The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has launched a short course in Clinical Research Methods in Tuberculosis Disease (CREDIT). The two-week short course is expected to build the capacities and skills of young researchers drawn across the West African sub-region and guide them in asking the right questions to combat Tuberculosis.
In his welcome address, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, noted that Tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant health burden, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, thus, the need for collaborative efforts to eradicate the disease. Professor Owusu-Dabo hoped that the two-week training program, funded by GSK would equip African researchers and scientists, including medical officers, disease surveillance officers, biostatisticians, physician assistants, and laboratory scientists, with the requisite skills and knowledge needed for successful TB research.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson in her remarks, encouraged the participants to seize the opportunities presented to them to forge new collaborations and networks.
Dr. Juliet Addo, a representative from GSK, highlighted her outfits’ commitment to providing support and funds to researchers to undertake research in Malaria and TB. She believes that the short course would allow participants to ask challenging questions in the quest to eradicate the persistent stigma surrounding TB.
The Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare revealed that Ghana is expected to produce vaccines for Tuberculosis and Malaria next year. He mentioned that TB and Malaria vaccines would be produced at the National Vaccine Institute to improve the healthcare system. “Ghana will be a vaccine manufacturing hub in Africa, he said. Dr. Nsiah-Asare emphasised that, although TB has remained a global threat especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, it is curable. He, therefore, called for global collaboration to fight the Tuberculosis crisis.
The Keynote speaker, Dr. Frank Addae Bonsu, the former Manager, National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Ghana Health Service, presented on “Mobilising Global Support for TB elimination.” He stressed the urgent need for mobilising global support to eliminate this venerable disease. He added that elimination of TB by 2050 can be achieved through a profound expansion of science, the development of new drugs and vaccines and evidence-based health system design. He further solicited for global fundings to research into new tests and procedures for TB diagnosis. Dr. Addae Bonsu also called for global unity to eliminate TB.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health (MOH), Ghana Health Services (GHS), and the National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP) also delivered solidarity messages.