National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo

Originally founded in 1892, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases aims at carrying out extensive and original research projects on a variety of contagious diseases from the standpoint of preventive medicine, improving human health and welfare by suppressing infectious diseases, and clarifying and supporting the scientific background of health and medical administration of the government. These functions may be summarized into 1) research activities, 2) reference services for infectious diseases, 3) surveillance of infectious diseases, 4) national control tests and other tests, 5) international cooperation, and 6) training activities.