Dr. Samuel Ofori Addo, Research Fellow in the Bacteriology Department at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, has been named an awardee under the 16th Call of the University of Ghana Research Fund (UGRF) Early-Career Grants scheme.
Dr. Ofori Addo will lead a research project titled “Epidemiology and Treatment Outcomes of Recurrent Tuberculosis at Three Referral Hospitals in Ghana Over a Ten-Year Period (2015–2024).” The study aims to examine patterns of recurrent tuberculosis (TB) and evaluate treatment outcomes across selected referral hospitals over the past decade. By generating evidence on trends and outcomes, the research seeks to inform national TB control strategies and contribute to improved patient management in Ghana.
A key component of the research will examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on recurrent TB by comparing epidemiological patterns and treatment outcomes during the three-year pre-COVID-19 period (2017–2019) and the COVID-19 period (2020–2023). This analysis will generate evidence on how pandemic-related disruptions may have affected recurrent TB notifications, patient characteristics, and treatment outcomes.
He will work closely with Prof. Kennedy Kwasi Addo and Prof. Gloria Ivy Mensah, whose expertise in TB research is expected to provide valuable guidance, strengthen study implementation, and enhance the overall impact of the findings.
The University of Ghana Research Fund Early-Career Grant supports promising researchers in advancing innovative and policy-relevant studies within their disciplines. Dr. Ofori Addo’s award reflects the Institute’s continued commitment to research excellence, mentorship and capacity building among emerging scientists.
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Ofori Addo expressed his gratitude for the support and noted that the grant would enable him to generate meaningful, evidence-based insights to guide TB interventions in Ghana.
The Management and staff of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research warmly congratulate Dr. Samuel Ofori Addo on this achievement. They commend his dedication to advancing research that addresses critical public health challenges and look forward to the successful implementation of the project and its contribution to strengthening TB control efforts in the country.