GHANA: March 2024

Trip Summary

• Met with University of Ghana and Academic City University IGH students and faculty to discuss projects and ongoing relationship.

• Met with the Director of the Health Facilitie Regulatory Agency (HeFRA), Dr. Phillip Bannor, to receive insights on necessary medical device facilities.

• Met the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) officials and discussed future partnership. 

• Learned about the FDA approval process and gained connections with Ghana Health Services, USAID Global Health Supply Chain, and the Christian Health Association of Ghana.

• Visited and delivered 2023-2024 design projects to Kyebi Government Hospital, RIDGE Hospital, and Akyem Dwenase Health Centre. 

• Conducted medical device needs assessments to identify 2024-2025 design project goals. 

• Established and enhanced connections and partnerships with University of Ghana, Academic City University, and Hospital/Clinic staff. 

• Hosted an event at Academic City University to officially begin our partnership and provide assistance in starting a chapter. 

• Gave presentations on Arduino!

Arduino Course 

• During our Spring Break trip to Ghana, we held an Arduino course for our newest chapter at Academic City University. Students from the University of Ghana attended the course as well and established connections with other students.

• We were pleased with the turnout and are looking forward to future collaborations with students at the our partner chapters!

Makerspace

Our members revisited the MakersPlace, a STEAM education solution for students in Ghana 

Next Steps

• Establish a penpal system with UGhana and Acity IGH chapters.

• Maintain and learn from our new connections.

• Arrange design teams and begin design projects: infant phototherapy system, electronic patient history system/database, and handheld pulse oximeter for infants.