The School of Public Health at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi has launched its maiden Implementation Science Programme.

The initiative spearheaded by the KNUST Africa Health Collaborative (AHC-KNUST) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the Capstone Project seeks to equip postgraduate students with the skills to translate research evidence into effective policies and real-world health interventions.

Speaking on behalf of the Dean, Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour, Professor Kofi Akohene Mensah described the 5-day programme as “a strategic investment in building scientists, policymakers, and practitioners capable of closing the persistent gap between evidence and practice.”

He applauded the partnership between the two entities spearheading the initiative, noting that their efforts align with KNUST’s mission to shape context-driven solutions to Africa’s health challenges.

Prof. Mensah stressed the growing importance of implementation science as African countries confront infectious diseases, maternal health gaps, and rising non-communicable diseases.

“Evidence alone is not enough, it must be implemented effectively, sustainably, and equitably,” he said, urging participants to approach the course with curiosity, dedication, and purpose.

Addressing the 27 participants drawn from across the country, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Principal Investigator of the Africa Health Collaborative, expressed confidence in the programme faculty, which includes experts from KNUST and international partners from the University Medical Centre, DETRACT, and the University of Washington.

He assured students that they were “in the hands of excellent and experienced faculty who will deliver this programme in a way you will understand and implement over time.”

Prof. Owusu-Dabo highlighted that the programme is not designed to offer credentials alone but to strengthen evidence-based practice and accelerate the uptake of research in health systems across the continent.

Reflecting on lessons from the COVID-19 era, he urged participants: “Don’t just pick the certificate and stop there. Go back to your communities and institutions and put your learning into practice.”

Also speaking at the launch, Professor Arti Singh, Principal Investigator of the Capstone Project, emphasized the critical role of implementation science in transforming research findings into policies and systems that communities and health structures can adopt.

Story: Emmanuel Offei