The KNUST School of Public Health must reposition itself to lead Africa’s next generation of health innovation,” Professor Ellis Owusu-Dabo said, urging faculty to adopt precision public health, systems thinking, and community-driven interventions as core priorities.

Speaking at the School’s Staff Training and Retreat at Nyansapo Eco Resort, Prof. Owusu-Dabo said the School needs to improve data quality and adopt “higher-resolution data and tailor-made solutions” to address emerging health challenges. “Precision public health is one area that we need to learn,” he said, citing examples such as precision vaccinations and environmental engineering.

He called on the School to prepare its workforce for new scientific demands. “We, as a school, should be thinking about how we can increase some of these programmes, rehand these same programmes, take hold of some of these, and be able to understand our workforce,” he said, highlighting the role of digital public health and AI-enhanced modelling.

Prof. Owusu-Dabo also stressed the need to address structural determinants beyond social determinants. 

“Beyond social determinants, there are societal structural intents we can learn,” he said. “These include governance, empowering people, and ensuring that they have what it takes to take home their future in terms of health.”

On environmental health, he said, “Health is affected by the environment, by messaging, and by the ecology,” linking this to planetary and One Health approaches.

He emphasised participatory research models and community-centred approaches, saying: “Sometimes we think we know it all. But when we introduce interventions, are we able to learn and adapt over time? Community-led stewardship, mobilisation, and respecting local knowledge are key. Trust is built, and once trust is built, interventions will last.”

On sustainability and long-term impact, he said, “Wellness is health and wealth,” noting that improving communities strengthens life expectancy and reduces preventable diseases.

Prof. Owusu-Dabo also highlighted the importance of ethics and data governance. “Confidentiality will be very key in the future, especially for those of us in clinical trials,” he said.

He concluded by urging unity among faculty, saying: “Let’s build a formidable future for public health. We always want to be united as one people. Everybody brings something to our school, our faculty, and our department. Let’s bring it together.”