Dennis Akpona

Dennis Akpona is a Global Health Specialist with over 14 years of experience providing sexual reproductive health and care services to vulnerable populations in Africa and the United States. He has substantial knowledge and experience in research, including operational research, program development, program management, budget management, needs assessment, and project monitoring and evaluation. He has skills and experience in planning, implementing, and monitoring different interventions targeting vulnerable populations and has contributed to improving health policies worldwide.

Dennis started off working as an activist and staff of The Initiative for Equal Rights – a leading LGBTQ+ human rights organization in Nigeria, where he worked closely with the Population Council to conduct bio-behavioral studies targeting Key Populations across Nigeria. Currently, he is the Senior Program Associate, Mental Health program at the Carter Center, Emory University, Atlanta Georgia. The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in more than 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy and human rights; preventing diseases and improving mental health care. He previously worked as the Deputy Executive Director of CPHI, a Community Health and Research Centre that provides HIV prevention, treatment, care, mental health and support services for Key Populations (men who have sex with men, sex workers, people who inject drugs, and their families) in Nigeria.

Dennis is a licensed social worker in the United States who provides mentorship for community-led organizations and individuals worldwide. He holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Buffalo, United States of America, and is pursuing his PhD in Community Health at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.