In March 2026, the Global and Environmental Health Research Group visited Accra, Ghana, to explore research collaboration opportunities with key institutions. The visit aimed to identify topics for addressing critical health challenges, particularly in maternal and child health.
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20.03.2026:
Establishing research collaboration with Ghana: A Visit by UiT's Global and Environmental Health research group
Establishing research collaboration with Ghana: A Visit by UiT's Global and Environmental Health research group
In March 2026, the Global and Environmental Health Research Group visited Accra, Ghana, to explore research collaboration opportunities with key institutions. The visit aimed to identify topics for addressing critical health challenges, particularly in maternal and child health.
Over several days, we engaged with academic institutions, international organizations, and government health services, gaining valuable insights into Ghana’s healthcare landscape and identifying areas for joint research. Associate professor Ingvild Hersoug Nedberg from Department of Health and Care Sciences at UiT and postdoc Tinatin Manjavidze from Department of Community Medicine at UiT had visits with representatives from University of Ghana, UNFPA Ghana office and Ghana Health Service.
While maternal healthcare is officially free, hidden costs such as transportation, medication, and out-of-pocket expenses for procedures like cesarean sections create financial burdens for many families. Additionally, systemic issues such as staff shortages in rural areas, brain drain, and disparities in resource allocation between urban and rural regions exacerbate the problem.
Health information systems, including the Ghana Health Information Management System (GHIMS) and DHMIS2, are in place but face some challenges related to completeness and interoperability. Strengthening these systems is essential for evidence-based decision-making and improving maternal health outcomes.
This visit marks the beginning of a promising partnership between UiT and Ghanaian institutions. We are committed to developing joint research proposals that address these critical health challenges, with a focus on maternal and child health and health systems strengthening.
We are excited about the potential for impactful collaboration and look forward to working together!
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06.03.2026:
Ana Aslanikashvili has defended her PhD thesis!
On 6 March, Ana Aslaniskahvili successfully defended her PhD thesis!
11.12.2025:
Investigating lead exposure in Adjara: A research journey to western Georgia
Investigating lead exposure in Adjara: A research journey to western Georgia
In a collaborative effort between researchers from UiT and the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) in Georgia, we embarked on fieldwork in the Adjara region of Georgia in mid-November 2025. Our mission was to identify potential sources of exposure to the toxic metal lead among Adjarian children by closely examining the living environments, practices, and traditions of local families. This journey was not only a scientific endeavor but also an enriching personal experience, as we connected with the community and gained valuable insights into their daily lives.
Why lead?
Lead exposure remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Georgia is identified as a high lead exposure country, thus understanding the sources of lead exposure in Georgia is critical for protecting current and future generations.
Why Adjara?
The Adjara region, located in southwestern Georgia, is known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique traditions. However, Adjara also faces challenges related to lead exposure. In 2018, strongly elevated blood lead levels were identified in Georgia and specifically among children in Adjara. Since then, the levels have declined in the population but remain strongly elevated in certain families. All sources of lead exposure are yet to be identified.
What we did
Two years ago, we conducted similar fieldwork in the Adjara region, visiting 20 families to collect blood samples and environmental samples for the analysis of total lead and lead isotope profiles. This year, we returned to some of these families for more in-depth investigations. Our work included qualitative interviews, blood sampling of all family members, broader environmental sampling, and detailed field observations.
Our goal was to go beyond surface-level observations and gain a deeper understanding of the daily lives of the families we visited. This involved exploring their living practices, habits, behaviors, cooking traditions, and much more.
A key aspect of our work was maintaining a delicate balance between conducting scientific research and respecting the privacy and traditions of the families. Building trust was essential, and we approached our work with great sensitivity and respect.
The way forward
The next step is to analyze all the samples and data we collected. Once the results are ready, we will communicate them back to the families and provide individual recommendations. Additionally, we will share our findings with local and national authorities, as well as the scientific community.
In the long run, we aim to collaborate with local authorities and communities to implement targeted interventions and raise awareness about the risks of lead poisoning.
Lessons learned
Our journey was both a fantastic scientific endeavor and a great personal experience. As epidemiologists, we often work with numerical data, but our fieldwork over the past two years has shown us that complex issue like childhood lead exposure cannot be addressed through numbers alone. It requires qualitative insights into people’s lives, habits, and—most importantly—on-site observations. By understanding the intricate connections between environment, culture, and health, we can work toward a future where every family has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
By: Tinatin Manjavidze and Charlotta Rylander
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