An emerging scientist with the Biomedical Science Department of the Navrongo Health Research Centre, Bernice Ama Baako has delivered a standout presentation at the 2024 Military Health System Research Symposium (MHSRS) concluded its annual conference held in Kissimmee, Florida.
The conference which was held from the 26th to the 29th of August 2024, focused on groundbreaking research and collabo
rative innovation, gathered approximately 4,000 attendees, including military medical professionals, research scientists, academics, international partners, and industry experts.
The MHSRS, the US Department of Defense’s premier conference dedicated to military medicine, serves as a pivotal platform for addressing the unique medical needs of military personnel. The symposium is organized around six key research areas including Combatting Casualty Care, Military Operational Medicine, Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Information Sciences, Military Infectious Diseases, and Radiation Health Effects. Through these areas, MHSRS aims to drive innovation and share knowledge that enhances the health and well-being of Warfighters.
Bernice Baako’s presentation on the topic “One Health Xenosurveillance: Identifying Risks and Drivers to Zoonotic and Vector-Borne Diseases Spillover in Northern Ghana.” which was accepted for an oral presentation, is derived from the Navrongo Integrated Surveillance Project (NISP). This multi-organizational effort is focused on generating crucial data to assess the exposure and risks associated with emerging zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens in Ghana.
Baako’s presentation highlighted the importance of comprehensive surveillance in understanding and mitigating the threats posed by zoonotic diseases, especially those that can be transmitted from animals to humans and vector-borne diseases, which are spread by vectors such as mosquitoes. The research emphasizes the need for a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health perspectives to effectively identify and address disease spillover risks.
The symposium provided a platform for valuable exchanges among experts, fostering a collaborative environment that promises to advance the field of military medicine and improve health outcomes for military personnel. By addressing these critical areas, MHSRS continues to play a crucial role in supporting the health and operational effectiveness of the armed forces.