudinal Study from Parasitological and Entomological Survey

    • Authors: Solomon Tesfaye, Yeshambel Belyhun, Takele Teklu, Tesfaye Mengesha, Beyene Petros
    • Year: 2011
    • Citation: Malaria Journal, DOI: 10.1186/1475-2875-10-153