The Africa Health Collaborative at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is set to launch two new short courses: one focusing on home-based care and another on the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in primary healthcare delivery.

These new offerings are part of the Africa Health Collaborative’s broader strategy to build resilient health systems through strengthened health employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Both courses will be eligible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) credits and are designed to address critical skills gaps within Ghana’s health sector, while promoting holistic and future-focused healthcare education.

Home-based care course

This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the essential competencies needed to provide high-quality care to elderly and chronically ill patients within their homes.

The curriculum, which will be co-developed with international partners including the University of Toronto, reflects a growing global shift toward community-based models of care.

This approach also seeks to relieve pressure on overloaded hospital systems while enhancing patient management outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence in primary healthcare course

This separate, yet complementary, course will introduce frontline healthcare workers and administrators to emerging digital technologies.

Participants will explore the ethical use of AI tools, health data interpretation, and real-world case studies in AI-assisted care delivery.

At a recent mid-year review meeting in Accra, Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo, Principal Investigator of the Africa Health Collaborative-KNUST, expressed his belief that these new courses will offer a crucial opportunity, especially for nurses awaiting government postings.

“If we do this, it will help healthcare workers sitting at home and awaiting government to employ them,” he said, highlighting the potential for immediate employment and skill enhancement.

The meeting also provided the Collaborative with an opportunity to discuss upcoming activities.

Applications for both courses are expected to open soon, with scholarships available for eligible participants.