The Director of the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Office in Mali, Dr Fatoumata Bathily and Souleymane Karambe, Senior Support Services Supervisor, visited MRCG from the 22nd to 24th May 2017. The purpose of the visit was to learn more about the unit’s laboratory procedures and key operations strategy aimed at exchanging best practices. During the visit, the delegation had an interactive session with some of the members of the unit’s Leadership, MRCG scientists, the Laboratory Services Team and key members of MRCG’s Operations team.

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet departmental managers who underscored the critical role of departments such as scientific, administration and management in planning studies. The head of Procurement, Sheriff Secka, gave them an overview of the unit’s equipment procurement procedures. Dr Assan Jaye, Research Training and Career Development Department, enlightened them on how training opportunities are organised within The Unit.

The head of Biomedical Engineering, Mr Joel Kumado Strunz, highlighted the critical role of his department in the maintenance of equipment, certification of hoods, calibration of microscopes and pipettes and the maintenance of air conditioners. Similarly, the head of Transport and Logistics gave them insights on vehicle and motor bike management including maintenance. Facilities manager, Mr Ambrose Afriyie Basoa, also underscored the effectiveness of facilities management in optimising the unit’s electricity, generators, general repairs and maintenance.

As part of their visit, they were taken on a guided tour of the facilities including the Clinical Services Department, Laboratories, Research Information Centre, Quality Department, Archives Department the Information Technology Department and Data Management. The trip showcased our excellent facilities, processes and overall setup to enlighten the delegates on the context in which MRCG operates.