Dr. Sim mulls global collaboration to fight tropical diseases

KUCHING: Collaborative partnerships across countries are essential for managing and researching tropical diseases, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.

He said global collaboration and interdisciplinary research is crucial in combating tropical diseases.

“I recently visited the CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) in Washington and Atlanta, where I learned about their global disease monitoring systems. They can respond to any outbreak worldwide within 24 hours, equipped with satellite phones and other advanced technology.

“I didn’t approach the CDC for funding but rather for their technical expertise and collaborative partnership, which aligns with the focus of this conference.

“Bringing together researchers from different regions is no small feat, but it’s vital when addressing diseases that affect 1.2 billion people, mostly in low-income regions,” he said.

He said this when officiating the opening ceremony of the 21st International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM) held at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching here yesterday (Sept 19).

The ICTMM, organised by the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine, welcomed over 1,200 participants from more than 58 countries.

Themed “Global Responses and Interdisciplinary Research Towards Eliminating Tropical Diseases,” the congress brings together scientists, clinicians, industry professionals, policymakers, and international authorities to discuss current topics such as neglected diseases, drug resistance, travel medicine, and zoonoses (diseases transmitted between animals and humans).

One of the congress’s main objectives is to eradicate tropical diseases, including malaria, which is vital for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring healthy lives for all ages.

Dr Sim also touched on two critical global challenges that intersect with the fight against tropical diseases: climate change and artificial intelligence (AI).

“Its (AI) impact is undeniable, from revolutionising industries to changing the way we conduct research and treat diseases. Last year saw major advancements in AI, and it’s clear that this technology is here to stay,” he added.

On climate change, he noted its impact on health and its effect on transmission of diseases like malaria.

“Although we are nearing net-zero in Sarawak, we are still vulnerable to the effects of global climate change.

“Therefore, the scientific community needs to integrate climate change considerations into their research and strategies for combating tropical diseases,” he added.

The event also saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for academic and research cooperation among 11 members of the Asian Alliance of Societies for Tropical Medicine and Parasitology, including representatives from India, Indonesia, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand.