A Parasitologist and Global Health expert at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Prof Alexander Yaw Debrah, has been selected as one of the key speakers for the upcoming 9th UN General Assembly Science Summit in New York City.
The event organised by ISC Intelligence in Science will bring together global thought leaders, scientists, policymakers, and experts from various fields across the world on 12th September 2023.
The purpose of the summit is to address current critical scientific challenges affecting the planet. The central theme of this years summit is “The Role of Science in Achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Professor Debrah is expected to share his insights in a significant session titled: “Research Networks for Health Innovations in Sub-Saharan Africa (RHISSA) with DLR-PT.” This interactive platform will allow him to engage in meaningful conversations with other research networks and experts from diverse fields and foster collaboration for sustainable development. Members are encouraged to register at no cost at https://sciencesummitunga78.sched.com/ to watch or participate.
About Prof. Alexander Debrah
Professor Alexander Yaw Debrah holds a Ph.D in Medical Parasitology. His primary research focus is on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), particularly filariasis. Professor Debrah has established research partnerships with international institutions such as the University of Bonn, Case Western Reserve University of Cleveland, the University of Buea in Cameroon, The TaskForce for Global Health in the US, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, among others.
Prof. Debrah led the TAKeOFF project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), which brought together international experts from five institutions aimed at addressing filariasis (elephantiasis) and podoconiosis diseases.
The molecular basis of symbiosis between filarial worms and their Wolbachia endobacteria is one of the cornerstones of his research work, the second being the genetics of filariasis. In addition, he conducts research on other neglected tropical diseases such as schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis.
His impactful work has secured grants exceeding 15 million euros from significant entities, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the European Commission, BMBF, and the German Research Foundation (DFG). Professor Debrah has over 100 publications in peer-reviewed journals and has been recognised with awards such as the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) Travel Award, a nomination by the VW Foundation of Germany to attend a forum of Nobel laureates, and young promising scientists in Lindau, Germany, the prestigious bi-annual main prize of the German Paul-Ehrlich-Society for anti-infective therapy (PEG), and the German “Momento Research” Prize.
He has held several positions at KNUST, including Examinations Officer, Head of Department, Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, and Acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences. He is the Chairman of the Graduate Committee of the College of Health Sciences, a member of the School of Graduate Studies Board, and a member of the Academic Board of KNUST. Additionally, he has held National and International positions, including Chair of the Planning Committee of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC) of the American Society of Microbiology (the first African to be appointed to this committee since its formation over 65 years ago).
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