KOTA KINABALU: The establishment of the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Zoonotic Malaria at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) marks a major step forward in strengthening research into vector-borne diseases.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the center recognizes UMS's expertise in malaria research, particularly on Plasmodium knowlesi—a monkey-borne parasite posing a unique public health challenge in Sabah.
"It is an achievement that brings recognition not only to UMS, but also to Sabah and Malaysia," Hajiji said in a speech read by Assistant Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun on Monday (Sept 28).
While Malaysia has eliminated indigenous human malaria, Plasmodium knowlesi remains complex due to interactions among humans, macaques, mosquitoes, and the environment.
"Our rich biodiversity and close interaction between communities, wildlife, and forest environments mean we must look beyond traditional approaches," Hajiji said, noting the center will operate under a "One Health" framework uniting human, animal, and environmental health.
He added that Sabah’s experience in managing zoonotic malaria can offer valuable lessons globally and position the state as a regional hub for collaborative research.
