UHAS International Day 2025 celebrated with Focus on Global Partnerships

University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) celebrated its 3rd International Day on Thursday, July 24, 2025, under the theme ‘Bridging the Gap: Internationalization and Equity in Higher Education.’ The event brought together staff, faculty, students and guests from diverse cultural backgrounds to promote diversity, inclusion and unity within the University community and the global collaboration circles. 
Delivering the keynote address via a virtual platform, Professor Florent Rutagarama, Dean of the School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, underscored the fact that ‘Effective partnerships in academia are crucial for capacity building and sustainable development.’ He highlighted common challenges associated with international collaborations for higher educational institutions in the Global South. According to him, obstacles such as limited resources, competing institutional priorities, cultural differences and economic disparities hinder effective collaboration. He called on universities to be intentional in developing strategic frameworks to navigate the complexities of partnerships, build trust through stakeholder engagement and promote cooperation and resource-sharing across borders.

Professor Rutagarama further stressed the importance of understanding local contexts and addressing barriers to equitable solutions through research, innovation and technology. He highlighted the need to evaluate partnerships effectively, especially in areas such as infrastructure, academic mobility and joint programmes. 
Professor Lydia Aziato, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS and Chairperson for the programme emphasized the keynote speaker’s message on the importance of building stronger partnership structures despite regional dynamics, cultural differences and financial limitations. ‘At UHAS, these collaborations have significantly contributed to the progress we have made over our 13-year journey as a university.’ she said. Professor Aziato announced the introduction of Proficiency in English and French programmes into the UHAS curriculum to support the inclusion of international students and faculty, particularly from neighbouring countries.  
Professor Aziato also highlighted UHAS’ recent achievement as the number one university in Ghana in contributing to the attainment of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 8, according to the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025. She added that UHAS also emerged the third in the overall Impact Rankings.

Professor Elvis Tarkang, Dean of International Programmes, stated that the celebration aimed at recognizing the contributions of international staff and students who have been part of the UHAS journey since the establishment of the University. He also expressed appreciation to all international partners and the broader global academic community for their immense support for UHAS. 
Ms Yaa Amankwaa Opuni, Registrar of UHAS, in her remarks affirmed the University's commitment to making a global impact in healthcare training through international partnerships as enshrined in Objective 5 of UHAS Strategic Plan – ‘Diversity, Cultural Brand and Identity.’ 

Professor Nana Kwame Anokye, Director of the Division of Global Public Health at the Department of Health Sciences, Brunel University, London, called for deeper cooperation to address the unique challenges faced by higher education globally. He assured UHAS Management of Brunel University’s support in implementing an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) framework with a focus on neurodiversity. He also announced his intention to collaborate with the UHAS Simulation Centre, the largest in West Africa, to pilot the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) tool in Africa.
Mr. Gabriel Agbanyo, President of the UHAS Alumni Association, expressed excitement on behalf of Alumni for the University’s efforts towards connecting and inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals around the world. 
The celebration featured solidarity messages from international partners and vibrant displays of cultural performances, cuisine, music and dance from Ghana, Cuba, Nigeria, Cameroon, and other countries represented within the UHAS community.
The 3rd UHAS International Day celebration reaffirmed the University's unwavering commitment to fostering global partnerships, cultural exchanges and inclusive education, reinforcing the role of internationalization as a catalyst for innovation, equity and sustainable development in higher education.