The University of Ghana's Veterinary Department, in collaboration with Texas A&M University (TAMU), has launched an ambitious training program to combat Chagas disease, a vector-borne zoonotic illness affecting dogs and humans. This initiative will train 150 veterinary specialists, equipping them with the latest research and intervention techniques for managing Chagas disease, particularly in regions where it poses a significant public health threat.

The training program, hosted at the Small Animal Teaching Hospital (SATH) of the University of Ghana, builds on groundbreaking research led by Edem Fiatsonu, whose study on the Effectiveness of Fluralaner Treatment Regimens for the Control of Canine Chagas Disease: A Mathematical Modeling Study has garnered wide attention among pet lovers in the United States. The program integrates findings from Fiatsonu’s innovative model, which addresses the role of dogs as domestic reservoirs for Trypanosoma cruzi—the parasite responsible for Chagas disease.

The training focuses on practical applications of fluralaner treatment regimens, environmental management to control vector populations, and the importance of a One Health approach to combat zoonotic diseases. Specialists from across Ghana and neighbouring West African countries will benefit from the intensive workshops and field simulations.

Dr. Kwame Adusei, a leading public health expert at Ghana’s Ministry of Health, praised the collaboration: "Chagas disease is often underreported in Africa, but with the increasing globalization of vector-borne diseases, this initiative is timely. It not only addresses the local context but also provides our veterinarians with global best practices to combat emerging infectious diseases."

Professor Ama Serwaa a veterinary epidemiologist at the University of Ghana, emphasized the broader impact: "This partnership with Texas A&M University is a game-changer for veterinary medicine in Ghana. It highlights the importance of international collaborations in addressing zoonotic diseases that threaten public health and animal welfare. The training will strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to vector-borne diseases effectively."

Dr. Michael Ryker, a professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, commended the programme’s significance: "This collaboration is the first of its kind, leveraging cutting-edge research to provide real-world solutions. The innovative work of Edem Fiatsonu serves as a foundation for this training, offering practical strategies for Chagas disease management. We are proud to partner with the University of Ghana in advancing veterinary and public health in West Africa.". This is the first time we are having such a major partnership with an African University and Edem’s work will pave the way for more future collaborations.

The training program marks a major milestone in addressing zoonotic diseases in Ghana and beyond. By equipping veterinary specialists with advanced knowledge and tools, this initiative strengthens regional capacity to prevent and control infectious diseases that affect both human and animal populations.

As Ghana continues to embrace international partnerships, the success of this collaboration underscores the critical role of research and innovation in tackling global health challenges.