Director of the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology at the University of Bonn, Germany, Prof. Achim Hörauf is encouraging Ghanaian scientists to focus on small groups of diseases to achieve the maximum impact.
Speaking at a public lecture, he pointed out this would involve recruiting relevant experts and seeking sufficient funding.
“You have to be specific on a small group of diseases in order to make an impact. Institutions should focus on their strongholds and hire with a track record and look for available funding,” he said.
Prof. Hörauf and his Ghanaian counterpart, Prof. Alexander Yaw Debrah of KNUST discovered an important mechanism in elephantiasis infection which led to the use of readily available antibiotics such as doxycycline, to treat the elephantiasis-causing worms.
These results led to subsequent clinical trials using other available antibiotics and also the development of novel antibiotics targeting these worms.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/6W0A5741-1024x683.jpg)
The lecture organised by the German-West Africa Centre for Global Health and Pandemic Prevention was under the theme: “From bench to bedside-what it takes to bring; laboratory discovery into clinical practice."
The professor of parasitology discussed lessons from his engagement in teaching and research that has affected populations plagued by Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), especially filariasis.
Though he acknowledged the lack of interest by big pharma in the development of drugs for NTDS, he was hopeful of collaboration among stakeholders to encourage production of these drugs.
Latest Stories
-
‘Alejandro Balde is my role model’ – Barcelona new boy David Oduro
4 mins -
Walewale MP, Lariba Abudu pulls out of NPP primaries
14 mins -
Ghanaians need to be educated to recognise subtle signs of suicide – Mental Health Authority
15 mins -
Family land transactions – an exposition
25 mins -
Ernest Anim files nomination for Kumawu re-election bid
41 mins -
We won’t intervene for persons arrested over Walewale primary disturbances – NPP
50 mins -
Four arrested in connection with violent Oyarifa attack
1 hour -
Abu Jinapor files re-election bid, calls for united front for 2024 election
1 hour -
We’re losing galamsey fight over leadership failure – Dr Tony Aubynn
1 hour -
Government’s investment in roads key to poverty reduction – Asenso-Boakye at FIDIC 2024
1 hour -
Ghana’s democratic evolution ushers in new dawn of development – Akufo-Addo
1 hour -
We don’t support GMA’s call to ban small-scale mining – Association of Small-Scale Miners
2 hours -
IPPG calls for transparency and accountability in implementing Ghana’s Emissions Levy Law
2 hours -
Building stronger party essential for election victory – NPP Treasurer
2 hours -
Ban illegal mining to prevent generational food and nutrition crises – PFAG
2 hours