The 30th anniversary celebrations of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) has been launched in Accra. The NMIMR, a research institute of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Ghana, Legon, was donated by the government of Japan to the people of Ghana on November 24 1979 in memory of Dr. Hideyo Noguchi. Dr. Noguchi, a Japanese medical scientist died in Accra of yellow fever whilst researching on a cure for the disease way back in 1928.

Over the past 30 years, NMIMR has led research into infectious and communicable diseases and nutrition, offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral training in medical research as well as specialized laboratory diagnostics and monitoring services to the Ministry of Health.

The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, His Excellency Keiichi Katakami was assisted by Professor Alexander K. Nyarko, Director of NMIMR to plant a tree launching the 30th anniversary celebrations which will climax in the Anniversary Week November 23 to 27 this year. In a speech, Mr. Katakami reiterated his country’s commitment to the promotion of research and education on diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and poliomyelitis in Ghana. It is for this reason that the Japanese government continue to support NMIMR as well as many other campaigns by government and NGOs for the same cause.

Professor Clifford N.B. Tagoe, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana officially launched the anniversary celebrations under the theme, “Thirty Years of Health Research Achievements: Foundations for the Future.” The VC also disclosed that an Endowment Fund is to be established by NMIMR as part of the anniversary celebrations. The fund will help support the institute’s research, upgrade of labs and construction of facilities and infrastructure in its bid to in the near future upgrade to a National Institute of Biomedical Research. “30 years is no mean achievement in the life of any institution. The NMIMR has done extremely well but we must not rest on our oars. Now is the time to work harder so that we can realize the dream to be recognized globally as a biomedical centre of excellence,” Prof. Tagoe said.

Alex Tettey-Enyo, Minister of Education, congratulated the NMIMR for attaining 30 years and hailed the institution’s contribution to quality education and research in the country. Mr. Tettey-Enyo stated that the government will maintain its support for the institute and also help it achieve its future aspirations. “Though my friend the Minister of Health is not here, I know he is very grateful for your support and monitoring as your research work has contributed in the fight against many diseases. The Ministry of Education is also very grateful for the quality training and the professionals provided over the years. Have our congratulations and be assured of our support to enhance the quality of infrastructure and training capacity of this great institution,” Mr. Tettey-Enyo, also MP for Ada added not forgetting some benefits enjoyed by his constituency courtesy Japanese generousity.

In his welcome remark and overview of the anniversary programme, Prof. Alexander K. Nyarko, NMIMR Director paid glowing tribute to founding fathers and past administrators of the institute. Professors C O Easmon, Keinji Honda, C O Quacopome, S N Afoakwah, F K Nkrumah and Ofori Agyei among others received the adulation of Prof. Nyarko for their various pioneering and leadership roles in the 30 year history of NMIMR. He also thanked the Japanese Government and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their constant support to the progress of the Noguchi Memorial Institute. “We are celebrating our achievements while looking into the future. We have delivered on our mandate and have provided the country with needed critical services. Our scientists have always been at the core of specialized laboratory diagnostic and monitoring. Apart from training scientists at undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels, we also offer capacity building training programmes to middle health personnel in both public and private sectors,” added Prof. Nyarko.

The anniversary celebrations, which has by the launch thus kicked off, will continue with the institute’s monthly Institutional Seminar series at the Conference Hall of NMIMR. Three special public lectures on topical health issues will also take place in September, October and November. Other tree planting exercises will also follow Wednesday’s event as there would be a Photography competition of scientific and health related photographs to be conducted online through the NMIMR website.

Before the celebrations climax with the Anniversary Week in November, the Institute will host the 2nd Ghana Biomedical Convention from 12th to 14th August as well as the 30th African Health Sciences Congress 14th to 17th October at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).