A comprehensive training workshop geared towards strengthening health systems for disease elimination and eradication in Africa has commenced at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) in Ghana.
This training brings together 31 health professionals from nine countries as part of collaborative efforts to combat infectious diseases in Africa and beyond.
The training, a joint initiative by the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE), The Carter Center, and the NMIMR, focuses on equipping participants with advanced strategies and tools for disease elimination.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Collins Ahorlu, Head of the Epidemiology Department at Noguchi and the lead facilitator, outlined the importance of this multi-module course in enhancing the capacity of health professionals in the sub-region. He pointed out that achieving specific disease elimination with greater impact and improved health outcomes requires a holistic approach to health system efficiency, ensuring optimal resource utilization.
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of Noguchi, on her part, highlighted the Institute’s long-standing contributions to public health. “Noguchi has been at the forefront of combating over ten Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and continues to play a pivotal role in infectious disease surveillance and prevention across Ghana,” she noted.
She also introduced the trainees to the operations of the institute, emphasizing its dedication to research, training, and community-centered approaches.
Dr. Ngozi Erondu, Technical Director of GLIDE, outlined the collaborative mission of GLIDE and its partners. “We work tirelessly to accelerate the elimination of diseases like malaria, polio, lymphatic filariasis, and onchocerciasis,” she said. “Our partnership with The Carter Center and institutions like Noguchi is crucial in achieving these goals and supporting countries in their fight against both infectious and neglected tropical diseases.”
The course aims to support the development of effective disease elimination strategies among the participants.
“The best strategies from three countries will win trophies, with the first-place winner receiving $10,000 in seed funding to advance their strategy. Participants will also receive ongoing mentorship to implement their plans.”
Dr. Erondu
Former beneficiaries of the 2023 training program, Dr. Joseph Opare, National Tropical Disease (NTD) Programme Manager, and Dr. Paul Boateng, Malaria Case Management Officer at the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), shared their positive experiences. They underscored the importance of continuous professional development and robust health systems in achieving disease elimination goals.
This training initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance global health systems. Participants will engage in case study analyses, active learning, and group activities, promoting innovation and collaboration in the fight against infectious diseases. The workshop aims to improve public health outcomes in the participating countries, ultimately contributing to the global effort to eradicate these diseases.
