Access Bank, in partnership with IT Consortium, has contributed GHS100,000 to the University of Ghana Medical Center (UGMC) to support its $5 million clinical trials center project. This significant donation aims to bolster the ongoing efforts to establish a state-of-the-art facility for medical research and trials in Ghana. IT Consortium has also launched a public fundraiser through their Chango App and a short code 887 222#, raising over GHS134,000 to date.
These efforts are part of a broader initiative, which has already seen UGMC reach 40% of its target amount, thanks to a public awareness concert and donations from various organizations and individuals. Professor George Boateng Kyei, Director of Medical and Scientific Research at UGMC, expressed confidence in achieving the fundraising goal, emphasizing the center’s importance to Ghana and the West African region. He highlighted the need for locally conducted clinical trials due to the significant genetic diversity within African populations, which necessitates tailored medical treatments.
“Many Africans travel abroad for medical examinations and treatments,” Professor Kyei noted, “but due to our unique genetic makeup, treatments effective in Europe or Asia may not work here. Conducting our own trials ensures we import only effective treatments.” He further explained the prevalence of health issues like hypertension in Ghana, where many affected individuals unknowingly use ineffective imported drugs.
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