Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, former Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has been awarded the prestigious Leadership in Biomedical Excellence accolade at the 2025 Millennium Excellence Awards at the Manhyia Palace.
The Millennium Excellence Awards, convened every five years under the esteemed patronage of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, celebrate individuals who have made significant societal impacts across various sectors.
Professor Owusu-Dabo's recognition stems from his transformative contributions to public health and biomedical research in Africa. As the Principal Investigator and former Executive Steering Committee Chair of the Africa Health Collaborative, a partnership between KNUST and the Mastercard Foundation, he has spearheaded initiatives aimed at strengthening primary healthcare systems across the continent.
Under his leadership, the Collaborative has trained over 2,000 primary healthcare workers throughout Ghana, enhancing service delivery in underserved regions. His advocacy for inclusive education has led to the development of diploma programs tailored for individuals with disabilities, broadening access to healthcare education.
Professor Owusu-Dabo has also emphasized the importance of data-driven approaches in healthcare. He has championed the integration of research into the Collaborative's core initiatives, facilitating evidence-based interventions and policy development. His efforts have fostered South-to-South collaborations, strengthening ties between African institutions and promoting sustainable health solutions.
Beyond his administrative roles, Professor Owusu-Dabo boasts an impressive academic portfolio, with over 300 scientific publications and more than 26,000 citations. He has secured and managed multimillion-dollar research grants from esteemed organizations, including the European Union, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the World Bank, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
The 2025 Millennium Excellence Awards ceremony, which also honoured global figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, highlighted Professor Owusu-Dabo's unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare in Africa. His visionary leadership continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and healthcare professionals dedicated to addressing the continent's health challenges.
