Ekere James Essien

Ekere James Essien is a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy, where he also serves as Director of the Institute of Community Health. His research focuses on public health disparities, particularly HIV/AIDS prevention and health outcomes among minority populations in the United States and Africa.

His educational background includes:

• Dr.PH, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
• MPH, University of Texas School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
• M.D., University of Calabar College of Medicine, Calabar, Nigeria

Dr. Essien's work centers on HIV/AIDS prevention among minority populations, patient-centered health outcomes, the social/ecological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and drug use in minority communities. His research frequently addresses military personnel and vulnerable groups through community-based interventions, emphasizing culturally tailored approaches to reduce health disparities and improve risk perception.

His 15-year publication record shows a consistent trajectory from HIV risk behavior studies in military cohorts (2007-2013) to contemporary work on pandemic impacts (2020-2021), with recurring themes of adherence barriers, stigma reduction, and health equity. The research spans infectious disease epidemiology, behavioral intervention design, and health services implementation across U.S. and African contexts.

His scientific recognition includes sustained NIH service since 2005:

• 2005-2010: Behavioral and Social Science Approaches to Preventing HIV (BSPH) Study Section
• 2014-2021: Multiple chair/co-chair roles for Special Emphasis Panels on HIV prevention, mobile health, and stigma reduction in low/middle-income countries
• 2018: Leadership on pre-exposure prophylaxis research for health disparity populations
• 2021: Panel chairman for viral suppression initiatives in HIV care

As Director of the Institute of Community Health, he leads research teams addressing HIV care continuity during the pandemic and developing community-engaged solutions for health disparities. His work demonstrates strong collaboration with Nigerian institutions and U.S. military health systems, with current projects focusing on intersectional vulnerabilities during public health emergencies.