Government Praises Noguchi for Contributions to Health Research, Commits Support at ARM
The Government of Ghana has commended the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) for its crucial contributions to national and global health, reaffirming its commitment to supporting research, capacity building and infrastructure development at the Institute.
The commendation made by Health Minister Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh during the NMIMR Annual Research Meeting (ARM), which formed part of activities marking the 25th anniversary of the College of Health Sciences.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, the Minister highlighted how the Institute’s work has informed policy, advanced disease surveillance and strengthened healthcare delivery in Ghana. He applauded Noguchi’s partnerships and its critical contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting its role in research, surveillance and monitoring of infectious and zoonotic diseases, including mpox and dengue virus, among others.
The Minister intimated that research, when effectively harnessed, strengthens national health resilience. He announced that President Mahama has approved the procurement of an advanced DNA diagnostics machine for NMIMR to support high-precision testing, pathogen detection and broader public health interventions.
According to Hon. Akandoh, the Government outlined key areas of support for Noguchi to strengthen its contribution to national and global health. The Minister explained that efforts to achieve Universal Health Coverage will be supported through the use of reliable data from the Institute, enabling evidence-based public health planning and decision-making.
The Minister further stated that there would be a deliberate investment in people, with partnerships involving the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to enhance training, career development and capacity building for young researchers in emerging scientific fields.
In line with national priorities, he noted that the Government will support research into traditional medicine and pharmaceutical development, including vaccines, therapeutics and other health interventions with potential impact across the continent. He added that further infrastructure and equipment support is planned to strengthen Noguchi’s laboratory and research capabilities.
Prof. Alfred Edwin Yawson, Provost of the College of Health Sciences, who chaired the opening session of the Annual Research Meeting, described it as particularly special as it coincides with the Silver Jubilee of the College. He highlighted that over 25 years, the College has nurtured a vibrant community of scholars, clinicians and researchers pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation.
“Within this ecosystem, NMIMR stands as a shining example of excellence, with achievements in infectious disease surveillance, biomedical research, diagnostics and capacity-building,” the Provost mentioned. He praised the Institute’s support to the College, UG and communities through cutting-edge research outputs, laboratory expertise and national and international collaborations, noting that these contributions enhance the College’s reputation and global impact.
For her part, Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of NMIMR, welcomed participants by highlighting the critical role of partnerships between researchers, policymakers and communities in achieving improved health outcomes. She acknowledged the challenges researchers face, particularly with procurement and called for more intentional support.
Prof. Yeboah-Manu highlighted the global recognition of Noguchi scientists, including Prof. Daniel Boakye, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award - Kyelem Prize and was named an ASTMH Distinguished International Fellow and Prof. George Armah, elected Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and recipient of the Rotavirus Champion Award.
She also announced that Noguchi has secured approval from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to run its own MPhil and PhD programmes, with the first intakes expected in January 2026. Prof. Yeboah-Manu highlighted that the Institute has retained its ISO certification and continues to champion innovation and excellence in biomedical research while thanking the staff, researchers and partners for their work towards the vision of the Institute.
The Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, in his goodwill message at the opening session, reiterated the importance of continuing the legacy of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, a renowned Japanese scientist, whose pioneering work laid the foundation for the Institute. The Ambassador reaffirmed the Japanese Government’s support through technical collaboration, funding and research partnerships.
In her brief remarks, the WHO Country Representative, Dr. Fiona Braka, praised Noguchi’s decade-long contributions to global health. She mentioned the Institute’s long-standing designation as a WHO collaborative site, its involvement in vaccine trials, including malaria vaccines and its role in integrating vaccines into routine immunisation programmes in Ghana.
The keynote address at the 2025 Annual Research Meeting was delivered by Prof. Beverly Egyir, Associate Professor at the Bacteriology Department of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, who focused on the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She highlighted that AMR has become an urgent global health challenge, undermining the effectiveness of life-saving medicines and threatening progress in treating infectious diseases.
Prof. Egyir emphasised the need for coordinated research, surveillance and policy interventions, as well as increased public awareness and responsible use of antimicrobials, to safeguard health systems and prevent the spread of resistant infections.
The 2025 ARM provided a platform for recognising Noguchi’s achievements while strengthening partnerships, encouraging investment in research infrastructure and promoting the development of human capital in health sciences. Government and international partners reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that Noguchi remains a centre of excellence, contributing to health innovation, policy and outcomes both locally and globally.
