4.4 Expected Roles of the NMIMR The NMIMR has contributed to improving infectious diseases control in Ghana based
on assistance from JICA. The expected roles of the NMIMR in relation to its further
contributions to infectious diseases control are summarized from the viewpoint of
research, human resources development and contributions to the health services as
follows:
(1) Research Japan has assisted the NMIMR through technology transfer based on project-type
technical cooperation and infrastructure development through grant aid since the
NMIMR was established. The NMIMR introduced advanced technology to improve
infectious diseases control, such as molecular level and genetic analysis through
technical cooperation with JICA. Even now, the NMIMR is the only institute that is
able to conduct CD4 counts and viral load analysis among all the government
institutes.
The research subjects of the NMIMR have covered a broad spectrum from medical
issues in Ghana to regional issues such as EPI. These research outputs have been
well applied in the implementation of infectious diseases control by the MOH and
other research partners. In addition, the research outputs have also been utilized
through their publication in international journals, and are utilized widely to improve
infectious diseases control.
Research on infectious diseases control is not only the mandate of the NMIMR, but
also a means to secure research grants from foreign institutes. In addition, experience
in collaborative research with foreign institutes also improves the research capacity of
the NMIMR.
The NMIMR has become established as the foremost medical research institute in
Ghana. It is expected that the NMIMR will continue to conduct cutting-edge research
activities in order to help improve infectious diseases control in Ghana and
neighbouring African countries. It is recommended that this research be strengthened
with regard to major infectious diseases in West Africa and infectious diseases that are
peculiar to Africa as a whole.
In addition, it is also expected that the NMIMR, as the foremost medical research
institute in Africa that has continuously contributed to the promotion of medical
research in the African region, will continue its development through collaborative
research with foreign institutes.