The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, is dedicated to advancing global health through innovative research, advanced education, and professional medical services. Established over a century ago, ITM began with training doctors and nurses for work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and has since evolved into an internationally renowned institution in the fields of tropical medicine, science, and healthcare.

ITM's mission is to deliver science for worldwide health, emphasizing the dual importance of scientific excellence and societal impact. Their research activities span from basic to operational research, targeting key health challenges, particularly in low-resource settings and among vulnerable populations. ITM collaborates with partner institutions in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to enhance individual and institutional capacities.

The institute operates from two historic buildings in Antwerp, which include an Art Deco gem and a 17th-century monastery. ITM also runs an outpatient clinic specializing in sexually transmitted infections, multidisciplinary HIV care, travel and tropical medicine, and other infectious diseases.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) typically offers a range of specialized services focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tropical diseases. While specific services may vary by institution, here are some common specialized services you might find at such an institute:

1. Diagnostic Services: Advanced laboratory testing for the diagnosis of tropical diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, and schistosomiasis.

2. Clinical Care: Outpatient and inpatient care for patients with tropical diseases, often including specialized clinics for diseases such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and neglected tropical diseases.

3. Research: Conducting cutting-edge research on tropical diseases, vaccine development, drug discovery, and epidemiology to improve treatment and prevention strategies.

4. Training and Education: Providing training programs, workshops, and courses for healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health workers to enhance their knowledge and skills in tropical medicine.

5. Public Health Programs: Implementing and supporting public health initiatives aimed at controlling and eradicating tropical diseases, including vector control, disease surveillance, and health education campaigns.

6. Consultancy Services: Offering expert advice and consultancy to governments, international organizations, and NGOs on tropical disease control and health policy.

7. Global Health Partnerships: Collaborating with international institutions, universities, and research organizations to advance global health initiatives and improve healthcare delivery in tropical regions.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, is highly regarded for its excellence in research, education, and medical services in tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. ITM emphasizes scientific excellence and societal impact, combining innovative research with professional medical services and global partnerships. The institute maintains rigorous quality assurance protocols, particularly in its laboratory services, to ensure the highest standards in diagnostic accuracy and patient care​.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, focuses on improving global health through scientific research, advanced education, medical services, and capacity-building partnerships in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. ITM's strategic direction emphasizes scientific excellence and societal impact. The institute aims to address worldwide health challenges by fostering innovative research and professional training, and by collaborating with global health partners to ensure the practical application of its scientific discoveries to improve public health outcomes globally​​.

The Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, has garnered several prestigious awards and recognitions for its contributions to science and public health.

1. Knights Grand Cross in the Cambodian Royal Order of Moniseraphon: In January 2024, ITM’s Director Lut Lynen and Professor Wim Van Damme were appointed Knights Grand Cross for their services to science, a ceremony hosted by Cambodia's Ministry of Health​​.

2. FWO Senior Research Projects Awards: ITM received funding for five senior research projects from the Research Foundation – Flanders (FWO), highlighting the institute’s excellence in fundamental research​​.

3. Prize for Global Research of the Province of Antwerp: Four ITM alumni won this award in 2022 for their outstanding research contributions in public health, tropical medicine, and global health​.

These awards reflect ITM's ongoing commitment to advancing global health through innovative research and collaboration.