Mr. James Armo, a distinguished 2023 graduate of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) School of Allied Health Sciences at Ho in the Volta Region, has been awarded a prestigious research fellowship funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mr. Amo was the only Ghanaian and one of just six individuals globally selected for the highly competitive fellowship and for recognition.
Mr. Amo, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, expressed gratitude to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for the recognition and stated that the researches would focus on applying advanced neuroimaging techniques to improve early diagnosis and prognosis of first-episode psychosis.
“This fellowship is a major milestone not only to me but also for UHAS and Ghana at large and global relevance of the education and training offered at UHAS,” he said.
He explained that the topic of study was very critical in mental health which held a great promised for transforming patient care outcomes globally and was centred on neuroimaging Sciences, within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London, which would contribute significantly to global efforts in improving mental health diagnostics and treatment.
Mr. Amo’s expressed excitement over the selection which highlighted the commitment to advancing clinical neuroscience and mental health research, particularly in low-resource settings exhibited for the recognition and awards.
“I strongly believe that my research done so far will have a significant impact on improving mental health care in Ghana and globally.”
As part of the selection and recognition, Mr. Amo would be undertaking advanced research training at King’s College London, a renowned institution for neuroscience research.
The training is expected to equip him with the necessary skills and expertise to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Mr. Gabriel Agbanyo, UHAS Alumni President, told the the media that the research fellowship awarded to Mr. Amo was also expected to have a significant impact on mental health care globally to improve early diagnosis and prognosis of first-episode psychosis, which would contribute to better patient outcomes and more effective treatment strategies.
He said the funding provided by Foundation would enable Mr. Amo and other beneficiaries to pursue their research goals to make meaningful contributions to the field of mental health.
He said Mr. Amo’s recognition as one of six individuals globally for the research fellowship was a recognition of his outstanding work and potential in the field of mental health research and his achievement would likely have a significant impact on his career and future research endeavours.
Mr. Agbanyo told the GNA that the selection and the recognition was demonstration of a quality education and training offered at UHAS while the university was commitment to producing high-calibre of graduates as an evident in Mr. Amo’s success.