New York, NY -UNS: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue today announced a new strategic partnership with the Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS), a Tokyo-based agency which serves as a world-class Integrated Science Center for Infectious Diseases to protect people from various diseases and health emergencies such as infectious diseases. The international agreement outlines a commitment to enhance infectious disease preparedness at both institutions.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a structured collaboration between both institutions to address emerging infectious diseases effectively. The MoU outlines protocols for information and resource sharing, education and training initiatives, as well as clinical and research collaboration. The institutions will partner on special pathogen preparedness strategies, research publications, and clinical and operational protocols, as well as joint research projects on high-consequence infectious diseases, protocol development for emergency response, and shared expertise in patient management and containment strategies.
The MoU with JIHS represents Bellevue Hospital’s second international agreement, following the signing of a partnership with South Korea’s National Medical Center in April.
“This collaboration between Bellevue Hospital and the Japan Institute for Health Security represents another crucial step in our ability to address emerging health threats around the world,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei. “We look forward to this high-level international collaboration between Bellevue and top infectious disease leaders at JIHS. This global partnership enables us to expand the expertise we have developed over the last decade, and enhances our almost 300-year history of treating infectious diseases.”
“This agreement with the Japan Institute of Health Security strengthens a shared commitment to advancing clinical excellence and operational readiness in the face of infectious disease threats,” said Dr. Vikramjit Mukherjee, Director of the Special Pathogens Program at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. “As a national leader in special pathogens preparedness, Bellevue is proud to collaborate with JIHS to exchange expertise, develop response protocols, and contribute to a more resilient and connected global health security landscape.”
“This Memorandum of Understanding represents a significant milestone in our shared commitment to enhancing health security both nationally and globally,” said Dr. Norio Ohmagari, Director, Department of Infectious Disease Clinical Policy, Bureau of Health Security and Management, Japan Institute for Health Security. “Through the strategic partnership between NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue and Japan Institute for Health Security, we are reinforcing our collective capability to respond effectively to health emergencies, including emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and disasters. Together, we aspire to build a healthier, safer, and more resilient world for all.”
NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue Chief Executive Officer Dr. Eric Wei presents
Dr. Norio Ohmagari, Director, Department of Infectious Disease Clinical Policy, at the Japan Institute for Health Security, with a commemorative photo of Bellevue Hospital, on the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two institutions.
The Japan Institute for Health Security (JIHS) was established through the merger of the National Institute for Infectious Diseases (NIID) and the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (NCGM). The JIHS will serve as a world-class Integrated Science Center for Infectious Diseases to protect people from various diseases and health emergencies such as infectious diseases. The JIHS will also serve as a scientific advisory body during infectious disease crises, providing scientific knowledge with the Japanese government including the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The mission of the JIHS is to contribute to the creation of a resilient and secure society through the implementation of research and development on infectious diseases and other diseases, as well as the provision of medical care.
Bellevue Hospital, the oldest public hospital in the United States, has a longstanding legacy in infectious disease management and is a recognized leader within the National Special Pathogen System (NSPS)—a nationwide, tiered network of care ranging from frontline facilities to advanced treatment centers. Bellevue’s Special Pathogens Program serves as the designated Level 1 Regional Emerging Special Pathogen Treatment Center (RESPTC) for HHS Region 2, which includes New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. RESPTCs act as resource hubs, providing highly specialized care for patients suspected of, or infected by, special pathogens such as Ebola, mpox, or H5N1 bird flu.
