The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has been selected as a satellite Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Implementation Research. This was disclosed during a site visit to UHAS by a team from the WHO/TDR and the University of Ghana, School of Public Health.

WHO/TDR as part of its capacity building program runs 6 Regional Training Centres for various activities across the world (see http://www.who.int/tdr/capacity/strengthening/regional/en/). The University of Ghana, School of Public Health (UGSPH) runs the African Regional Training Centre to build capacity in Implementation Research training and help pave the way for the establishment of satellite Regional Training Centres in Africa. The Centres coordinate training courses across multiple countries.

In a presentation made by Dr. Phyllis Dako-Gyeke, the team leader from the University of Ghana, School of Public Health, she explained the operations of the Regional Training Centres and how UHAS fits in as a Satellite Training Centre. Dr. Olumide OGUNDAHUNSI from WHO/TDR also explained the concept of establishing Regional Training Centres and the procedure for selecting a satellite Centre. He indicated that among other considerations, UHAS was selected based on the Capacity available in Implementation Research.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor John Gyapong who made a short presentation on UHAS also expressed appreciation to the WHO/TDR for seeing the potential that UHAS has to contribute positively to the initiative. In expressing appreciation to the WHO/TDR team and the team from the University of Ghana, School of Public Health, the Acting Director of the Institute of Health Research and coordinator of the Satellite RTC, Professor Margaret Gyapong stated that even though the Satellite RTC will be coordinated from the Institute of Health Research, all Schools and Directorates of UHAS will be fully involved to ensure the needed support for a successful hosting of the Centre and for capacity building of the faculty in UHAS.

Other participants at the meeting from UHAS were Professor Seth Owusu Agyei (Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor), Professor Clement Adeleke Adebajo (Dean, School of Pharmacy), Prof. Omobola Ogundahunsi (Representing the Dean, School of Allied Health Science), Prof. Francis Zotor (Director, International Programmes), Prof. Theophilus Adiku (Dean, School of Basic and Biomedical Sciences), Prof. Evelyn Ansah (Director, Centre Malaria Research), Mrs. Lucy Ofori-Ayeh (Director, Academic Affairs), Dr. Phidelia Doegah (Institute Health Research), Mrs. Victoria Quartson (School of Medicine), Mr. Baffour Gyem Darkwa (Public Affairs), Mr. Alfred Kumah (ICT Directorate) and Mr. Fidelis Anumu (Institute Health Research).

The team from the University of Ghana, School of Public Health included Prof. Moses Aikins, Dr. Samuel Sackey, Dr. Emmanuel Asampong, Mr. Samuel Dery, Ms. Virtue De-Gaulle and Mrs. Abena Engmann.