A group photograph of dignitaries from JICA, Noguchi, embassies and the participants from four West African countries
The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has begun an eight-week training programme for selected West African healthcare professionals in Accra.
The training programme aims at improving laboratory staff’s techniques and skills for the diagnosis of infectious diseases caused by bacteria, parasites and viruses.
As part of the training, participants will learn best laboratory practices and latest innovations from technologists in the bacteriology, parasitology and virology departments of the Noguchi Institute.
At the end of their training, participants from Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Ghanaare expected to have the opportunities to improve the quality of diagnosing, treatment and prevention of infections at medical institutions or laboratories in their various countries.
Prof. Abraham Kwabena Anang, NMIMR Director, who spoke at the opening session, said one of the most important priorities of international cooperation based on human security is the improvement of the healthcare systems to ensure prevention and management of various live-threatening infections.
“Securing sufficient healthcare workers and developing their abilities are important elements of such efficient healthcare system… is what we are trying to build at the Noguchi Memorial Institute with the support of the Japanese government,” he added.
Prof. Anang said since the need for functional medical teams comprising physicians and other health professionals, including lab-technicians, is paramount for the operation of efficient and effective healthcare systems, there is an urgent need for the development of specialists in biomedical laboratory technology.
The training is on the theme: ‘Third Country Training Course on Enhancing Laboratory Skills for Infectious Diseases in West African Countries for Post Ebola’.
A group photograph of dignitaries from JICA, Noguchi, embassies and the participants from four West African countries