CEO Visits Deputy Minister of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Nagoya, Aichi, Japan – SORA Technology Corporation, a company leveraging AI and aerospace technology to address global health and climate change challenges, is proud to announce that its Founder and CEO, Yosuke Kaneko, made a courtesy visit to the Deputy Minister of Health in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in February. This visit underscores SORA Technology’s commitment to combating malaria, a pressing health issue in the DRC.
Vice Minister of Health(second from right) and Kaneko(third from left)
During the visit, Deputy Minister Serge Emmanuel Holenn expressed keen interest in SORA Technology’s malaria control projects and conveyed a positive stance on considering the implementation of these initiatives within the Congo.
In response to the severe malaria situation in the DRC, SORA Technology has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB).
This partnership aims to establish effective malaria eradication methods tailored to the Congolese environment through data sharing and collaboration.
Malaria Situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Located just below the Equator in Central Africa, the DRC faces a high risk of malaria infection year-round, exacerbated by the abundant waterways of the Congo River which facilitate mosquito breeding. According to research by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, over 20% of the population, approximately 1.2 million people, were infected with malaria in 2020.
Deputy Minister Courtesy Visit Details
- Date: February 21, 2024
- Location: Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Host: Minister of Public Health
- Attendees: Dr. Serge Emmanuel Holenn, Vice Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Prevention; Yosuke Kaneko, CEO of SORA Technology; Mary Yeboah Asantewaa, Africa Business Development
MOU with the National Institute for Biomedical Research
In addition to the courtesy visit, SORA Technology has formalized an MOU with the INRB to collaborate on malaria control initiatives. The MOU outlines the joint project’s aims, including the sharing of data to develop eradication methods suited to the Congolese environment, with the goal of achieving more efficient and effective malaria control.
Towards the Implementation of Malaria Control Projects
By utilizing drones and AI in Larval Source Management (LSM), SORA Technology aims to eradicate mosquito larvae in breeding sites before they mature into adults. This innovative approach reduces human resource costs and environmental impact compared to traditional, indiscriminate insecticide spraying. By identifying and treating high-risk breeding sites, SORA Technology’s method reduces the risk of malaria infection, contributing to improved living standards in the region and supporting the United Nations’ goal of “Good Health and Well-being for all.”
About SORA Technology
SORA Technology is committed to eradicating malaria by 2030, a goal set by the United Nations, through its innovative combination of drones and AI for malaria control. The company aims to apply the drone operation techniques developed in emerging countries through reverse innovation in developed countries, working towards a sustainable society resilient against disasters and epidemics.
For Further Information, Contact
SORA Technology Corporation Public Relations: Ichiho Sato Email: ichiho.sato@sora-tech.com
