Presidential Advisor on Health, Dr. Anthony Nsiah-Asare, wants sustained attention on all diseases and health conditions in the midst of covid-19.

He believes neglecting other diseases will erode the gains made in Ghana’s health sector.

He was speaking at the 9^th Biennial Scientific Conference of the College of Health Sciences, KNUST on Wednesday.

Dr. Nsiah-Asare points out a holistic outlook of the sector is vital for an efficient health system.

“Ensuring continuity of care in the midst of covid-19 is another challenge that must be addressed.

“Apart from the covid-19 pandemic, the country is faced with the burden of communicable diseases such as malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS as well as rising non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and others. Injuries from road accidents are also on the rise, adding considerably, to morbidity and mortality in the country.

He continues: “in responding to covid-19, we must continue to provide services for the prevention and treatment of the aforementioned priority diseases.”

The 9th Scientific Conference of College of Health Sciences is under the theme, “Covid-19: Health Challenges for the Decade- the Role of the Health Professionals”.

The meeting brings together stakeholders in the scientific community to share their insights on the pandemic.

Planning Committee Chair, Prof. Yaw Adu-Sarkodie, expects a long-term impact on national discourse as stakeholders share their findings.

“Researchers from the College of Health Sciences and beyond will showcase various studies conducted as a response to the pandemic, many of which should inform our national response going forward,” he noted.

There will be presentations on epidemiological, clinical, psycho-social, diagnostic, herbal medicine use among other aspects of covid-19.

Over 170 research findings will be featured at the Conference.