Ghana Builds a New Generation of Mental Health Epidemiology Leaders
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by
AFENET
AFENET Ghana, through the Ghana Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Programme (GFELTP), is helping shape the future of mental health leadership in Africa by strengthening the epidemiology capacity of mental health professionals.
In January, Dr. Donne Ameme, Regional Technical Coordinator for Anglophone West Africa, represented AFENET at the Mental Health Leadership Programme (MHLP) Review and Planning Meeting held in Mombasa, Kenya. The meeting brought together Africa CDC, AFENET, and implementing partners to assess progress and plan for the next phase of this groundbreaking initiative.
Through the MHLP, Africa CDC is collaborating with AFENET to train 10 mental health professionals within Ghana FELTP at the advanced level. This innovative approach integrates mental health–specific modules into the existing FELTP curriculum, ensuring that graduates are equipped not only with clinical expertise but also with field epidemiology skills needed for surveillance, outbreak response, and evidence-based advocacy.
As mental health conditions continue to rise across the continent, this programme is building a pool of experts capable of leading reforms, strengthening mental health systems, and supporting national and regional response efforts.
With Ghana FELTP serving as a hub for this training, AFENET Ghana is positioning itself at the forefront of a new era: one where mental health is prioritized as an essential pillar of public health security.
AFENET Ghana Strengthens Partnerships for National Health Security
AFENET Ghana continues to play a critical role in advancing Ghana’s health security agenda by convening with partners, funders, and national institutions to align priorities and strengthen collaboration.
On 16 January 2026, AFENET Ghana staff participated in the annual Global Health Security Partners Meeting held at the Lancaster Hotel in Accra. The meeting brought together key actors in the global health security space to discuss Ghana’s programmatic priorities and ensure partner activities are harmonized for maximum impact.
The gathering included high-level representation from the Ghana Health Service, the United States CDC, WHO, KOICA, and the Health Development Partners group. Discussions focused on reducing duplication, improving coordination, and strengthening information sharing across stakeholders supporting Ghana’s preparedness and response systems.
By actively engaging in these strategic forums, AFENET Ghana continues to foster stronger partnerships that support sustainable public health programming and reinforce Ghana’s resilience against emerging health threats.
One CDC Meeting Enhances Coordination for Public Health Impact in Ghana
Collaboration remains at the heart of effective public health response, and AFENET Ghana is committed to supporting coordinated action across institutions.
On 28 January 2026, Dr. Bernard Nkrumah, Technical Advisor for Laboratory and Global Health Security with AFENET Ghana, participated in the One CDC All Hands Meeting held at the United States Embassy in Accra.
This quarterly meeting convened teams from across the US CDC Ghana Country Office, providing an opportunity for divisions to review progress, share successes, and discuss challenges in ongoing programme implementation.
The forum also strengthened mutual understanding of the diverse workstreams underway, reinforcing the importance of integrated approaches to surveillance, laboratory systems, and emergency response.
AFENET Ghana’s participation reflects its continued commitment to supporting collaboration and technical excellence in Ghana’s public health landscape.
