Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR)

The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), set up in 1979 as a semi-autonomous institute of the University of Ghana, is the leading biomedical research facility in Ghana. The Institute is the result of joint efforts by Prof. E. O. Easmon, former Dean of the University of Ghana Medical School, Prof. Kenji Honda of Fukushima Medical School in Japan and the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA). It was built by the Government of Japan and donated to the Government and people of Ghana in honour of the distinguished Japanese researcher Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, who researched into yellow fever in Ghana and died from the disease in the country in 1928. The Vision is to be a leading global medical research centre. The Mission Statement is "Improving the health and wellbeing of Ghanaians and mankind through relevant quality biomedical research, human resource development and support of national public health activities". The Mandate of NMIMR is to conduct research into diseases of public health importance, train postgraduate students in biomedical sciences and support the public health programmes of the Ministry of Health and Ghana Health Service. Specifically this involves: 1. Conducting research into communicable and non-communicable diseases; 2. Providing training opportunities in biomedical research for undergraduate and postgraduate students; 3. Providing high end laboratory diagnostic and monitoring and surveillance services in support of national public health programs To execute the mandate, the Institute is headed by a Director appointed by the University Council to exercise overall responsibility for both the scientific and administrative functions of the Institute. A deputy Director is available to assist in the performance of this function. The Institute has well qualified scientists with expertise in diverse areas of health research who head various programmes and an array of technicians, pharmacists etc. supporting the work.