Liverpool experts to assist Lanka in disease research

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The School of Tropical Medicine in Liverpool agreed to assist improve research on four diseases in Sri Lanka.

They are to grant assistance to conduct research on leprosy, filariasis, hook worm diseases and leishmaniasis. The School of Tropical Medicine is to assist in upgrading facilities in Sri Lankan medical laboratories.

Two experts from Liverpool arrived in Sri Lanka to commence this project.

Health Ministry sources said the School of Tropical Medicine, Capability Strengthen Research Unit's Head Dr Jannet Njelasini and Dr Russel Burcombe are in Sri Lanka.They held discussions with Health Services Director General Dr Palitha Maheepala. They are engaged in research at the filariasis laboratory in Narahenpita and are to introduce molecular technology to Sri Lanka. These measures are aimed at eradicating filariasis in the next three years, sources said.