As part of a three-day stakeholder engagement held from July 15–17, 2025, the Centre for Health System Strengthening (CfHSS) paid a courtesy call on Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, Director of Public Health at the Ghana Health Service (GHS). The visit aimed to strengthen ties and align CfHSS’ technical support with national public health priorities.

Led by Executive Director Dr. Michael Owusu, and accompanied by CDC Laboratory Advisor Dr. Bernard Nkrumah, the CfHSS team provided a comprehensive overview of its ongoing collaborations with the Public Health Division of GHS. These included laboratory system support, workforce development, biosafety infrastructure improvement, and digital health initiatives.

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe was particularly briefed on the following completed and ongoing interventions:

• Support for national rollout and piloting of the Sample Referral System (SRS) to improve timely specimen transport.
• Strengthening biosafety infrastructure through the Biosafety Cabinet Certification Program in partnership with the Clinical Engineering Department.
• Capacity building and external quality assurance support for Public Health Laboratories (PHLs).
• Introduction and evaluation of innovative diagnostic platforms such as miLab and LOAA.

Looking Ahead: CfHSS’ Expanded Vision with the Public Health Division

The CfHSS team outlined an ambitious agenda for future engagement with the GHS Public Health Division, aligned with national strategies and emerging needs. These upcoming interventions include:

1. Nationwide Scale-up of the SRS Application
2. Advanced Biosafety and Biosecurity Capacity Building
3. Introduction of Genomic Surveillance Tools
4. Support for Diagnostic Innovation
5. Workforce Strengthening in Public Health Laboratories

Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe welcomed CfHSS’ expanded vision and reaffirmed the Division’s readiness to collaborate. He emphasized the importance of sustained donor coordination, stakeholder alignment, and strong national ownership to ensure effective implementation and long-term impact.

CfHSS remains committed to supporting the Ghana Health Service in building a resilient public health system capable of addressing current challenges and emerging threats through innovation, evidence, and partnerships.

Follow CfHSS for more updates on our collaborative programs and impact across Ghana’s health sector.

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