University of Health and Allied Sciences last week successfully convened its first international research conference, which was attended by about 250 participants either in person and via Zoom.
Speaking on the theme, “Forging Partnerships in Meeting the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Academic and Research Institutions”, UHAS Vice Chancellor Professor Aziato, who chaired the event, highlighted the essence of the conference which is to provide “opportunities for us to learn new things and to create new findings that will be implemented in our various fields to contribute our quota to a universal health coverage of humanity in the national development agenda, and further contribute to the achievement of the SDGs.” She also reassured participants that as part of its vision and mission, UHAS, as a cutting-edge research institution, is committed to continue making an impact in research and dissemination through partnerships.
The Keynote Speaker Professor Marcel Tanner, Director Emeritus of the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, emphasized the role and importance of science, culture, ethics, and the need for partnerships for mutual learning and change aiming to achieve the SDGs. He also encouraged quality teaching, research and partnerships “as a necessity in achieving the SDGs,” noting the need for “research collaboration that highlights interdependencies, cultural and social issues shaping us, particularly education and science, rather than regulations and quotas.”
Professor Tanner also highlighted some principles that are required to achieve transboundary research partnerships including: establishing objectives, building trust, sharing information, sharing responsibility, creating transparency, monitoring and evaluation, disseminating results, equitably sharing profits, and building on achievements.
Dr. Senanu Djokoto, Deputy Volta Regional Director of Health Services, in remarks delivered on behalf of the Regional Health Director, indicated that the significance of partnerships cannot be underestimated. Hence, with Goal 17 which calls for partnerships to mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technologies, and financial resources to support the SDGs, “we are committed as a service to build stronger partnerships with all partners, particularly UHAS-IHR for the realization of our mutual goals.”
The WHO Ghana Country Representative, Professor Francis Kasolo, noted in his remarks that “partnership at all levels is key” in achieving the SDGs by contributing through knowledge generation, innovation, capacity building, policy advocacy, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation. Hence, there is a need for inclusive partnerships among academia, research, health sector and industry for human development and well-being so far as the SDG-3 and SDG-9 are concerned.
Professor Kasolo also highlighted on the thirteenth General Programme of Work of the WHO with focus on the three interconnected strategic priorities to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages by achieving universal health coverage, addressing health emergencies and promoting healthier populations.
Ms. Belynda Amankwa, Programme Specialist for HIV, Health and Development at UNDP, also reiterated that to address current global challenges, “there is the need for collaborative efforts with innovative new methods and solutions through partnerships with research and academic institutions to achieve SDG-17.” She commended UHAS and other academic and research institutions for the existing collaborative partnerships with the UNDP, to support the SDGs and to strengthen the health system delivery in Ghana.
Professor Margaret Gyapong, Director of Institute of Health Research (IHR) and Chair of the Organising Committee, noted that not only has UHAS been first in the SDG-3 category for the past two years as ranked by Times Higher Education, but she expressed excitement about how the Research Day, after two years of running, has become a Conference.
Day 2 of the Conference, chaired by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Togbi Professor Tagbor III on the sub-theme, “Inclusive partnerships among academia, research, health sector and industry for human development and wellbeing,” had as Plenary Speaker, Professor Ato Armah, Director of Programmes, Association of African Universities.
Day 3 of the Conference was Chaired by Dr. Senanu Djokoto, Deputy Regional Director of Health Services had as Plenary Speaker, Dr. Anthony Ofosu, Deputy Director General, Ghana Health Service on the sub-theme, “Good health and wellbeing, quality education, gender equality and reduction of inequality”. Other sessions included Concurrent Presentations and Viewing of Posters throughout the duration of the Conference.
At the close of the Conference, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato extended her appreciation to both the organisers and participants, saying, “I want to assure the management of the conference that we are solidly behind you and we will continue to support IHR in the coming years and create more partnerships for such a conference.”
Mr. Samuel Afari-Asiedu of Kintampo Health Research Centre received the award for Best Oral Presentation; and Dr. Frank Obeng of the School of Medicine, UHAS, received the award for Best Poster Presentation.