Japan’s Support for the DREAM Centres in Guinea: New Tools for Health
On 11 December 2025, at the DREAM Centre in Dixinn, Conakry, a ceremony was held to express gratitude to the people of Japan, through the Embassy of Japan in Guinea, on the occasion of the completion of a project that significantly strengthened the diagnostic capacity of the DREAM centres.
Thanks to the project, a 16-module GeneXpert system and a biosafety cabinet were donated to the molecular biology laboratory in Dixinn, as well as a 4-module GeneXpert system to the DREAM Centre in Dubreka. The equipment was put into operation immediately and now enables rapid and reliable diagnosis of tuberculosis, HIV (including early infant diagnosis), viral load, and human papillomavirus (HPV).
The ceremony was attended by the National Coordinator of the PNLSH (Programme National de Lutte contre le Sida et les Hépatites), Dr. Mamadou Aliou Diallo, confirming the strong collaboration between the DREAM Programme and Guinean health institutions. DREAM is in fact one of the main partners of the PNLSH and follows one of the largest cohorts of people living with HIV in Guinea, with around 4,000 patients currently receiving treatment.
The event took place in a climate of strong participation, with the presence of many patients who wished to personally thank the Ambassador of Japan. Particularly moving was the testimony of Aminata, a young activist, who shared her personal journey of care and renewal, recalling how at DREAM she found welcome, support, and professionalism.
During the visit, the Ambassador of Japan had the opportunity to see the Dixinn centre and laboratory up close, together with the healthcare staff and programme managers.
Japan has supported DREAM in Guinea for many years: in 2018 it financed the construction of the DREAM Centre in Dubreka, which is now fully operational. The donation of the GeneXpert system now allows this centre, as well as the one in Dixinn, to be authorized to manage HIV/TB co-infection, providing a lasting strengthening of the health response for the most vulnerable populations.