The College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, on 15th April 2026, hosted a high-level delegation from IQVIA as part of efforts to explore strategic partnerships in research and clinical trials. The meeting, held with faculty members of the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences (SBAHS), began with a warm welcome from the Dean, followed by introductions from both CHS faculty and the visiting team. The IQVIA delegation outlined their global footprint as a leading health technology and clinical research organization with expertise spanning drug discovery, development, and access, as well as their growing interest in strengthening research ecosystems across Africa.

The visit formed part of IQVIA’s fact-finding mission to assess institutional capacity, identify collaboration opportunities, and enhance Africa’s contribution to global clinical trials. The delegation highlighted Ghana, alongside Kenya and South Africa, as priority countries for expanding research activities beyond traditional infectious diseases into areas such as oncology, mental health, and ophthalmology. They emphasized the need for academia to leverage digital tools to improve research visibility and efficiency, noting that nearly 50% of clinical trials are conducted within academic institutions. Discussions also focused on addressing challenges such as limited visibility of clinical trial sites, gaps in research data systems, and the need for stronger coordination to attract global funding within competitive timelines.

Faculty members of CHS shared insights into existing research capabilities and challenges, including the lack of centralized databases for ongoing clinical trials and limited exposure of local expertise to global sponsors. The engagement underscored the importance of building robust research pipelines, strengthening laboratory infrastructure, and developing comprehensive data registries to support evidence-based collaborations. IQVIA expressed its readiness to support CHS through capacity building, facilitating access to sponsors, and linking researchers with funding opportunities across both commercial and grant-funded pathways.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from CHS to provide a directory of researchers, research sites, and areas of specialization to enhance collaboration prospects. Both parties expressed optimism about forging a long-term partnership that will position the University of Ghana as a centre of excellence in clinical research and innovation in Africa. Attendees included Chris Obwanga, Faridah Mwendia, Nana Efa Allafua, Patience Baah, representatives from IQVIA and Prof. Samuel Sarpong Antwi-Baffour, Ms. Isabella Rockson, Dr. Tom Ndana, Dr. Patrick Ampofo, Dr. Eric Nyarko and Ms. Gloria Addae from College of Health Sciences.