KCCR inaugurates laboratory to research into viral diseases

The Kumasi Center for Collaborative Research in Tropical Medicine (KCCR), has inaugurated a new state-of-the-art bio-safety laboratory to aid research into diseases caused by viruses and other pathogens.

The “BSL3” facility would handle a wide range of research including rabies and hemorrhagic fever such as Lassa, yellow fever and flu.

It is also expected to play key role in keeping surveillance and monitoring of bacteria.

The “BSL3” Laboratory is a collaborative work between Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine (BNITM) in Hamburg-Germany, Ministry of Health and Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

It is the second of its kind to be established in the country after that of the Noguchi Memorial Institute of Medical Research.

Dr Thomas Kruppa, Interim Director of the KCCR, said research involving the use of such facilities leads to rapid diagnostic methods and advanced surveillance, to open up avenues for new treatment methods.

He said, he is confident that the laboratory would help to strengthen the capacity and quality of research output into tropical medicines.

The KCCR currently undertakes research into malaria, elephantiasis, river blindness, tuberculosis, Buruli ulcer and other tropical diseases.

Dr Kruppa, said the centre would continuously train all of its personnel to ensure that the required standards of safety are met.

Mr Alban Sumani Kingsford Bagbin, the Health Minister, in a speech read for him, said health and medical research should provide treatment to diseases that burden the society.

He said, they should also address issues of prevention, assist in understanding how services for diagnosis, treatment and management could be organized and delivered efficiently and effectively.

Mr Bagbin said it is important to give priority attention to research if the nation is to make headway in tackling indigenous health problems.**