NIHR Symposium 2026: Researchers meet in Ghana for sustainable solutions as NCDs surge worldwide

The National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) convened a cross-section of global health leaders, policymakers and scientists for a high-level summit focused on tackling non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The three-day symposium was held from April 28 to April 30 in Accra. The symposium was hosted by the NIHR Global Health Research Centre for NCD Control in West Africa, co-led by the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons (GCPS) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM).

The meeting brought together all five Global Health Research Centres established by NIHR under a five-year programme to share progress, lessons learned and strategies for long-term sustainability. The opening ceremony was co-chaired by Founder and Vice-Chancellor of Family Health University, Professor Enyonam Yao Kwawukume, and Professor Kara Hanson, Director of the NIHR Global Health Research Programme. According to the World Health Organization, NCDs account for over 41 million deaths annually, representing 74% of all global deaths. An estimated 17 million people die prematurely (before age 70) each year, with 86% of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. The Rector of GCPS, Professor Richard Adanu, said, "About three years ago, we got information from the National Institute for Health and Care Research UK that the West African Consortium led by Prof. Irene Agyepong of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons had been awarded the grant. We were very excited."

Representing Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Dr Hafez Adam Taher, emphasised the central role of research in shaping Ghana's healthcare policies. Dr. Taher also highlighted alignment between the STOP-NCD initiative and government priorities,