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2024 UNGA

Two (2) renowned scientists from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi are set to represent Ghana at the upcoming United Nations General Assembly Science Summit in New York on Thursday 19th September 2024. The event will provide a global platform for discussions on science and innovation aimed at addressing key global challenges.

The first scientist, Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah, Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences at the College of Health Sciences, KNUST, will deliver a presentation titled "How North-South Research Collaboration Contributes to the Achievement of SDG Target 3: Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being for All at All Ages." His presentation will focus on improving the identification and management of lymphatic filariasis (LF) cases in Ghana, particularly elephantiasis and hydrocele, through innovative mobile reporting systems used by Community Health Volunteers (CHVs).

Professor Debrah's research highlights how digital solutions have significantly enhanced the reporting accuracy of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), advancing the World Health Organisation's NTD Agenda 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Health for all.

Dr. (Mrs.) Linda Batsa Debrah, a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Clinical Microbiology also at the College of Health Sciences, KNUST, is the second scientist, and the moderator of  a session titled “The Future of Researcher's Global Health Career in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities.”

She will speak on “Resource-limited Setting: Challenges in Conducting Clinical Research.” Her talk will address the pressing challenges early-career researchers face in low-and middle-income countries, particularly within resource-limited settings. She will share insights into the obstacles related to funding, infrastructure, and skill acquisition and strategies for overcoming these challenges to foster scientific innovation across Africa.

The Science Summit during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) is a premier global event that unites leading scientists, policymakers, and innovators to address pressing scientific and technological challenges. The Summit is a platform to showcase cutting-edge research, promote international collaboration, and advance discussions on critical global issues aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, the Summit will focus on a wide range of topics, including climate action, One Health, artificial intelligence, biodiversity, and clean energy. A special emphasis will be placed on the Africa Science Leadership Coalition, which aims to promote African leadership in science policy decision-making.