Ghanaian microbiologists team up to fight infectious diseases

Microbiologists from across the country are joining forces to bring to the fore the need to apply microbiology research to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of infections and infection-related diseases.

Infections constitute the most important medical problems in Ghana and indeed Africa. Poor management of infections has swept away a lot of human resource, leading to impediments in socio-economic and political development of the country.

There has been several innovative research carried out by various organizations and scientists across the world in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases, but little impact has been seen on the African continent.

Today, diseases like Malaria, Tuberculosis, roundworm (Ascariasis), bilharzias (Schistosomiasis), Elephantiasis, Leprosy or Hansen's disease, and Buruli ulcer still persist.

The Ghana Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (GSMID) has been formed as a body to empower young scientists to deepen interest in research and participate actively to manage and solve infections.

Dr. Harry Abruquah of the KNUST University Hospital is convener of the Society.

He tells Luv Fm the objective of the non-profit organization is to promote the art and science of microbiology and infectious diseases “so that people will be interested. We wouldn't be doing researches that will not help us. But we'll do researches that will bring cure, treatment and management of infectious diseases in the country.

“Infections are all over us. Unfortunately we are not so much interested in infectious disease research – the Europeans or Americas where infections are not very common are rather researching into infectious diseases… for us now malaria is big time on the agenda, yet we don't have a lot of researchers”.

Dr. Abruquah says the group's objectives would be achieved through the promotion of research and overall interest in the field of microbiology and infectious diseases as well as increase support for research, education, training, and good medical practice.

The Society will be launched later in the year and will liaise with other established bodies such as the Nottingham University and the American Society of Microbiologist to address health challenges in Ghana.

Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh/Luv Fm/Ghana