Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of Ghana, Prof. Gordon Awandare, has delivered his inaugural lecture.

The event took place at the institution’s Great Hall on May 30, 2023.

Prof Awandare who doubles as the Founding Director of the West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP) shared invaluable insights on the theme; How our immune system acquires tolerance to malaria and helped us survive Covid-19.

The event, chaired by Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the Vice-Chancellor of the University, drew a captivated audience eager to explore the intersection of these two pressing health challenges.

Prof. Awandare commenced the lecture by emphasizing the historical significance of malaria in Africa and the enduring impact it has had on the continent's health landscape. He shed light on the adaptive responses of the human immune system to malaria, highlighting how repeated exposure to the parasite has led to the development of a certain level of tolerance in individuals, allowing them to survive the disease without severe complications.

One of the highlights of Prof. Awandare's lecture was his exploration of the potential cross-protective effects of the immune system's response to malaria in combating COVID-19.

He elucidated the similarities and differences between the two diseases, emphasizing that while malaria and COVID-19 are caused by different pathogens, the immune system's learned ability to tolerate malaria may play a role in its response to the novel coronavirus.

On the argument regarding the reason behind low Covid-related deaths in Africa, Prof Awandare argued against some theories been fueled such as unreported deaths, age factor, hot weather, divine intervention among others.

He said many of these theories were not backed by data.

The lecture generated enthusiastic engagement from the audience, comprising members of the academic community, students, and researchers.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, expressed her admiration for Prof. Awandare's expertise and lauded the lecture as an important contribution to scientific knowledge.

"Prof Awandare has incredible talent. But he's shown that we can't make it with talent alone. You need to combine it with restlessness, non-conformity and be passionate. You don't say stop till you get to your destination. No wonder the mantra at WACCBIP is no excuse, just get it done," she said.

The University says it is looking to build upon the knowledge shared during the lecture, fostering collaborations among researchers and institutions, and making significant contributions to the global efforts in mitigating the impact of infectious diseases on human health.