It is gratifying to report that research activities at the Kintampo Health Research Centre (KHRC) have over recent years gained significant grounding in its scientific research work due to assured and stable funding. Even where very high quality work is being carried out by African institutions rated as centres of excellence, funders/donors may pull out for several reasons that can be best explained by them. The need for such African institutions to ensure their continual existence in times of financial turbulence requires strategic planning in its activities.

KHRC is extremely grateful to the Department for International Development (DFID), UK, for the stability brought to the centre as a result of the agreement signed between DFID and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), on behalf of KHRC for funding the "כbaapaVitA" project and the continual interest shown in us; a clear example that demonstrates this is DFID’s support in funding the development of the business plan for KHRC.
 
Though KHRC has been expanding its research base to include new areas of research and this is yielding additional recognition, funding and relevance for the centre, the need for a business plan that ensures sustainable funding is paramount.

Our mission and vision as an institution places KHRC as one of the key stakeholders in the Ghana Ministry of Health in determining outcomes that can be used in monitoring performance towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for Africa’s most disadvantaged communities. Its continual existence is therefore paramount

A business plan covering a five-year period (2007-2011) has been developed in response to the challenges and opportunities facing KHRC with the core objectives of delivering high quality research relevant to healthcare priorities in Ghana in particular and internationally; provision of technical support and training to strengthening research programmes and laboratory practices in the MoH, Ghana and providing field practice opportunities for students and researchers nationally and internationally. It also will strengthen KHRC internal technical capacity as well as set up effective monitoring and evaluation systems for impact and outcome assessments

I wish to take the opportunity to also thank our donors, funders and collaborators, sister institutions and our health ministry for the interest and support that we continue to enjoy.