Professor Tsiri Agbenyega, The Provost of the College of Health Sciences, has appealed to government, non-governmental   organizations, and corporate bodies to invest in the funding of research development (RnD). This he noted would go a long way in reducing the burden of diseases and aid in the socio-economic development of Ghana and the rest of Africa. Professor, Tsiri Agbenyega made the appeal at the fourth annual scientific conference held at KNUST. The conference which was organised by the College of Health Sciences was on the theme "Managing Infectious Diseases - Trends and Challenges."

Professor Agbenyega hinted that data from the World Health Organization, (WHO), shows that in every three seconds, a young child dies, in most cases from an infectious disease in developing countries.

Again, three thousand (3000) people die from malaria in developing countries. Also, 1.5 million people die annually from tuberculosis. He mentioned diarrheal diseases, HIV/AIDS, malaria, measles, pneumonia and tuberculosis as causing ninety percent of infectious disease deaths.

He therefore called for research, both Clinical and bio-medical for Ghana to maintain a healthy population and to provide a   deserving health care to its citizens.

Dr. Aaron Osei, a Representative of the Minister of Health, stated that the theme for the conference was relevant to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).  He stated that the tropical location of the country, the unstable political environment in the sub-region with the influx of refugees, the poor economic belt, technologically disadvantaged situation and living under a global umbrella made us vulnerable to infectious diseases.

Dr. Osei therefore advocated for the strengthening of research institutions to improve the quality of diagnostics and treatment and the provision of quality drugs and logistics.

He further called for collaboration with academic institutions, district assemblies and international agencies to manage infectious diseases in Ghana.

Professor Dr. Dr. Sir Wereko Brobby, Chairman for the Planning Committee,    bemoaned the state of health, health care delivery in the country and its repercussions on the younger and unborn generations saying "what legacy are we leaving in store for the next generation". He continued that if society did not stop to consider the ills of this present age and take steps to remedy them, then it is arguable that the future for Ghana's children would not be worth living.

He was hopeful that quality health care delivery would require a concerted effort and systematic approach in order to achieve success for all by the year 2020. He therefore challenged the College of Health Sciences not only to train highly skilled professionals but professionals of change in providing quality healthcare.

The Fourth Annual Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences, KNUST, was supported by MTN, Lab Chem, Kumasi Travel House, Ghana Michigan Foundation and the Food and Drugs Board.