GHANA – The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has advocated for reduced article processing charges to facilitate the publication of scientific findings by more African countries and researchers. 

This move aims to provide additional resources to address some of the critical pillars of the new public health order, as stated by Professor Nicaise Ndembi, Senior Advisor Africa CDC and Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Public Health in Africa (JPHIA).

Speaking at a meeting organized by the Journal of Public Health in Africa and the National Vaccine Institute, Ghana in Accra, Prof. Ndembi emphasized the urgent need for more research, as Africa is the most vulnerable region to infectious disease threats. 

He noted that every year, 100 health emergencies are documented, with contagious diseases accounting for 90% and zoonotic diseases responsible for 70%. 

He added, “no country is well prepared for an infectious disease outbreak, and Africa is even worse.”

Prof. Ndembi called on African countries to adhere to the Africa CDC’s new five pillars of public health order in constructing the global health architecture. 

These pillars include more vital public health institutions, a larger workforce, more excellent vaccine, diagnostic, and therapeutic production, domestic health-care investment, and respectful action-oriented partnerships.

Dr. Loice Cushny of the Africa CDC, speaking on Knowledge Hubs and the Publishing Landscape in Africa, emphasized the need for collaboration and cross-learning among different stakeholders and jurisdictions. 

This will serve as a platform for information exchange and knowledge sharing, minimizing duplication and time waste in inventing the wheel.

Prof. Willam Kwabena Ampofo, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute, called on scientists to document their work to create an enabling environment for research development and vaccine manufacturing in Ghana. 

He also mentioned that the JPHIA had existed for five years and that it was time for African researchers to publish in the journal on the different high-quality vaccines being developed.

Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, Director of Research Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Health, urged researchers to work with the Ministry to ensure the successful application of research findings.

During the panel discussion, scientists advocated for robust mentorship programs that would allow scientific students to get guidance throughout their practice. 

They also appealed for the necessary resources and time to publish their scientific findings to ensure the proper implementation of the public health system.

Dr. Gifty Dufie Ampofo, a representative of the University of Allied Health Sciences (UHAS) Ho, urged scientific students to understand the need to publish as early as possible to develop interest.

The Africa CDC’s call for reduced article processing charges aims to boost African research output and address the continent’s pressing public health challenges. 

By making scientific publications more accessible, the organization hopes to empower African researchers and institutions to contribute to the global knowledge pool and drive innovation in healthcare.

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