The Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) today received a generous donation from the Negotiated Benefits Trust Company (NBC) as part of the company’s commitment to supporting public health and advancing scientific research in Ghana. The presentation ceremony, held at the Institute, brought together officials from NBC and senior researchers of NMIMR.
The donation was presented by Mr. William Asiedu Yeboah, Director at NBC, and Mr. Maxwell Appiah Danso, Chief Executive Officer, who reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing relationship with the Institute.
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of NMIMR, expressed profound appreciation for the continued partnership and highlighted the significance of the partnership in supporting research that extends beyond infectious diseases.
She explained that although NMIMR gained national visibility for its work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute conducts research on a broad range of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, cancers and sickle cell disease. The Institute’s researchers also study congenital metabolic diseases that can severely affect children if not detected early. She noted that NBC’s support would directly contribute to efforts aimed at developing tools that will enable rapid and affordable screening of newborns to identify affected children and target them for early and appropriate interventions.
“We are grateful for this support because it strengthens work that has long-term impact on child health,” she said. “Early detection of metabolic and genetic disorders can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life.”
Prof. Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Director of NMIMR, delivering remarks during the presentation ceremony at the Institute’s.
Speaking on behalf of the donor organization, Mr. Maxwell Appiah Danso, CEO of Negotiated Benefits Trust Company, stated that NBC is committed to giving back to society and considers investment in the well-being of children essential because they represent the future workforce.
Mr. Maxwell Appiah Danso, CEO of NBC, speaking on the company’s commitment to supporting child health and research.
Mr. William Asiedu Yeboah, Director at NBC, added that collaborations of this nature should be publicized to encourage more private-sector organizations to support scientific research. “When you walk into Noguchi and speak directly with the scientists, you understand the real impact of your contribution,” he noted.
Mr. William Asiedu Yeboah, Director at NBC, addressing participants and emphasizing the value of partnerships with scientific institutions.
Providing an update on the work undertaken with previous support from NBC, Dr. Bright Adu, Senior Research Fellow and the Project Lead, explained that the Institute is developing a platform that uses genetic analysis to detect enzyme deficiencies or defects in newborns. He noted that defects in these enzymes can lead to the build-up of metabolic intermediates that may result in cognitive impairment or early childhood mortality.
Dr. Adu reported that an ongoing study involving more than 600 children has already begun to identify genetic signals linked to conditions such as phenylketonuria. He also stated that a cohort is being established to study genetic risk factors of hypothyroidism in the Ghanaian population. He emphasized that many of these conditions, when detected early, can be effectively managed through simple dietary and clinical interventions. “A simple test at birth can save a child from a lifetime of preventable complications,” he said.
Dr. Bright Adu, Senior Research Fellow at NMIMR and Project Lead, providing an update on progress made with NBC’s previous support.
The NMIMR team also expressed gratitude for the donation and encouraged NBC to continue sharing news of the partnership within their networks to help expand support. They noted that metabolic and genetic disorders can affect any family, making investments in early detection a meaningful contribution to society.
oth institutions reaffirmed their commitment to deepening the collaboration and working together to improve health outcomes for children, families, and communities across Ghana.
Highlights from the donation presentation ceremony at NMIMR