UHAS Commissions ITAM Natural Product Lab., ECL Research Center.....

About the Event

The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) celebrated a momentous occasion with the commissioning of a Natural Product Laboratory for the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), a Research Centre for the School of Medicine (SOM) and the launch  of a Faculty - Led innovative Health Literacy Board Games and Healthcare Apps on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the Cedi Auditorium. The event brought together Faculty, Researchers and stakeholders committed to advancing health education.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Lydia Aziato, welcomed the guests and reiterated the critical role of research, its funding and strategic partnerships in enhancing academic growth.

In her address, Professor Aziato appreciated the efforts of Faculty and Staff of SOM and ITAM. She said, “we as a university are ready to help all of you to shine”, affirming the commitment of UHAS Management in supporting researchers in their initiatives. She also invited researchers in UHAS and across the globe to work with the UHAS Research Center, assuring them of the University’s dedication to fostering fruitful partnerships.

The brain behind the development of the seventeen (17) Health Literacy Board Games and seven (7) Healthcare Apps, Dr. Frank Obeng, a Lecturer at the UHAS School of Medicine took his turn to present the various factors influencing individual health which included but not limited to genetics, family, society and economic elements. He posited that his research work is geared towards addressing varied health conditions including prostate cancer, which is prevalent in Ghana today. 

He explained the significant barriers to the treatment of prostrate cancer such as high cost of treatment and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Obeng introduced the Health Literacy Board Games as essential training tools for families since they emphasize the role of active community members in implementation research. He expressed optimism that these efforts could lead to a notable reduction in many adverse health conditions including prostate cancer in the Volta Region and beyond within the next decade.

Dr. Chrysantus Kubio, Regional Director of Health Service in Volta Region, who launched the Health Literacy Board Games and Healthcare Apps assured UHAS of the full support of Ghana Health Service in its quest for finding solution to health challenges in Ghana and beyond.

Professor Mahamadu Ayamba Ali, a faculty of SOM initiated a collaboration between UHAS and Enterprise Computing Limited (ECL), a company based in Accra that thrives to help businesses/institutions make work easier through the use of technology.  It was this collaboration that gave birth to the establishment of the UHAS ECL Research Centre. At the commissioning ceremony, Prof. Ali outlined the vision and mission of the UHAS ECL Research Center which he said aims at evolving into a laboratory dedicated to the support of health research at all stages including clinical trials. He also called for additional partnerships and collaborative supports.

The Director of ITAM, Professor Kwame Benoit Nguessan Banga, also delivered an inspiring presentation, highlighting the vision and mission of the UHAS ITAM Natural Products Laboratory. He said the laboratory is envisioned to, among other things, advance research, ensure quality control and foster innovation in herbal medicine. He was optimistic that the laboratory is excellently positioned for integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare systems. Professor Banga was delighted that the specialist laboratory has come to fruition. He expressed his profound appreciation to all faculty, staff and partners who played crucial roles in making the vision a reality.

In her closing remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UHAS, Professor Lydia Aziato reiterated the importance of collaboration and innovation in advancing health education. She encouraged all participants to continue striving for excellence in their respective fields.

The commissioning of the laboratory and research centre and the launch of the Health Literacy Board Games and Apps mark pivotal steps for UHAS in enhancing health literacy, research capabilities with the promise of a  bright future for health development and education in Ghana.

There were solidarity messages from Professor Samuel Ato Duncan, National President of Ghana Federation of Traditional Medicine Practitioners Associations (GHAFTRAM) and Mr. Seth Seaneke, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Food and Drugs Authority.