Mandela representing the Chief Minister witnessing the unveiling ceremony and signing of the WHO CC plaque by WHO WPRO Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control, Dr Huong Thi Giang Tran and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Vice-Chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Kasim Mohd Mansur during the Opening Ceremony of the WHO Collaborating Centre for Zoonotic Malaria, BMHRC, at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, today.
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Haji Hajiji Haji Noor described the opening of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Zoonotic Malaria at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) as an important achievement for Sabah.
“The opening of this centre recognises UMS’s expertise and contributions to malaria research, particularly its research on Plasmodium knowlesi. It is an achievement that brings recognition not only to UMS, but also to Sabah and Malaysia,” he said at the opening ceremony at the UMS Chancellery Building’s Council Gallery here today. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Hajiji said Malaysia had made very encouraging progress in malaria control and elimination, including successfully interrupting local transmission of human malaria parasites.
“However, Plasmodium knowlesi presents a different challenge. Its transmission involves complex interactions between humans, macaques, mosquitoes and the environment.
“This challenge is highly relevant to Sabah. Our rich biodiversity and close interactions between communities, wildlife and forest environments mean that we need to look beyond traditional approaches to malaria control,” he said.
Hajiji said addressing zoonotic malaria required surveillance, research and vector control, as well as an understanding of wildlife and environmental changes.
“Most importantly, it requires cross-sectoral collaboration. This is where the One Health approach (an integrated and collaborative framework that recognises the interdependence of human, animal, plant and environmental health) is particularly important.
“As UMS Pro-Chancellor, I am proud that the establishment of this Centre brings together the strengths of UMS, the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the Sabah State Health Department, as well as national and international partners.
“We must ensure that research findings are translated into practical solutions and public health action, while investing in the development of young researchers and health professionals who will carry this work forward in the future,” he said.
Hajiji said the Sabah Government strongly supported initiatives that advanced research, innovation and international collaboration.
“This Centre demonstrates how an institution based in Sabah can contribute to the international public health agenda. It can also help position Sabah as a regional platform for collaboration on zoonotic malaria and the One Health approach.
“Sabah’s experience can offer lessons to countries facing similar challenges, just as we can learn from our regional and international partners. This exchange of knowledge and expertise will strengthen us all,” he said.
“Congratulations to UMS, the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Borneo Medical and Health Research Centre on this important achievement. Well done and congratulations!” he said.
