2ND UHAS Research Conference ends with Intensified International Participation

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) successfully held its second Research Conference from October 29 to October 31, 2024 at the University's main campus, Sokode, Lokoe, Ho, Ghana. The conference opened with a ceremony on October 29, 2024 at the Cedi Auditorium and ended with another ceremony on October 31, 2024 at the same venue.

In the opening ceremony of the Conference, the Chairman, Professor Kwame Ohene Buabeng, Acting Director at the Institute of Health Research (IHR) and Dean, School of Pharmacy, gave an address during which he emphasized the importance of research in achieving universal health coverage in Africa and beyond. He cited UHAS as a preeminent health research institution and a pacesetter in research. He made references to works currently ongoing in the various schools and institutes of UHAS that relate to key thematic areas that align with the strategic plan of the University.

Professor Margaret Gyapong, a Professor of Health Policy Implementation Research at UHAS IHR and the former Director IHR commended participants who submitted abstracts on various sub themes, emphasizing the fact that they have raised the standards with their excellent works. She also applauded the reviewers for working tirelessly for the success of the Conference. 

Speaking on the theme, “Transforming Health Systems to Achieve Universal Health Coverage in Africa”, the Guest Speaker, Professor Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, in her address noted that everyone deserves the needed quality and affordable healthcare in the sub region. 

Professor Yeboah-Manu highlighted the fact that despite the existential challenges of infectious neglected disorders, infectious diseases, and the alarming rate of migration of skilled healthcare professionals, there are still opportunities for bold steps in key areas that can transform the sub-region to attain universal health coverage. 

She identified the need to strengthen the primary health systems, increase skilled workforce and enhance community engagement as the blueprint to transforming the healthcare system.

The Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato, in her welcome address challenged researchers, research institutions, policy makers and governments to leverage on collaborations and technology in forging towards the attainment of universal health coverage in sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

The Registrar of UHAS, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni in her closing address expressed her delight about the insightful Conference and commended participants for their attendance. She was hopeful that participants will return to their destinations with beautiful memories, knowledge and network in various themes about health systems in Africa.

Some of the awards given to participants included the Overall Best Poster Presentation (Young Investigator Category) awarded to Mrs. Priscilla Essandor, the Overall Best Oral Presentation (Young Investigator Category) was awarded to Ms. Diana Afia Afriyie Boafo. Dr. Mavis Pearl Kwabla was awarded the Best Poster Presentation and Mrs. Deborah Adiki Aniteye was awarded the Overall Best Oral Presentation.

Participants of the Conference comprised astute researchers, representatives from Ghana Health Service, delegates from the international community, faculty and staff of UHAS. There were both onsite and online participants. Out of 224 submissions by countries, Ghana submitted 210 research works. Other submissions were from Nigeria, Togo, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Switzerland and Swaziland.