JICA, Noguchi Institute equip African Laboratory Experts to strengthen disease surveillance

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), in collaboration with the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), has concluded the 2026 edition of its Third Country Training Course, equipping laboratory professionals from across Africa with advanced skills to improve infectious disease diagnosis and surveillance.

This year's programme brought together eight participants from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia, who completed an eight-week capacity-building course designed to strengthen laboratory practice and support public health systems in their home countries.

The training was delivered in two parts.

Participants first attended virtual sessions between April 20 and May 15, 2026, where they covered the scientific principles and theoretical aspects of infectious disease laboratory work.

They later assembled at the Noguchi Memorial Institute in Accra from June 1 to June 26 for intensive practical sessions in Parasitology, Virology and Bacteriology.

The course is part of a sustained partnership between JICA and NMIMR aimed at developing a highly skilled laboratory workforce capable of responding to Africa's evolving public health needs.

Through specialised instruction and practical experience, participants gained competencies expected to enhance disease detection, laboratory diagnosis, surveillance and outbreak preparedness in their respective countries.

Since the initiative was introduced, it has continued to expand its reach across the continent.

The latest graduating class increases the total number of laboratory professionals trained under the programme to 80, demonstrating its growing contribution to strengthening health systems and regional scientific expertise.

The organisers believe sustained investment in laboratory training is critical as African countries continue to face emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

They say building the technical capacity of laboratory personnel remains a key pillar in improving disease monitoring, accelerating responses to outbreaks and promoting collaboration among public health institutions across the region.

The successful completion of the 2026 course further highlights the enduring cooperation between JICA and the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in advancing scientific knowledge, fostering regional partnerships and supporting resilient healthcare systems throughout Africa.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith