KNUST and Research Partners Expand Ghana's Search for New Schistosomiasis Treatments
A research partnership announced in October will help Ghanaian scientists screen about 100 experimental compounds in the search for improved schistosomiasis treatments.
KUMASI, GHANA — The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the nonprofit Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) are working to strengthen Ghana's capacity to discover potential treatments for schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease affecting communities in Africa.
The collaboration was originally announced on October 6, 2026, and was highlighted again in coverage on November 5. It is an ongoing research initiative, not a newly approved medicine or a treatment ready for patients.
Testing about 100 compounds
The partnership aims to establish a laboratory capable of screening approximately 100 selected experimental molecules against Schistosoma haematobium, a parasite associated with urogenital schistosomiasis in Africa.
Scientists plan to evaluate how candidate compounds affect juvenile and adult stages of the parasite and refine the laboratory tests used to identify promising drug candidates. Finding active molecules is an early step; further research, safety testing and clinical trials would be required before a new medicine could reach routine care.
Training and international cooperation
The project is supported by Germany's Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and forms part of a wider international research effort. Two KNUST researchers are expected to undertake laboratory-method training at the University of Bonn in Germany.
By strengthening expertise and laboratory infrastructure in Ghana, the partnership could make it easier for researchers based in countries affected by neglected diseases to contribute directly to drug discovery.
Public-health significance
Schistosomiasis continues to create health burdens across parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Research into more effective treatment options could improve future responses, but no breakthrough or cure has been established by this partnership.
Original institutional announcement: DNDi, October 6, 2026. https://www.dndi.org/press-releases/2026/ghanas-knust-and-dndi-partner-to-accelerate-drug-discovery-for-neglected-diseases-in-africa
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