Infectious Diseases Research Centre
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The Infectious Disease Research Centre (IDRC) was established on 16 th April 2001 to promote and conduct quality research in the field of infectious diseases (especially those caused by emerging and re-emerging infections) directed at solving the health problems of the country, and to provide consultative services to health providers, managers and planners in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and control of infectious diseases towards improving the health of the Malaysian population.
A field-trip through an oid-palm estate on an ecto-parasite project
A senior researcher waiting beside an IMR transport on the 19 April 2004 trip to the Cameron Highlands.
The IDRC team on a field trip
The IDRC's general objective is to prevent illness, disability and death caused by infectious diseases in collaboration with other relevant bodies in and outside Malaysia .
Its specific objectives are: to strengthen basic and applied research in all aspects of infectious diseases, which include biomedical, epidemiological, clinical and behavioral aspects. In addition to the provision of relevant laboratory tests to improve surveillance and participation in rapid response efforts during outbreaks, the Centre trains relevant personnel and provides consultancy services in the management of patients with infectious diseases.
The IDRC's scope of activities comprises of research, diagnostic services, laboratory surveillance, reference centre, training, quality assurance and consultancies, and national depository.
Laboratory support is provided in the evaluation of new diagnostic kits, antimicrobial agents and insecticides and the Centre is working with other relevant bodies to strengthen the information system for infectious diseases in Malaysia using the latest in information technology.
The main research thrusts of the IDRC are in vector borne diseases, zoonosis, community acquired infections, nosocomial infections and infections in the immuno-compromised, new and exotic infections, sexually transmitted diseases, such as hepatitis and HIV, and in the development and assessment of new and innovative technologies.
As one of the strategies enunciated and approved recently by the Cabinet, under the economic stimulus package, a Centre for Diseases Control (CDC) will be established within the IMR to conduct research in communicable diseases like SARS, dengue, Japanese Encephalitis. The CDC IMR will be modeled after the National Centre for Infectious Diseases (previously called the Communicable Disease Centre) at the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta , Georgia , USA . The CDC IMR will serve primarily as a research and training centre on all aspects of infectious diseases in Malaysia and the region. In addition, it will play a crucial role as a research centre for infectious diseases and will support, upon request, all health establishments at regional, national, state and district levels in overcoming the challenges of infectious diseases.
Biodeversity Research Expeditions 2003
Ulu Muda Forest Reserve (23-29 March)
Gng. Stong Forest Reserve (23-29 May)
Royal Belum Forest Reserve ( 25 July – 1 Aug)
New StraitsTimes, 31 March 2003
JUNGLE RAT : Scientiest Mohd. Kulaimi Bujang of the Medical Research Institution in Kuala Lumpur selecting a specimen for examination. - NST pictures by Shahrizal Md Noor
INTERESTING : Dr. Mariana Ahamad from the Medical Research Institute in Kuala Lumpur examining a bird caught in the forest.
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