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CDC Delegation Visits KNUST College of Health Sciences to Explore Future Collaboration

CDC Delegation Visits KNUST College of Health Sciences to Explore Future Collaboration

Wed 9 Jul 2025 CHS News
CDC Delegation Visits KNUST School of Public Health to Explore Future Collaboration i

A delegation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has visited the College of Health Sciences at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, as part of efforts to strengthen ties with public health training and research institutions in Ghana.

The visit included engagements with the School of Public Health, the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), and various laboratories on campus.

The delegation's mission was to gain a deeper understanding of local capabilities in surveillance, outbreak investigation, and public health workforce development—areas that closely align with the CDC’s strategic priorities in the region.

The visit also served as an informal exploratory step toward future collaboration, with a focus on identifying opportunities for technical support and capacity building.

Prof Peter Agyei Baffour
Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour (Dean of the School of Public Health)

Professor Peter Agyei-Baffour, Dean of the School of Public Health, welcomed the delegation and provided an overview of the school’s academic programs, research output, international partnerships, and ongoing public health initiatives.

Dr. Danielle Barradas, CDC Ghana Country Director, emphasized the importance of understanding the local training landscape. “My understanding of the public health system here is incomplete without knowing the training that’s available,” she said. “I’m very interested in learning more about your training in emergency preparedness, data science, and health information management.”

She expressed enthusiasm about KNUST’s strong ties with the Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health and praised the school’s contribution to scientific publications and public health dissemination.

Dr. Barradas also outlined the CDC’s primary programs in Ghana, which include disease surveillance, outbreak response, and laboratory system strengthening.

Dr. Danielle Barradas
Dr. Danielle Barradas (CDC Ghana Country Director)

Dr. Dawn Broussard, CDC Deputy Country Director, highlighted available technical assistance and funding mechanisms and discussed how institutions can engage with CDC-supported projects.

Dr. Dawn Broussard
Dr. Dawn Broussard (CDC Deputy Country Director)

Professor Emmanuel Nakua, Vice Dean and Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, presented a detailed account of departmental research activities, achievements, challenges, and global collaborations.

Prof Nakua
Professor Emmanuel Nakua (Vice Dean and Head of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics)

Heads of other departments also shared insights into their respective units’ focus areas and contributions to public health training.

Other attendees included Dr. Bernard Nkrumah, Dr. Michael Owusu, Dr. Kofi Akohene Mensah, Dr. Peter Dwum, Mrs. Ernestina Quarshie, Dr. Edward Tieru Dassah, and Dr. (Mrs.) Rose Odotei Adjei.