UHAS Forges Strategic Partnership with Imperial College London for Global Health Innovation

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and Imperial College London have formed a partnership aimed at advancing public health research and education.
This partnership would combine the methodological expertise in Imperial College London with UHAS’ deep understanding of the West African health systems to address teething health challenges in the sub-region.

The collaboration aims at creating unique opportunities for the development of innovative research protocols adaptable to local contexts, exchange programmes for faculty and students, joint grant applications to major international funding bodies, shared curriculum development, integrating global best practices and collaborative public health interventions with measurable impact. A meeting for the purpose was held at the University’s Central Administration Block at the Main Campus on May 7, 2025.

At the meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato made a comprehensive presentation that set the tone for a discussion which focused mainly on leveraging complementary strengths and resources. The round-table discussion also explored specific expectations and deliverables to ensure that the partnership would yield tangible benefits for both institutions while making meaningful contributions to global health knowledge and practice.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Frank Edwin highlighted UHAS’ remarkable growth trajectory since its establishment. He indicated that UHAS has positioned itself as a centre of excellence in health education across West Africa with its current impressive network of over 150 international linkages. He emphasized the University’s nine specialized schools, each of which has distinct research priorities and collaborative opportunities tailored to address pressing health challenges in Ghana and beyond.

The Pro-Vice Chancellor also underlined the University’s success in attracting support from major global health funders including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, demonstrating UHAS’ growing international recognition as a research institution worthy of significant investments.

The Associate Director of Imperial Global - Ghana, Clare Turner outlined their institution's world-renowned capabilities in Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Innovative Health Research methodologies. She said Imperial College London would bring to the partnership an extensive experience in tackling complex health challenges through multidisciplinary approaches, as a leading global research university.

The Academic Director and Professor of Global Environmental Health, Imperial College London, Professor Majid Ezzati, outlined some potential obstacles that could confront the collaborative work which include geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions and public health emergencies. He called for a commitment to the development of resilient frameworks that would withstand the possible diverse challenges.

The partnership discussions acknowledged UHAS’ strong clinical training relationship with the Ho Teaching Hospital, which serves as a pillar for student development and practical medical education. It was generally accepted that the subsisting relationship would provide an ideal platform for expanded research initiatives and clinical trials.

This partnership underscores UHAS’ emergence as a globally recognized institution committed to addressing health inequities through evidence -based approaches and international collaborations.

Also present at the meeting were the Registrar, Ms. Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, Directors, Deans and Faculty of the University.