#Japan #Tokyo #GHIT Fund #Malaria #TB

GHIT Fund's Investment to Combat Global Health Threats

On February 2, 2026, the Global Health Innovative Technology (GHIT) Fund unveiled its new investment initiative aimed at tackling some of the most pressing health issues today, specifically malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). This strategic funding initiative amounts to approximately 1.39 billion Japanese yen (USD 8.8 million), showcasing the commitment to global health innovation through international collaboration.

The GHIT Fund, a Japan-based international public-private partnership, focuses its efforts on developing drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines that cater to the needs of the world's underserved populations. This latest round of investment is allocated to six research and development (R&D) projects that specifically target these difficult-to-treat diseases.

Highlights of the Projects

Among the notable allocations, JPY 648 million (USD 4.1 million) is dedicated to creating an mRNA vaccine aimed at preventing infection and the subsequent transmission of vivax malaria. Malaria caused by Plasmodium vivax poses significant challenges for elimination efforts due to the parasite's ability to remain dormant and reactivate later. The project is being coordinated by Mahidol University, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and Ehime University in Japan, building on previous collaborative research that received an initial investment between 2023 and 2025.

Furthermore, the GHIT fund is directing JPY 93 million (USD 0.6 million) towards the registration of a point-of-care diagnostic test for Chagas disease in Argentina and Bolivia. This initiative aims to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for the more than seven million people affected by this parasitic infection, primarily transmitted through triatomine bugs.

Another substantial contribution of JPY 183 million (USD 1.1 million) will facilitate the lead identification phase for developing new drugs for Chagas disease, coordinated by Eisai Co., Ltd. and other research partners.

In addition to these, the GHIT Fund is also investing approximately JPY 466 million (USD 2.9 million) in three more R&D projects:

• - An initiative aimed at local universal TB testing using innovative diagnostic tools, supported by a consortium that includes researchers from Japan and several African nations.
• - The development of a novel multistage vaccine targeting P. falciparum, coordinated by Ehime University, Sumitomo Pharma, and global partners.
• - AI-guided research for drug discovery targeting schistosomiasis, leveraging the expertise of Aberystwyth University and others.

A Global Collaborative Effort

These six projects represent the collective effort of researchers and institutions from 13 different countries, highlighting the GHIT Fund’s role as a vital connecting point between pharmaceutical companies, universities, and research institutions. Since its establishment, the GHIT Fund has engaged over 210 partners and has a total ongoing investment portfolio of 43 active research projects.

As of December 31, 2025, the total investments made by the GHIT Fund since 2013 have reached JPY 42.5 billion (USD 271 million). This funding is critical for advancing public health initiatives aimed at addressing neglected diseases, which disproportionately affect vulnerable populations worldwide.

The GHIT Fund continues to engage with its global partners to foster innovation in medical technology, as the urgency surrounding these health issues remains a priority. For more information regarding the GHIT Fund and its pivotal contributions to global health, further details are available on their official website.