【Group Photo with Guests: Prof.Simurundu (Fourth from the right) and Dr. Changula (Fifth from the right)】
On Monday, March 23, 2026, Prof. Edgar Simulundu, Director of the National Public Health Laboratory Services (ZNPHRL) at the Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI), and the Lecturer Katendi Changula from the University of Zambia (UNZA) visited the IVReD facilities with Associate Professor Masahiro Kajihara of the International Institute for Zoonosis Control.

The purpose of the visit was to further promote international collaborative research in the fields of infectious disease control and vaccine research. During the visit, an overview of our research framework and major research projects was provided from Professor Sawa who is the director of IVReD, followed by a tour of the research facilities and active discussions with our researchers.

【International students introducing the laboratory】

During the visit, an overview of IVReD and projects by Prof. Sawa led to discussions to further promote international collaborations in infectious disease control and vaccines. As ZNPHRL and ZNPHI play central roles in infectious disease surveillance and diagnostic systems in Zambia, strengthening collaborations is expected to advance infectious disease control and vaccine development in the African region. Also, active discussions were held on capacity building, researcher training, and fostering research networks via academic exchange with UNZA, providing a valuable opportunity for future collaborative research. On the following Tuesday, discussion sessions between the two professors and Zambian students working in the IVReD allowed them to present their current work and its applicability to the African region.

【Discussion session】

IVReD will continue to promote international collaboration and contribute to global infectious disease control, vaccine research and development.