Desmond Kuupiel, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Public Health, research leader, and consultant with extensive expertise in health systems research, implementation science, and global public health. He obtained his PhD in Public Health from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) in 2019, following an MPH from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (Ghana), a BSc in Public Health from the Catholic University of Ghana, and professional nursing qualifications including an Advanced Diploma in Critical Care Nursing. Prof. Kuupiel has held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Stellenbosch University, and Durban University of Technology, and currently contributes to teaching, curriculum development, and postgraduate supervision. He has supervised over 20 postgraduate students and mentored emerging researchers in public health. His research spans tuberculosis, HIV, maternal and child health, diagnostics access, and evidence synthesis, with over 70 peer-reviewed publications and contributions to Global Burden of Disease studies. He has provided technical assistance and consultancy to organisations including the Global Fund and other partners, supporting TB and HIV programme design, evaluation, and policy development. Prof. Kuupiel is a member of AFREhealth, the Global Diagnostics Network, and the Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association. His awards include the Top 10 Most Published PhD Student Award and multiple Best Nurse Awards