(Kuching, 4th) Adela Ida Jiram from Sarawak has made history as the first Iban woman to serve as president of the Malaysian Society of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine (MSPTM).
Adela, who is currently a senior scientific officer at the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur, is a highly respected parasitologist. Her research mainly focuses on malaria in Peninsular Malaysia as well as East Malaysia, including Sarawak and Sabah.
Her appointment as the society's 63rd president was announced at the 62nd MSPTM annual meeting held in Ipoh, Perak, on March 30th to 31st. The event brought together researchers, scientists, and public health experts from across the country and was officiated by Perak State Health Director Dato’ Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha. The theme was: "Bridging Science and Society: Community-Based Research in Combating Communicable Diseases."
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that tackling diseases such as malaria and dengue is not just about laboratory work. Understanding local communities, cultural practices, and social behaviors is key to effective interventions.
Emeritus Professor Balbir Singh from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) received the prestigious Sandosham Award for his pioneering work in zoonotic malaria research in Sarawak. Since joining UNIMAS in 1999, his research on Plasmodium knowlesi (monkey malaria) has revolutionized malaria diagnosis and treatment, improving clinical management and reducing mortality rates. As one of Stanford University's world's top 2% scientists, he has also contributed to global health policies through his collaborations with the World Health Organization.
UNIMAS Malaria Research Centre director and associate professor Paul Cliff Simon Divis emphasized the importance of community involvement in high-risk areas such as Kapit. He noted that culturally respectful, participatory, and behavior-oriented approaches are crucial for malaria awareness and prevention. His research calls for the formulation of community-led strategies that empower local residents to actively participate in disease control.
Adela, who is currently a senior scientific officer at the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) in Kuala Lumpur, is a highly respected parasitologist. Her research mainly focuses on malaria in Peninsular Malaysia as well as East Malaysia, including Sarawak and Sabah.
Her appointment as the society's 63rd president was announced at the 62nd MSPTM annual meeting held in Ipoh, Perak, on March 30th to 31st. The event brought together researchers, scientists, and public health experts from across the country and was officiated by Perak State Health Director Dato’ Dr Feisul Idzwan Mustapha. The theme was: "Bridging Science and Society: Community-Based Research in Combating Communicable Diseases."
Speakers at the meeting emphasized that tackling diseases such as malaria and dengue is not just about laboratory work. Understanding local communities, cultural practices, and social behaviors is key to effective interventions.
Emeritus Professor Balbir Singh from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) received the prestigious Sandosham Award for his pioneering work in zoonotic malaria research in Sarawak. Since joining UNIMAS in 1999, his research on Plasmodium knowlesi (monkey malaria) has revolutionized malaria diagnosis and treatment, improving clinical management and reducing mortality rates. As one of Stanford University's world's top 2% scientists, he has also contributed to global health policies through his collaborations with the World Health Organization.
UNIMAS Malaria Research Centre director and associate professor Paul Cliff Simon Divis emphasized the importance of community involvement in high-risk areas such as Kapit. He noted that culturally respectful, participatory, and behavior-oriented approaches are crucial for malaria awareness and prevention. His research calls for the formulation of community-led strategies that empower local residents to actively participate in disease control.