Ghana launches first national Non-Communicable Diseases research conference

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service, GIZ, and AYA Integrated Healthcare Initiative, has launched the first National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research Conference in Ghana.

The conference is meant to deliberate on the development of a National NCD Research Agenda for Ghana and to produce evidence briefs to inform policy decisions on NCDs, promote multidisciplinary collaborative research, and guide interventions to strengthen the healthcare system for the prevention and control of NCDs in Ghana.

The event was on held today in Accra, on the theme: ‘Advancing Ghana's NCDs Research Agenda Towards Attaining Primary Healthcare Goals.’

The Director of External Health Cooperation at the Technical Coordinating Department, Dr. Hafez Adam Taher, who read the speech on behalf of the Minister for Health, noted that the conference is an important platform to convert research findings into actionable policy, build a strong network between Ghanaians and International NCD researchers.

Additionally, to also enhance national policy for data collection and knowledge generation, develop a National NCD Research Agenda that aligns with the sector's strategic priorities which includes the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), free Primary Health Care and the Universal Health Coverage roadmap.

Dr. Taher commended the partners, especially GIZ, for their continuous support and acknowledged the dedication of local research institutions in generating the evidence needed to develop appropriate solutions.

He urged them to deepen their collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ghana Health Service to ensure that research transcends academic outcomes and becomes the backbone of policymaking.

Dr. Kwame Amponsah Achiano, in his delivery on behalf of the Director-General, GHS, Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, stated that research can improve NCD care in the country through early detection and clinical health, strengthen health systems and policy, support monitoring, evaluation and accountability.

He noted that the fight against NCD would be won through knowledge, research that informs practice, transforming systems and saving lives.