University of Health and Allied Sciences has planned to establish an infectious diseases centre, which will be named in honour of Reverend Father Andrew Campbell, a Catholic missionary widely lauded for his compassion and work with cured lepers and street children in Ghana. The centre will be dedicated to research and advocacy in infectious diseases.
UHAS Vice Chancellor Professor John O. Gyapong disclosed this on November 6 at the University’s 5th Congregation ceremony, during which the Irish-born, naturalised Ghanaian missionary, nicknamed ‘the leper-priest’, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science (honaris causa) degree for his “persistent, humanitarian support for the community of lepers and street children” and his “unflagging impact on leprosy control, and health and development in Ghana” according to the citation read during the ceremony.
In response to the honour done him, Father Campbell dedicated the award to his parents for teaching him how to love, and to the community of cured lepers. He recounted how his role model, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, shaped his compassion “to do something beautiful for God.”
The Vice President of The Republic of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a close friend and long-time supporter of Father Campbell’s work, said, “The University’s plan of establishing an infectious diseases centre is a step in the right direction and Government will support such a worthy cause, especially as it will be named ‘Father Campbell Centre.’”
He added, “Building a healthy society with the touch of compassion, humility and integrity of service is the goal all of us should aspire to. There can be a bit of Father Campbell in all of us.”
