Njala University Hosts Inaugural Public Health Postgraduate Symposium
Credit: Public Relations Assistant, Njala University ( Ayuba Koroma)
Njala University, 20th December 2024- The School of Public Health at Njala University has launched its inaugural Postgraduate Symposium at Galliness Paradise, Kenema Highway, Bo. Held from December 16 to 20, 2024, the symposium was centered around the theme: "Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Integrating Public Health Innovations and Strategies."
The five-day event brought together academics, researchers, and postgraduate students to deliberate on critical issues in public health, showcasing groundbreaking research and fostering discussions on innovative strategies to enhance universal health coverage. The opening session, moderated by faculty leaders, commenced with a warm welcome by Professor Bashiru Mohamed Koroma, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Njala University.
In his remarks, Professor Koroma emphasized the University's commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and advancing public health. He described the symposium as a testament to Njala University’s dedication to nurturing competent health scientists equipped to address pressing public health challenges through rigorous research and advocacy.
Professor Rashid Ansumana, Dean of the School of Community Health Sciences, and Professor Kemoh Rogers, Head of the Department of Public Health, elaborated on the objectives of the event. They highlighted the importance of integrating public health innovations and strategies to address systemic healthcare challenges and achieve sustainable outcomes.
The symposium included a series of parallel sessions featuring oral and poster presentations by MPhil, PhD, and MPH students. Presentations focus on topics such as maternal and child health, epidemiology, health informatics, and environmental health. Notable contributions included studies on the psychological impact of vesicovaginal fistula, community-driven approaches to Lassa fever regulation, and the socio-cultural dynamics of substance use among Sierra Leonean youths.
The event also features keynote addresses by distinguished scholars, including Professor Rashid Ansumana and Professor Victor T. S. Kabba, who underscored the transformative potential of research in addressing public health challenges and strengthening healthcare systems.
In his statement, Professor Victor Tamba S. Kabba, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the School of Public Health and lauded the symposium as a milestone for one of Njala University’s newest schools.
He emphasized that the symposium reflects the school’s capacity to excel in research and innovation, predicting significant contributions to health sciences in the coming years.
The symposium sets a strong foundation for the School of Public Health, aligning with Njala University’s vision to drive research excellence. Over the course of the week, participants explored solutions to complex health challenges, aiming to inspire actionable policies and foster collaborative partnerships in public health. As the symposium progressed, the Department of Public Health reaffirmed its commitment to providing a platform for knowledge sharing, fostering innovation, and empowering researchers to make a lasting impact in Sierra Leone and beyond.
© Public Relations Unit, Njala University
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