Accra, Ghana became the centre for global health discussions from April 28 to April 30, 2026. Researchers and policymakers met for a three-day symposium dedicated to tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These diseases are now the primary cause of death across the globe.
The summit, themed “Ensuring Sustainability from Global Health Research Centres", aimed to move beyond theoretical research. It focused on putting health solutions into action on a large scale. This effort spans across continents including Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. The event gathered all five Global Health Research Centres funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to share their work.
This gathering is highly significant as NCDs represent a major global health and economic challenge. The World Health Organization reports that NCDs like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes cause over 41 million deaths each year. This is 74% of all global fatalities. A stark 86% of the 17 million premature deaths from NCDs occur in countries with lower or middle incomes. Ghana's role in hosting this event underscores its growing importance in global health strategies.
Professor Richard Adanu, Rector of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS), co-led the NIHR Global Health Research Centre for NCD Control in West Africa. He welcomed delegates with humour, emphasising Ghana's central role in this research. He expressed delight that the symposium was held in Ghana, calling it the "right place". He urged participants to collaborate actively and share their work widely.
Dr Hafez Adam Taher, representing Ghana's Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, highlighted research's vital role in shaping healthcare policy. He stated that research helps identify interventions that are effective, affordable, and suitable for local conditions. He referenced Ghana's Free Primary Healthcare policy, noting that early detection and screening for NCDs are key government priorities. This aligns with the STOP-NCD initiative and aims to integrate NCD prevention into primary health systems. Support from NIHR and the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is crucial for this effort.
Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, shared concerning local statistics. He noted that 45% of Ghanaians over 40 years old have NCDs. Crucially, 60% of these individuals are unaware of their condition, and 45% are not receiving medication. This directly contributes to high rates of strokes and puts a significant strain on the nation's health system. He stressed that investing in research is not a luxury but a foundation for national development and healthier populations.
Professor Kara Hanson, Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Programme, delivered the keynote address. She challenged researchers to focus on tangible impacts beyond academic papers. Demonstrating the value of global health research for patients, public health services, and community engagement is paramount. This shift towards real-world impact is critical as global health strategies evolve.