Eight laboratory professionals from six African countries have completed the eight-week JICA–Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) Third Country Training Course on enhancing laboratory skills for infectious diseases.

The participants, drawn from Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia, received training in parasitology, virology and bacteriology at the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research.

This year's programme was delivered in two phases: an online component held from 20 April to 15 May 2026, followed by an in-person session from 1 to 26 June 2026.

Since its inception, the JICA–NMIMR Third Country Training Course has trained 80 laboratory professionals across Africa, including this year's participants, contributing to improved regional capacity in disease surveillance, diagnostics and research.

The organisers said the successful completion of the programme reflects the longstanding partnership between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and NMIMR in supporting knowledge exchange and strengthening public health capacity across the continent.