African researchers visit Osaka Metropolitan University to advance global health collaboration

Five distinguished researchers from Kenya, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to the Vice President for Research and Global Strategy, Dr. Fuminori Tokunaga, and the Dean of the Graduate School of Medicine, Dr. Daisuke Tsuruta, on Abeno Campus on May 28, 2025.

The delegation included Professor Jesse Gitaka from Mount Kenya University. Professors Dieudonne Mumba and Placide Mbala from the DRC’s National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB), Dr. Jacques Likofata, Director of the Laboratoire Provincial de Mbandaka and Professor Emmanuel Balogun from Ahmadu Bello University

Their visit coincided with their participation in the “International Seminar on Parasitic and Viral Threats in Global Health: Focus on Mpox and Parasitology” hosted by Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine.

At the seminar, researchers presented their latest findings and engaged in discussions with representatives from various universities and research institutions.

The meeting began with a warm welcome from Dr. Tokunaga and introductions of OMU faculty members. Graduate School of Medicine Professor Yasutoshi Kido introduced the guests, highlighting their academic achievements and sharing stories of past collaborations. The core of the meeting featured discussions on pressing global health issues, particularly Mpox, and reaffirmed the vital importance of international collaboration in addressing ongoing global health challenges.

This visit marked a meaningful and productive step toward strengthening OMU’s global partnerships in medicine and public health.