The University of Ghana hosted African and global partners to advance data science solutions for health at the 5th DS-I Africa Discovery and Innovation Meeting.
The meeting, held on Monday, August 25, 2025, was organized in collaboration with the DS-I Africa Coordinating Centre, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and the U.K.-based Wellcome Trust. It focused on the theme “Data Science in Africa: Strengthening Partnerships and Collaboration across Networks, Sectors, and Impact Areas.”
The gathering highlighted African-led research in health, artificial intelligence, and policy, drawing participants from global funders, African institutions, government agencies, and early-career scientists.
Speaking at the event, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, Heather Smith, emphasised America’s long-standing role in supporting biomedical research across Africa.
“For decades, the United States has been the largest funder of biomedical research in Africa, supporting cutting-edge science that aligns with American health priorities while advancing scientific ecosystems across the continent,” she said.
Smith added that the U.S. remains committed to helping African nations strengthen their health systems: “We are proud of our role in preparing African nations for the next step in taking control and funding their health systems as sovereign nations.”
Representing the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon Awandare, welcomed the consortium and reaffirmed UG’s commitment to its 2024–2029 strategic plan, which prioritises health research as one of seven key areas. He also urged African governments to increase domestic investment in research:
“Now more than ever, it is imperative that our governments set their priorities right and commit the necessary resources to support research that directly addresses our urgent health challenges.”
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto of the Ministry’s Health Informatics Unit, called on participants to harness data for transformative healthcare. He noted that data-driven approaches could shift Ghana and the continent from “reactive care to proactive, predictive, and personalised healthcare interventions.”
Dr. Atiwoto further highlighted the growing role of data-driven insights in addressing child mortality, genetic research, and the management of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
The meeting also drew participation from the University of Cape Coast and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
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Story by Oliver Arthur Acorlor|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
