The Filariasis Research Group at the Kumasi Centre for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR) hosted the 2026 TAKeOFF Consortium Annual Meeting at the Coconut Grove Beach Resort, Elmina, Ghana, which ran from 20–25 September 2026.
The meeting brought together researchers, scientists, and partners from Ghana, Germany, Cameroon, and Tanzania to review progress, share research findings, and strengthen collaboration in the fight against filarial infections and podoconiosis.
The TAKeOFF (Tackling the Obstacles to Fight Filarial Infections and Podoconiosis) Consortium brings together partner institutions including KCCR, GIZ, DLR, University of Buea, National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR), Tanzania, Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology (IMMIP), Bonn, Germany, and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) also in Germany.
The 2026 meeting also marked a special milestone as the consortium celebrated its 10th Anniversary, reflecting a decade of research collaboration and collective efforts towards addressing neglected tropical diseases.
The meeting was graced by the Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor David Asamoah, and the National Program Manager for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at the Ghana Health Service, Dr Joseph Kwadwo Larbi Opare.
Their participation underscored the importance of collaboration between research institutions, academia, health authorities, and international partners in addressing the burden of neglected tropical diseases.
“This 10th Annual meeting has provided as with an opportunity to pause, reflect and look forward, but more especially, reflect on what has been done, what is left to do in the last year of TAKeOFF 2″ Prof. Linda Batsa Debrah: Local Principal investigator. TAKeOFF Ghana
.
“TAKeOFF represents much more than a research consortium, it demonstrates what can be achieved when institution, disciplines and countries come together around a common purpose. The TAKeOFF experience demonstrates a principal that is central to KNUST’s Misson, Research must ultimately serve people” Prof. David Asamoah: Pro Vice-Chancellor, KNUST representing the Vice-Chancellor of KNUST
Prof. Alexander Yaw Debrah who doubles as TAKeOFF Consortium Director highlighted some of the successes chopped by TAKeOFF consortium in Ghana including establishing Elephantiasis Management Clinics in the northern Ghana which are serving many patients with elephantiasis. He also mentioned how TAKeOFF consortium is using “Test and Treat” approach in some LF endemic communities in Ghana to identify infected patients for treatment, so they do not spread the infection to other districts already declared free of the infection
The TAKeOFF Annual Meeting continued throughout the week, providing a platform for partners to review research progress, reflect on achievements, share knowledge, strengthen collaborations, and identify opportunities for future research, interventions and strategies for the years ahead.
As TAKeOFF celebrates 10 years of collaboration, KCCR remains committed to advancing research and partnerships that contribute to improved understanding, prevention, and control of filarial infections and podoconiosis.
10 years of collaboration. 10 years of research. 10 years of TAKeOFF.
