Dr. Bernard Omech is an Associate Professor of Medicine, public health expert, and implementation researcher with more than 24 years of medical practice in Uganda and Botswana. He currently serves as Acting Director of Graduate Training and Research at Lira University, Uganda.

Dr. Omech’s career is dedicated to advancing integrated approaches in education, research, and health system strengthening. He is Principal Investigator of the CAFFP-PAC Project, Enhancing Adolescents’ Sexual and Reproductive Health in Northern Uganda, funded by IDRC, Global Affairs Canada, and CIHR (CAD 1.2 million). This initiative employs citizen science and gender-transformative strategies to expand adolescent SRH access in underserved communities.

He also leads the Ugandan site of the M-CARE Project as Principal Investigator and doctoral researcher at the University of Amsterdam. This project develops integrated care models for patients with multiple cardiometabolic and mental health conditions, addressing the rising burden of chronic diseases in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Omech’s research portfolio emphasizes the integration of chronic disease care, mental health, and sexual and reproductive health within primary healthcare systems. He has successfully led and collaborated on large-scale health initiatives funded by global partners, including the European Union, IDRC, and Global Affairs Canada.

His plenary presentation will highlight Integrated Approaches in Education, Research, and Control of Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases, reflecting his commitment to health equity and system resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa.