The University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) has held its 3rd Research Conference which placed a spotlight on the pivotal role academic research institutions play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The conference, themed "Forging Partnerships in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals: The Role of Academic Research Institutions," was held at the main campus in Sokode in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region.

It brought together scholars, researchers, and industry experts to deliberate on collaborative approaches for addressing global challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor of UHAS, Prof. Lydia Aziato, expressed optimism about the conference's potential to drive meaningful change.

She expressed gratitude to sister institutions for their active participation and reiterated UHAS' dedication to advancing the SDGs.

"This conference has been a catalyst for meaningful conversations and partnerships. As an academic institution, we recognize our role in driving positive change and contributing to the global agenda for sustainable development," she stated.

The Director Emeritus of Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland, Professor Marcel Tanner advocated interdisciplinary cooperation towards attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This, he said, would play a vital role in tackling the complex issues outlined in the SDGs, to enhance quality health care.

Prof Tanner also emphasized the critical role that academic research institutions play in driving progress toward sustainable development.

“The challenges we face, demand innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries”, he said.

The Country Representative for the World Health Organization in Ghana, Professor Francis Kasolo, indicated that his organization continues to play its role in partnership with academia and other sectors toward achieving the SDGs.

“WHO is strengthening the health economics, research, and data analytics capabilities of the Ministry of Health (MOH) and its agencies through a partnership with the Department of Health Policy and Management of the School of Public Health of the University of Ghana to train Ministry of Health staff to acquire a Masters in Health Economics.

As of now, the partnership has produced 37 graduates from this program who will support the MOH through health financing, economic analysis, economic evaluations, and data analytics to build robust, resilient, and responsive health systems and services that can sustain equitable delivery of integrated packages of essential services to all”, he said.

He further indicated that his outfit collaborated with academic research institutions with a focus on understanding the health impacts of climate change and environmental degradation.

Professor Francis Kasolo said that the collaboration between academic institutions has contributed significantly to SDG3, 4, 5, and 10.

“Collaborative efforts prioritize health education, address gender-specific health concerns, and aim to reduce health disparities among diverse populations. For example, WHO is supporting ongoing analysis to document the situation of maternal mental health in Ghana to inform integrated mental health programs”, he added.