Striving to help change the world through malaria screening and management

Team Ghana begin their training in Finland.

Three researchers from the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Elizabeth Cudjoe, Jasmine Dowuona, and Sebastian Kwapong arrived in Finland from Ghana on Valentine’s Day 2022. They’re in Finland to complete Aqsens Health’s six week training and certification program that will equip them with the means to use Aqsens Health’s screening technology and conduct biosensor research independently in Ghana. In addition to a passion for science and research, the Ghana team and Aqsens Health share an aspiration to be able to help change the world for the better. 

Aqsens Health and NMIMR’s collaboration deepens 

Elizabeth, Sebastian and Jasmine all have a strong background in science. During her studies Elizabeth has focused on biochemistry, cell and molecular biology as well as food science. Jasmine on the other hand has a background in the molecular biology of infectious diseases, while Sebastian’s studies at the University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences have focused on immunology and infection. Together their different backgrounds create an interesting and effective combination. 

The three have been working together at NMIMR for three years, focusing on malaria research. They all work as research assistants in NMIMR’s Immunology department. Now they will also take part in Aqsens Health and NMIMR’s  malaria research project.  

The new collaboration agreement with Noguchi continues the partnership between the NMIMR and Aqsens Health. In addition to the malaria screening test research and training of 

A Ghanaian team in Finland, the new agreement also includes plans to expand the research collaboration and in the future begin the development of saliva-based Tuberculosis and Cholera tests. 

A six week certification program in Finland

The team’s training in Finland will take place over six weeks, from mid-February to the end of March. The goal of the training is to equip them with the skills to collect samples, prepare assays and use and optimize Aqsens Health’s E-TRF biosensor to screen for diseases. In the future, the team will also be a part of the development process of new screening tests for different infectious diseases, like Tuberculosis and Cholera..

An important part of the training is to gain a deep understanding of the novel biosensor technology in practice in the laboratory. The theory behind the method is important, but by trying things and experimenting by yourself yields the best learning outcomes. After short theory sessions with Aqsens Health’s permanent employees, everything is put to use in the laboratory straight away. 

The purpose of the training program is to familiarize the team with Aqsens Health’s technology and methods, as well as the biosensor development process, so that they can continue the research in Ghana. This is the first time the training program is arranged for employees who will not be working in the laboratory in Turku. In the future as Aqsens Health’s operations keep expanding, the training will be offered to other research partners as well. 

And of course in addition to the science and Aqsens Health’s laboratory practices, the Ghana team will be introduced to Finland, its culture, climate, and working life. 

Together we can make a big difference

There’s a saying “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together". This is the approach Aqsens Health wants to take with its malaria project and collaboration in Ghana. The cooperation will not end after the first project, but will continue with further research projects. The Ghanaian market will also be Aqsens Health’s first priority when it’s time to launch the AQ Malaria test. 

As mentioned in the beginning, the Ghana team and Aqsens Health share an aspiration to be able to help make the world a better place through science. This training program is a part of a larger project that hopefully in the future will be able to help in the screening, diagnostics, research and management of not only malaria, but also tuberculosis, cholera and other infectious diseases. 

By moving forward together with the NMIMR we hope we will be able to create concrete change in screening and diagnostics. 

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