Japan is one of the countries investing the most in development and health in Africa. Its ambassador in Conakry, Ryuishi Sako, himself a former vice president in charge of the African department of the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is a hands-on man. So when he expressed interest in meeting those actively involved in the fight against sleeping sickness in Guinea, the PNLMTN/IRD team did not hesitate. And what better way than a medical survey in Forécariah, organized at the end of February, to explain to Mr. Ambassador the entire organization put in place by the program to screen the last cases of Human African Trypanosomiasis in Guinea. Thus, after meeting with authorities such as the prefect and the DPS of Forécariah, Katosan and his wife took a boat to meet one of the 10 satellite teams, conducting Rapid Diagnostic Tests (TDR) among the inhabitants living on Tombo Island, opposite Conta, an area of intense mining activity. Thus, he was able to see the work that detects patients in the "good mangrove channel." He ended his visit with a discussion with members of the medical team based at the Conta health center, who explained to him in detail the process of parasitological confirmation of cases. It is worth noting that during the 5 days of survey, 3 new cases were detected, confirming the need to continue this strategy. The goal for Guinea is to achieve "Zero transmission to humans" by 2030. An objective to which, undoubtedly, Japan, through its ambassador, will contribute.

See also: https://youtu.be/5h7v0swekTk