Dr Abraham Oduro, Director of the Research and Development Division at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has announced plans to introduce a policy document aimed at streamlining research activities across the country's three health research centres. Speaking at the 2024 annual scientific review meeting of the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC), Dr Oduro highlighted the need for such a document to guide the centres in prioritizing research areas and effectively utilizing their findings for policy development.
The research centres located in Navrongo, Kintampo, and Dodowa, initially began as individual projects without a comprehensive policy framework. Dr Oduro emphasized that this lack of guidance hindered the centres from maximizing their impact on public health. He explained that each centre embarked on various research projects independently, without clear direction on priority areas or utilization of research outcomes.
With support from the Director-General of the GHS, Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, and collaboration among the research centres and the Policy Planning Department, a draft policy document was prepared in 2023. Dr. Oduro indicated that efforts were underway to refine the draft document, with the goal of finalizing it by the end of the year.
The proposed policy document aims to provide guidance on research focus areas, capacity development, and priority areas for the GHS. Dr Oduro emphasized the importance of having a structured policy framework to govern research activities within the Service, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and enhancing the effectiveness of research outcomes.
Dr. Patrick Odum Ansah, Director of the Navrongo Health Research Centre (NHRC), highlighted the significance of the annual scientific review meeting as an opportunity for researchers to showcase their work and discuss critical health issues. He underscored the NHRC's role in addressing various health challenges, including diarrhoea, meningitis, and pneumonia, through research and interventions such as vaccine development.
In addition to biological health concerns, Dr. Ansah emphasized the NHRC's focus on mental and social health issues, making the center a vital contributor to public health in the region. He cited the center's evaluation of government poverty alleviation programs as an example of its diverse research portfolio, demonstrating its commitment to addressing multifaceted health issues beyond traditional biomedical concerns.
