Seventeen postgraduate students awarded research grants through Post COVID-19 Project - Ghana Business News

Seventeen postgraduate students have received research grants from the Post COVID-19 Skills Development and Productivity Enhancement Project (PSDPEP). This project supports innovative healthcare research in Ghana.

The initiative is worth $28.5 million and is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). It aims to develop health-related skills and promote entrepreneurship among youth and women.

At the presentation ceremony in Accra, Mr. Abass Nurudeen spoke about the scholarship. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund (SIF). He said the scholarship addresses gaps in Ghana's biomedical sector revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr. Nurudeen explained that students in biomedical fields would train others in critical sectors. This scholarship scheme is a key part of that plan. He encouraged recipients to make the most of this opportunity.

He noted that their success could lead to future program expansions. Mr. Nurudeen also mentioned a cultural tendency among Ghanaians to undervalue free opportunities. He emphasized that this scholarship is significant, even by international standards.

Rev. Prof. Kwamena Sagoe leads the Medical School component of PSDPEP. Mr. Nurudeen commended him for his efforts in implementing this initiative successfully.

The Department of Medical Microbiology at the University of Ghana Medical School oversees these grants. They selected 17 students: 10 MPhil and seven PhD candidates from Ghana and West Africa.

These students will focus on combating infectious diseases using synthetic peptides, monoclonal antibodies, and natural products.

Mr. Elorm Yao Dordor, an MPhil Biomedical Sciences student, expressed gratitude for his grant. He called it a timely intervention for young African researchers in biotechnology and vaccine development.

His research aims to develop a peptide-based vaccine for rabies, addressing gaps left by existing vaccines against emerging strains.

Ms. Priscilla Appiah Baffoe, an MPhil Medical Microbiology student, also appreciated her grant as a financial relief. She was unsure how she would fund her research before receiving it.

Her research focuses on testing one percent hydrogen peroxide mouthwash against SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses' replication.

She encouraged her peers to seek funding opportunities through platforms like LinkedIn.

In June 2022, Ghana signed a five-year agreement with AfDB to implement PSDPEP from 2022 to 2027. The project aims to enhance healthcare skills development and create job opportunities for youth and women.

It also seeks to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare delivery system through technical training and entrepreneurship initiatives.