Stakeholders in the Health Sector Charged to be Bold Thinkers and Innovative at the Health Systems Innovation Conference
Researchers, Policymakers and practitioners in the health sector gathered at the University of Ghana for the Health Systems Innovation Conference. These key stakeholders came together to advance the goals of the African Health Initiative Community of Practice (AHI CoP) Programme.
Organised by the Regional Institute for Population Studies (RIPS) in partnership with the Ghana Health Service, the two-day conference, sought to address challenges in Health systems in sub-Saharan Africa by sharing innovations in health systems development to foster cross-learning and exchange of best practices. The conference was held under the theme “Advancing Evidence-Based Innovations for Strengthening Health Systems in Africa.”
Delivering a statement on the role of research and innovation in policy development at the opening ceremony, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research, Innovation and Development, Prof. Felix Ankomah Asante, outlined the Vision of the University’s Research Strategy, which is ‘to be an institution of choice for collaborative research and industry partnership.’
He noted that the Research and Innovation Directorate’s responsibilities involve developing and implementing the University’s research policy, ensuring effective distribution and efficient use of research funds and setting standards for high-quality research output.
Prof. Asante reiterated the Directorate’s transformative role ‘which not only enhances the University’s research capabilities but also contributes to national and global development by translating academic findings into practical solutions. He further reassured stakeholders of the University’s commitment to strengthening its role in promoting research, innovation and systems development.
Representing the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service as the Chairperson, Deputy Director-General, Dr. Caroline Reindorf Amissah, expressed excitement about the ongoing collaboration between the GHS and RIPS, emphasising how research findings are being used to inform national health policies.
Dr. Amissah cited one of the key initiatives that have emerged from this partnership, including the CHPS+ Programme, as well as projects focused on strengthening active care systems and emergency referrals. “I am particularly excited about the broader implications of our work together, not just showcasing what we are doing but how it has improved or influenced what we do and the outcome it has created within our healthcare system,” she stated.
Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Koku Awoonor-Williams, underscored the importance of ‘bold thinking and innovative approaches’ in facing the complex challenges that have plagued the health systems worldwide.
‘Every innovation, no matter how small, has the potential to ripple across generations, improving health outcomes and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all,’ he noted.
Delivering the Keynote Address, Dr. Awoonor-Williams also shared his thoughts on Ghana’s evolving health systems- with groundbreaking reforms in community-based services through two major programmes that were implemented, the Ghana Essential Health Intervention Programme (GEHIP) and a programme for strengthening Community-based Health and Planning Services (CHPS+), alongside innovations in health insurance, digital health and emergency care.
The keynote speaker also highlighted some of Ghana’s digital health initiatives including Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), Telemedicine and Mobile Health, as well as enhanced public health surveillance.
On behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor in charge of Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Gordon Awandare, officially opened the conference. In brief remarks, he commended RIPS for demonstrating leadership by co-organising the conference. ‘UG has a distinguished record of leadership in health research, from health systems to cellular and molecular levels. This university has conducted incredible research and capacity strengthening for health across the continent,’ Prof. Awandare stated.
The Director of RIPS, Prof. Ayaga Agula Bawa, in his address called for a ‘collective intellect, collaboration and commitment to transformative change.’ He also disclosed that the conference will feature over 50 papers presented by researchers, policymakers and practitioners from 5 countries, spanning diverse themes such as digital health, universal health coverage, and community health, among others.
Following the completion of this conference, organisers will publish a comprehensive conference report, a book of abstracts and a learning newsletter to document innovations and lessons learned and showcased at the conference.
