The University of Ghana School of Public Health (UGSPH) hub, as part of the HRP Alliance, partnered with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) to develop a joint Master’s of Science (MSc) programme in Sexual & Reproductive Health Policy and Programming, tailored to regional needs. This initiative addressed significant gaps in SRHR research capacity and leadership in Anglophone Africa, where advanced skills and leadership were scarce, and existing data was underutilized.
The programme, supported by LSHTM scholarships, enrolled 50 students annually over three years, combining rigorous academic coursework with practical SRHR applications through online modules. The hub leveraged its research capacity strengthening foundation, particularly in Sierra Leone and Ethiopia, to identify candidates and provide grantsmanship training.
Key outcomes include:
- Capacity Building: The programme produced high-quality research outputs and trained individuals for leadership roles in academia and government. Alumni have been promoted to positions such as head of reproductive health services and facility managers.
- Partnership Success: The collaboration between UGSPH and LSHTM bridged theory and practice, enriching the learning environment.
- Broader Impact: Follow-up with trainees ensured continuity, with many contributing to ongoing SRHR research projects. The hub has since expanded training to 125 individuals and offered additional short courses, including a grantsmanship workshop for 35 participants.
The success highlights the importance of tailoring training to regional needs, strategic partnerships, and flexible delivery methods. The HRP Alliance has supported 26 master’s and PhD fellows from eight Anglophone African countries, demonstrating the programme’s scalability and long-term impact on SRHR research and policy.
