Sarawak plans overseas PhD training in tropical disease research

GEDONG: Sarawak plans to send a local candidate to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at the London Tropical Disease Center to strengthen the state’s expertise in tropical disease research.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the initiative is part of the state’s efforts to develop local specialists in medicine, infectious diseases and drug development.

He said Sarawak has also sent local talent to pursue master’s-level studies in medicine and drug development to build the expertise needed to conduct research and prepare for future infectious disease threats.

“After COVID-19, we established a tropical infectious disease research centre because we realised that we needed to be prepared for such threats,” he said at the launch of the Gerak Mula Program Satu Pemimpin Satu Kampung – Berambeh di Gedong at Dewan Datuk Patinggi Ali here today (Oct 18).

Abang Johari said the state has allocated RM400 million from its own funds to develop the research centre in Samarahan, which is equipped with laboratory facilities and scientific expertise to support research into tropical diseases.

He said the centre’s specialists would study infectious diseases and help identify ways to prevent or control their spread in the community.

“We already have the centre, medical experts and scientists who will study these diseases so that we can be better prepared. If another outbreak emerges in the future, we want to be ready with the necessary medicines,” he said.

He added that Sarawak also has a mobile research centre that could bring research capabilities and health advice closer to communities.

Abang Johari said he had visited Kampung Lubok Buntin earlier in the day with specialists from the centre and observed how the mobile facility could support efforts to advise the public on monitoring and controlling the spread of infectious diseases.

He described the facility as part of Sarawak’s wider effort to strengthen health research and develop local expertise to address future public health challenges.