Dr. Kwabena Ansah Odei Kumi, an alumnus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi School of Medical Sciences has been named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious SOURCE Community Service Award at Johns Hopkins University. This honour recognizes his outstanding contributions to community health in Baltimore and beyond.

Dr. Odei Kumi, currently based at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, was honoured specifically for his work on a series of community centered health initiatives that target vulnerable populations. His efforts were particularly impactful through the SOURCE Baltimore Action Projects, supported by the Bloomberg American Health Initiative, which focused on improving care delivery in transitional recovery centers for women in recovery.

As an infectious disease consultant, Dr. Odei Kumi led the development of new health policies and protocols in collaboration with The Light of Truth Center, under the leadership of Rev. Vaile Leonard. Phase I of this project positively impacted over 120 women across five centers, with Phase II expected to reach thousands more.

He also contributed significantly to the SAFE HEART Study, under the mentorship of Prof. Yvonne Commodore Mensah. This study focused on improving cardiovascular health among women of reproductive age.

Dr. Odei Kumi’s wider portfolio of engagements included partnerships with the Henderson Hopkins School, Global Cardiac Alliance, the Johns Hopkins Surgery Center for Outcomes Research (JSCOR), the Center for Global Surgery, the ADHINCRA Study, the African Public Health Network, and the Food Coalition.

"This award reflects not just individual commitment, but a shared vision of health, dignity, and service," said Dr. Odei Kumi. "Much of this work wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the SOURCE team, particularly Mindi Levin, as well as Lydia Hickey and Thomasina Watts."

He currently serves as Vice President of the African Public Health Network, where he advocates for stronger African leadership in global health and actively promotes bridging the gap between academic research and real world impact.