Public lecture on Sri Lanka Anti-Venom Development Project

Animal Venom Research International (AVRI) is a Non Profit Public Benefit Corporation of the United States of America which emphasize the mission to aid in the development of more effective prevention and treatment protocols for animal envenomation, a bite from a venomous animal resulting in toxins being injected into the body, by mediating between involved parties, educating medical personnel and the public in order to reduce morbidity and mortality around the world.

With Sri Lanka as the starting point and formal collaboration the University of Peradeniya, AVRI’s goal is to reach into areas suffering the worst morbidity and mortality rates due to animal envenomation. Currently, antivenoms are the only proven specific treatment for envenomation. AVRI is working with international partners to develop new, regionally specific, polyvalent or polyspecific, antivenoms that neutralize toxins from more than one species, antivenoms for the developing world. All of AVRI’s programs are implemented with highest respect for local cultures, customs and their preservation.

To elaborate further more, the Executive Director of the AVRI who is currently visiting Sri Lanka will deliver a special lecture at the auditorium of the University of Colombo on September 1, 2011 from 5.30 pm onwards as part of an invitation by Prof S W Kotagama, Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo and President Elect SLAAS. Speakers: Roy Malleappah, Bsc, Executive Director AVRI Dr Kolitha Sellahewa, MD, MBBS, FCCP, FRACP (Hon) MACEP (Hon), Chairman Snakebite Expert Committee SLMA.