Dr. Dismas Oketch | Public Health | Excellence in Research Award

PhD Research Fellow at University of Nairobi, Kenya

Dr. Dismas Oketch is a distinguished medical epidemiologist and One Health researcher with extensive expertise in infectious disease control, clinical trials, and global health leadership, holding a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Moi University, Kenya (2004), a Master of Science in Clinical Trials from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of London (2011), a Fellowship in Advanced Science on Vaccines from the University of São Paulo, Brazil (2018), and currently completing a PhD in Infectious Diseases at the University of Nairobi (2025) with sponsorship from Washington State University. His doctoral research, titled “Molecular characterization of Brucella spp. and transmission dynamics of brucellosis among humans and livestock in Kenya,” applies a One Health approach to improve prevention and control strategies for brucellosis. Dr. Oketch has served as an Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Nairobi since 2023 and is an active member of the Kenya National Brucellosis Technical Working Group. He previously held the role of Research Officer and Programs Coordinator at the International Emerging Infections Program, Kenya Medical Research Institute–Center for Global Health Research in Kisumu, where he contributed significantly to national and regional infectious disease initiatives. In recognition of his early career impact, he was awarded the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Early Career Grant (NIHR24008) in 2024. His research leadership includes pivotal roles in major international studies such as the Partners PrEP study as Safety Monitor, HPV and p16INK4a ELISA cervical cancer screening studies as Coordinator, Antibody Mediated HIV Prevention (HPTN 081) and Long-Acting Cabotegravir Injection for HIV Prevention (HPTN 084) as Principal Investigator, and the DTRA Brucellosis and MERS-CoV study as Coordinator. Dr. Oketch actively engages in global scientific discourse, participating in forums such as the 10th International Conference on Infectious Disease Dynamics in San Diego, serving as a One Health Early Career Champion within the University of Helsinki–University of Nairobi collaboration, and contributing to the Kenya Medical Research Institute Annual Scientific and Health Conference in 2025. With strong training in global health leadership, public health research, and good clinical practice, he consistently builds high-performing, ethically grounded research teams. Driven by scientific rigor and strategic vision, Dr. Oketch aspires to be a global leader in One Health, vaccine development, and immunotherapy, committed to advancing global health security, equity, and sustainable social development while inspiring future generations to embrace scientific innovation, cultural understanding, and best practice.