March 19, 2019 Visitors of RITM

On March 19, 2019, Dr. Kazuya Satom a Medical Officer from the Japan Embassy in the Philippines and Ms. Naoko Sizuki, a Health Advisor of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited the RITM.  The tour was facilitated by Dr. Nobuo Saito and Dr. Beatriz Quiambao.

First, Dr. Quiambao gave a brief overview of RITM.

Then, the tour started....they went to OPD and the Ward; passed by the Pharmacy; Clinical Laboratory and the Animal Bite Clinic. Dr. Quiambao showed them the room for dog bite patient infected by rabies.

National Tuberculosis Reference laboratory (NTRL) was also visited.

Visitors saw also the buildings and facilities that the People of Japan helped build.

In the end, the visit was informative; departments welcome them well and ready to give information.

Here is the group picture behind is the BSL3 which is donated through the Japan Embassy.

Short training in Oita day5

On March 15, we visited an animal quarantine at Fukuoka Airport.
Firstly, the procedure of importing animals and the role of the animal quarantine was explained by Dr. Mikami (Director of sub-branch) and Dr. Nakagawa (Chief inspector).

After that, we observed the quarantine (procedure, etc.) which is being conducted at the airport.
 It is necessary to observe for up to 180 days at the animal quarantine in the case of lack of a certificate or unvaccinated.

The facility is air-conditioned and has enough space for animals to spend. It seems comfortable for animals.

It was only one case that this facility was used last year.
The reason is that airlines and animal quarantine share the information (microchip to the animal, twice vaccinations, and issuance of a certificate) to the owner.
With the above measures, it is possible to prevent rabies invasion.

Short training in Oita day3, 4

On March 13th, we learned about the legal framework for rabies measures that are taking place in Japan and the History of rabies elimination in Japan.
Then we discussed the approach against rabies of Japan and the Philippines and understanding of each other.

On March 14th, they left Oita and went to Fukuoka Airport.
Dr. Nishizono gave a certificate to the trainees.

I hope that what they have learned in Oita was useful.

A group of 10 Japanese Students from Musashino University visited RITM

10 Students from the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Musashino University came to visit RITM facilities on March 12, 2019.  The students had a small talk first with Dr. Saito at Tohoku Room before heading to Director's Office Conference Room for an overview of RITM before the tour started.

Their visit is part of a study tour to the Philippines with an aim to observe what measures are taken against medical problems in the country and see how it differs from the ones in Japan. They donate money to support vaccination programs in some of the Asian countries in South, East and the Pacific Ocean through NGO in Japan.  They generate money by selling old textbooks obtained free of charge from the graduating students.

The students visited the Biologicals Manufacturing Division (BMD) and Dr. Noel Macalalad, Chief of BMD welcomed them.  Dr. Macalalad and the Supervisor explained the process done by the department in handling venom. 

They passed by BSL3 Lab and Emergency Room.

The students went to the the Animal Bite Clinic and the Pharmacy, they checked the facilities and the staff answered the student's inquiries.

The visit went on smoothly, there was interaction among students and the facilitators.  Dr. Saito presented the JAPOHR Project to the students. 

The 2-hour visit ended with a group picture!

And another wacky picture!

Short training in Oita day2

On March 12, we visited the Oita Animal Protection Center.
The purpose was to learn about stray dog measures being taken in Japan.

This facility had just opened last month.
First of all, Dr. Kobayashi and Dr. Ookuma explained the outline and activities of this facility.
This facility is not only as a dog Impound but also as training classes for owners and adaption.

The facilities included instruction for animal protection during disasters, a model room for breeding cats in a house, a facility for treating injured, and a facility for breeding dogs and cats to be adopted.

Then we went to the place to euthanize a dog or cat.
The bodies of euthanized animals are transported to the incinerator.

This is "the Flower of Life". The bodies of animals that are incinerated after euthanasia become ashes and bring life to flowers.

Similar activities are being carried out in the Philippines, but these activities are by the municipality level, sufficient facilities have not been provided.
It is a future subject to cope with animal protection as well as control of stray dogs.

In the afternoon, we had a welcome party with our laboratory staff!