The global fight against dengue fever receives a significant boost from the dedicated research efforts at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ). Professor Neelika Malavige, a leading researcher at USJ, is featured in a recent article on Think Global Health, highlighting the critical role Sri Lanka and USJ play in tackling this climate-sensitive disease.
Sri Lanka’s Dengue Expertise:
The article emphasizes Sri Lanka’s extensive experience managing dengue outbreaks. Dengue is a major public health concern in the country, with two seasons annually. Professor Malavige’s 21 years of clinical research experience at USJ showcase Sri Lanka’s commitment to combating this disease.
USJ’s Research Contributions:
Professor Malavige leads a team at USJ collaborating with the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (IDH Hospital) in Colombo. Despite limited funding, their research has identified potential factors contributing to dengue’s severity and translated these findings into clinical trials.
Focus on New Treatments and Diagnostics:
The research at USJ prioritizes developing treatments for early intervention to prevent severe dengue cases. Additionally, they aim to create reliable and affordable point-of-care diagnostics for faster and easier patient identification.
Urgent Call to Action:
Professor Malavige urges global leaders to prioritize research funding for neglected diseases like dengue. This funding gap hinders our understanding of how dengue impacts the body compared to more well-funded diseases like COVID-19.
USJ Leading the Way:
The University of Sri Jayewardenepura is at the forefront of the fight against dengue. Professor Malvige’s research is crucial in developing new treatment options and improving diagnosis. By supporting USJ’s research efforts, we can build a better future for populations facing the brunt of climate-sensitive diseases.
For More Details: https://www.thinkglobalhealth.org/article/why-nations-need-prepare-climate-fueled-dengue
