Vina Ikhuoria

Ogechi "Vina" Vinaprisca Ikhuoria is a Graduate Assistant with the Global Public Health Scholars Program and a PhD student in Behavioral and Community Health at the University of Maryland School of Public Health. She earned her MSc in Population and Reproductive Health from the School of Public Health at the University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Vina's research focuses on improving the sexual and reproductive health of girls and women, especially in the areas of contraception, menstrual health, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health, through community-engaged research, health policy, and evidence-informed interventions, with a particular interest in sub-Saharan Africa. Before joining the University of Maryland, she worked across research, health communication, and primary healthcare in Nigeria to advance family planning, adolescent health, and maternal health programs. While working with the Community Health Services Department at the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, she contributed to integrated primary healthcare programs, supporting projects in maternal and child health, immunization, adolescent health, family planning, advocacy, and community engagement.

Through her professional experiences, Vina has developed a strong interest in translating evidence into policies and programs that improve health equity. She hopes to contribute to global health initiatives by collaborating with governments, communities, and multilateral organizations to strengthen health systems and expand access to high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.

Outside of work, Vina enjoys watching movies, spending time with family, and exploring new cultures through food.