News

Donors express appreciation for WKC research and local collaboration

WKC’s senior management and representatives of the Kobe Group met on Friday, 26 July 2019 for the 14^th Annual Programme Review Meeting to discuss the Centre’s activities over 2018 and review future plans.

WKC Director, Dr Sarah Barber, presented research activities according to three themes, with learning from Japan as a cross-cutting theme.

1. Service delivery, sustainable financing and innovations: Three projects were concluded, and a further 12 projects are currently underway with local Japanese and international academic collaborators, the largest of which focuses on dementia.
2. Metrics and measurement: The JAGES[1] study was completed and applied into practice in Kobe City. Five research projects are ongoing.
3. Health emergencies and disaster risk management: This theme currently has six research projects underway, including the establishment of a research network, and a WHO book to guide research methods during health emergencies.

The output for the year included five new WHO publications, 9 journal articles, a book chapter, several technical reports, and policy briefs for all research projects.

Regarding local engagement, WKC organized five fora for the public and key stakeholders; presented lectures at 33 schools; revamped its website to improve outreach; and was mentioned in 25 media articles. The Centre is adding value by translating and disseminating WHO’s Disease Outbreak News for use throughout Japan, and participates actively in local committees and capacity development programs.

Speaking for the Kobe Group, Dr Wakiko Ajiki of Hyogo Prefectural Government greatly appreciated WKC’s collaboration in the Kansai region and Japan, in particular the WKC fora, the dementia project and the Centre’s dissemination of information on communicable diseases and disaster management.

The Kobe Group welcomed WKC’s progress over the past year and offered its support to disseminate research more broadly and deepen research collaborations even further. 

The Kobe Group provides generous material and financial support to the work of WKC and comprises Hyogo Prefectural Government, Kobe City, the Kobe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Kobe Steel Ltd.