Eight laboratory professionals from six African countries have successfully completed the 2026 JICA–Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Third Country Training Course on Enhancing Laboratory Skills for Infectious Diseases in African Countries, reinforcing regional efforts to combat infectious diseases through improved diagnostics, surveillance and research.
The participants, drawn from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia, underwent an intensive eight-week training programme designed to enhance their technical expertise in the diagnosis and management of infectious diseases.
The programme was delivered in two phases. The online component ran from April 20 to May 15, 2026, providing participants with theoretical knowledge and preparatory sessions. This was followed by an in-person practical phase from June 1 to June 26, 2026, at the renowned Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, where participants received hands-on training in Parasitology, Virology and Bacteriology.
The training forms part of the longstanding collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and NMIMR to strengthen laboratory systems and human resource capacity across Africa. Through the initiative, laboratory professionals are equipped with advanced skills needed to improve disease detection, surveillance and response in their respective countries. Read Also: Ghana Pushes for Inclusive Urban Growth at World Urban Forum
Since its inception, the JICA–NMIMR Third Country Training Course has trained 72 laboratory professionals from across the continent. With the graduation of this year’s eight participants, the total number of beneficiaries has risen to 80, reflecting the programme’s growing contribution to building resilient public health systems in Africa.
The successful completion of the 2026 training highlights the enduring partnership between JICA and NMIMR and their shared commitment to advancing global health through knowledge exchange, scientific collaboration and capacity building. http://www.ghanaweb.com
As infectious disease threats continue to evolve, initiatives such as the JICA–NMIMR Third Country Training Course remain critical in equipping Africa’s laboratory workforce with the expertise required to respond effectively to emerging and re-emerging public health challenges.
