The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has initiated an intensive eight-week training programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of laboratory technicians and healthcare professionals in handling viral and infectious diseases.
The training programme, the fifth in a series of “Third Country Training on Enhancing Laboratory Skills for Infectious Diseases,” commenced with an opening ceremony held at the conference hall of the Institute. This was attended by a group of trainees drawn from Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo and representatives from partner organisations and agencies.
Addressing the gathering, the Acting Director of the Institute, Prof. Michael Ofori, highlighted the origins of the training initiative and its significant contributions to combatting diseases such as Ebola, COVID-19, and the Marburg virus in the last five years.
Prof. Ofori said, “the training has a well-known history among staff and stakeholders, and this year is the fifth training in the series, which started in 2019. In collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), we have worked tirelessly during the past four years to equip our trainees from the region with the necessary knowledge and practical experience.”
“In the past years, trainees leave prepared to respond to emerging infectious disease threats that are prevalent in our region,” he added. Prof. Ofori expressed profound gratitude to the programme partners for their valuable support.
The opening ceremony also saw the participation of the Acting Provost of the College of Health Sciences, and Dean of the School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, Prof. Samuel Antwi Baffour, who served as the chairperson for the ceremony.
In his remarks, Prof. Baffour detailed the seriousness of infectious diseases and urged the fifteen trainees to approach the course with seriousness. He noted that they have potential for growth and impact on their respective countries. He lauded the ongoing efforts of the Institute and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in consistently organising such training programmes.
Prof. Baffour stated, “let me commend the Institute and JICA for your commitment to this training, which you have organised for five years continuously without relenting, though it may not have been easy all the time. Your decision to continue with this training to assist laboratory staff of our region’s national institutions is a laudable one, and I thank the staff of both institutions for keeping this up.”
Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Ghana, Mr. Patrick Avevor, National Professional Officer in charge of Infectious Hazard Management, highlighted the burden of infectious diseases on the African continent and underscored the importance of capacity-building in preparedness for future challenges. He commended NMIMR’s enduring contributions and its ability to conduct effective training.
The Mr. Avevor also acknowledged JICA's vital support to Noguchi's mission and pledged the WHO's continued assistance in the coming years to ensure infectious diseases are combated.
In his remarks, the representative of the participating countries and Chargé d'affaires, Embassy of Liberia, Mr. Phillip Garjay Innis, recalled the critical role of preparedness in responding effectively to infectious disease outbreaks. He expressed optimism that the training would equip the countries with knowledge, enhance surveillance capabilities, and contribute to overall capacity development applicable to various public health concerns.
Mr. Oda Ryotaro, Deputy Chief Representative of JICA in Ghana, also addressed the attendees. He focused his remarks on highlighting the importance of the training and reiterating JICA's commitment to supporting Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research’s initiatives.
For Mr. Naoki Mitori, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission, who represented the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, the Japanese Government and its Embassy in Ghana remain committed to providing support to the Research Institute in honour of their countryman, late Dr. Noguchi in whose name the Institute was established. He acknowledged the longstanding relationship between the Japanese government and the University of Ghana.
The Deputy Head of Mission called on the beneficiary trainees to focus on the training and carry the lessons to their respective countries to contribute to the fight against infectious diseases in Africa and worldwide. He wished the trainees successful weeks of study at the Institute.
The Third Country Training on Enhancing Laboratory Skills for Infectious Diseases dates to 2019. The initiative has become crucial in enhancing regional preparedness against infectious diseases. It demonstrates a collective commitment to bolstering the region's capacity to combat such diseases.
During the eight-week programme, the participants would engage in rigorous training which commences with foundational knowledge and progressively transition to hands-on experience within various departments at Noguchi.
