Japan has launched a new infectious diseases research institute, the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), in an effort to prepare for future infectious disease crises.
The new institute was established through the merging of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine, and will be responsible for information analysis, research and crisis response related to infectious diseases.
The JIHS will collect information on infectious diseases and conduct risk assessments in normal times while reporting scientific findings to the Government.
In the event of an infectious disease outbreak, the organization will work with the Government to develop drugs and vaccines and draw up guidelines for medical treatment.
