Dr. Joseph Osarfo

A Message from the Head of Department 

I welcome you to the Department of Community Health at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. As a Department, we believe in preventing disease, promoting health and prolonging life and are driven by the conviction that health originates from individuals and by extension, their communities. 

Our mission is rooted in the belief that preventive medicine and evidence-based public health practice are the cornerstones of a robust, equitable and sustainable healthcare system. 

We are committed to equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and values needed for research to address the diverse and evolving health challenges of our time. Through an integrated curriculum that blends theoretical instruction with extensive fieldwork, students gain hands-on experience in disease prevention, epidemiological research, environmental health and community engagement. We emphasise critical thinking, cultural competence and ethical practice, ensuring that our graduates are not only technically proficient but also capable of leading initiatives underlying sustained improvements in health outcomes. 

Our Faculty is composed of dedicated educators, researchers and practitioners who bring a wealth of expertise to the classroom and the field. They are actively engaged in cutting-edge research on communicable and non-communicable diseases, maternal and child health, health systems strengthening and the social determinants of health. By actively involving students, we foster an environment where teaching and learning evolve and where academic work is directly linked to solving real-world health problems. 

Community engagement lies at the heart of our Department’s identity. We collaborate closely with local communities, healthcare providers, government agencies and international partners to design and implement health programmes that are relevant, inclusive and impactful. From rural outreach initiatives and school health programmes to national policy consultations, we ensure that our work makes a tangible difference where it matters most. 

As we look to the future, we remain committed to innovation, embracing digital health technologies, advanced data analytics and multidisciplinary approaches to enhance our teaching, research and service. Our vision is clear - to contribute to the creation of healthier, more resilient and empowered communities in Ghana, across Africa, and globally. 

I warmly invite you to explore our programmes, research initiatives and outreach activities. Whether you are a prospective student, a researcher, a partner organisation, or a member of the community, we welcome you to join us in advancing the cause of health for all. Together, we can shape a future where every individual is given the opportunity to live a healthy, productive and fulfilling life.