17 postgraduate students awarded research grants under post COVID-19 initiative

Seventeen postgraduate students have received research grants from the Post COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP).

This project aims to support Ghana’s recovery in the health sector after COVID-19. It focuses on restoring livelihoods, income, and employment opportunities. The initiative also promotes technical skills and entrepreneurship for youth and women.

The grants were presented at a brief ceremony. They are part of a larger initiative funded by a $28.5 million grant from the African Development Bank (AfDB). This funding enhances health-related skills development and encourages entrepreneurship among youth and women.

On March 28, Abass Nurudeen, CEO of the Social Investment Fund, spoke to journalists about the scholarship scheme. He explained that it was created in response to challenges posed by the pandemic.

In 2022, the AfDB agreed to support PSDPEP after COVID-19 exposed weaknesses in biomedical infrastructure. The crisis highlighted significant issues in healthcare that needed addressing.

To tackle these shortcomings, a targeted program was designed. This program provides essential training for students in biomedical fields during critical times.

Mr. Nurudeen emphasized the need to strengthen Africa’s biomedical capacity. A specialized training package was developed for students as part of PSDPEP.

As this program reaches its final phase, March 28 marks the announcement of new awardees. The initiative aims to address gaps revealed in the biomedical sector through these scholarships.

He noted that strict qualification criteria ensured only qualified candidates were selected for scholarships. Candidates needed at least a second-class upper degree in any biomedical-related subject.

The selection process involved thorough assessments, which delayed the rollout of scholarships. Mr. Nurudeen praised Rev. Prof. Kwamena Sagoe for his role in implementing this initiative successfully.

The Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Ghana Medical School oversees this project component. They selected 17 successful students from applicants across Ghana and West Africa.

These beneficiaries include ten MPhil students and seven PhD candidates. They will conduct research using synthetic peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and natural products against infectious diseases.

Mr. Elorm Yao Dordor is an MPhil Biomedical Sciences student at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. He expressed gratitude for receiving a research grant that supports young African researchers in biotechnology and vaccine development.

**Background**

In June 2022, Ghana signed a five-year agreement with AfDB to implement PSDPEP from 2022 to 2027. The project is funded by a $28.5 million grant from AfDB.

PSDPEP's main goal is to aid Ghana’s sustainable recovery post-COVID-19 in health care while restoring livelihoods and creating jobs.

Specific objectives include supporting health-related skills development at higher education institutions like the University of Ghana and promoting entrepreneurship among youth and women.

The project has two main components: skills development for strengthening health care and rebuilding livelihoods through job creation for youth and women, along with project management oversight.

The Ministry of Finance executes this project while SIF implements it through a dedicated Project Implementation Unit (PIU).