By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS] has been designated a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Zoonotic Malaria — a first for the university and a significant recognition for Sabah.
The designation recognises UMS’s expertise in malaria research, particularly on Plasmodium knowlesi.
“This achievement brings recognition not only to UMS, but also to Sabah and Malaysia,” said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor in his speech at the opening ceremony at the UMS Chancellery Building Event Gallery.
The speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun.
Hajiji said Malaysia has made remarkable progress in controlling and eliminating malaria, including interrupting indigenous transmission of human malaria parasites.
“Yet Plasmodium knowlesi presents a different challenge. Its transmission involves a complex interaction between humans, macaques, mosquitoes and the environment,” he said.
“This is especially relevant to Sabah. Our rich biodiversity and the close interaction between communities, wildlife and forests mean we must look beyond traditional approaches to malaria control.”
Addressing zoonotic malaria, he said, requires surveillance, research and vector control, as well as an understanding of wildlife and environmental change.
“Above all, it requires cross-sector collaboration. This is where the One Health approach is vital.”
“As Pro-Chancellor of UMS, I am proud that this Centre brings together the strengths of UMS, the World Health Organisation, the Ministry of Health Malaysia, the Sabah State Health Department, and national and international partners.
“We must ensure research leads to practical solutions and public health action, while investing in the young researchers and health professionals who will carry this work forward,” he said.
Hajiji said the Sabah Government strongly supports initiatives that advance research, innovation and international collaboration.
“This centre shows how a Sabah-based institution can contribute to the global public health agenda. It can position Sabah as a regional platform for collaboration on zoonotic malaria and One Health.”
“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. Syabas and well done.”
Hajiji said Malaysia has made remarkable progress in controlling and eliminating malaria, including interrupting indigenous transmission of human malaria parasites.
