The National Vaccine Institute (NVI) is setting its sights on a stronger partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), positioning the university as a strategic ally in Ghana’s growing vaccine research and manufacturing agenda.
Speaking at the Second Session of UHAS’s Ninth Congregation on May 31, Acting CEO of the NVI, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, underscored the urgent need for investment in vaccine research and innovation. He noted that while Ghana’s short-term target is the local production of existing vaccines, the long-term vision demands homegrown solutions to future pandemics and emerging pathogens.
“Institutions like UHAS must be front and centre in this journey. We must go beyond manufacturing and invest in the development of new vaccines through robust research,” Dr. Sodzi-Tettey said.
He highlighted a recent visit to UHAS, where a joint team from the European Union and GIZ partners met with the university’s Vaccine Research and Development team. The visit left a strong impression, catalyzing initial support under the EU-funded PharmaVax project aimed at enhancing R&D capacity.
Dr. Sodzi-Tettey emphasized the importance of leveraging UHAS’s human capital for national vaccine development efforts, pledging the Institute’s commitment to building research infrastructure through the Team Europe framework.
In her address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Lydia Aziato announced a raft of new academic programmes for the 2024/2025 academic year, including a six-year Doctor of Medical Laboratory Sciences and combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various psychology disciplines. She also introduced the Professional Practice Certificate Course in Sports and Exercise Medicine to support professionals in fitness and sports.
Prof. Aziato also updated the congregation on infrastructural developments, including progress on the UHAS Main Bypass Road project, which has faced delays since early 2025.
Valedictorian Mrs. Bernice Evenunye Akosua Atsu of the School of Nursing and Midwifery issued a call for moral renewal, decrying corruption and environmental degradation. “Let us strive to be paragon examples in a time of normalized systemic decay,” she urged her fellow graduates.
A total of 957 students graduated at this session, bringing UHAS’s 2023/2024 academic year graduate tally to a record 2,476—its highest ever. Since 2016, the university has produced over 11,000 health professionals.
Council Chairman Prof. Kodzo Gavua lauded this achievement and reaffirmed UHAS’s ambition to be the leading destination for health professional training in Africa. He also appealed for better support systems for sandwich programme students, especially for nursing mothers and pregnant women.
