Message from the Safety Manager

Dr. Charles Quaye

Institutional Safety Manager, NMIMR

IFBA Certified Biorisk Professional

You are welcome to the webpage of the Safety Office of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research. This institute is the largest and by far the most advanced biomedical research facility in West Africa. With 9 Research Departments, each specialized in a pathogen type or a public health research expertise, the diverse nature of our risks requires efficient biorisk management and monitoring. The Safety Office working together with the Facility Management Unit, the Health and Safety Committee and the Biorisk Management Committee continue to support the mandate of the institute in ensuring the safety of our staff, students, visitors, the community and the environment.

As the Safety Manager of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, I want to underscore the paramount importance of biosafety and biosecurity in the biomedical research landscape. Biosafety and biosecurity are integral to safeguarding not only the health and well-being of our researchers and staff but also the broader community and environment. Our institute adheres to stringent biosafety protocols, including the use of state-of-the-art containment laboratories which provide the necessary physical barriers and containment measures for handling samples, chemicals and pathogens in our work.

Furthermore, our biosecurity framework includes strict access control measures, ensuring that only authorized personnel enter sensitive areas and access materials in the institute. This we achieve with electronic access cards and surveillance systems. We regularly test our resilience through drills and simulations to ensure preparedness and effectiveness. Additionally, we actively participate in national and international biosafety and biosecurity networks to stay informed about emerging threats and best practices, enhancing our ability to respond effectively to laboratory safety challenges.

At the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of biosafety and biosecurity, continuously striving to improve our practices through innovation, education, and collaboration. This commitment ensures that our research environment remains safe, secure, and conducive to groundbreaking scientific discoveries that contribute to global health.

Thank you for your interest in our work and for visiting the website. Feel free to enrich yourself with information here and contact us if you require any further clarifications. Together, we can ensure a safe and secure environment that fosters groundbreaking research and advances global health.

Remember, we are building “A SAFETY CULTURE FOR ALL”.