The Country Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Pakistan Dr. Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala visited the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi (UoK) on Friday.
Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, ICCBS Patron-in-Chief and Chairman of Prime Minister’s Task Force on Science and Technology, and Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of the International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and COMSTECH Coordinator General, welcomed the WHO Officials to the international center.
In his official visit, Dr Palitha Gunarathna Mahipala also had a meeting with Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman and Prof. Iqbal Choudhary.
In the meeting, Prof. Iqbal Choudhary gave a detailed presentation about the massive activities related to research in healthcare sector being carried out at the international center. Prof. Atta-ur-Rahman and Prof. Iqbal Choudhary proposed the WHO Pakistan to collaborate with ICCBS – University of Karachi on various capacity building programs, including certificate and diploma courses in patients’ safety, disaster management, one health, healthcare financing, etc.
Dr. Mahipala appreciated the proposal presented by the ICCBS administration, and showed interest in collaborative work for the treatment and prevention of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.
It is pertinent to mention here that cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis, which is caused by over 15 different species of the protozoan parasite Leishmania, transmitted by infected female sandflies.
Leishmaniasis has been considered to be a serious public health problem in many countries of the world, including Pakistan, and is responsible for adverse economic and social impact. It was decided that the ICCBS and WHO will work together to organize interdisciplinary meetings annually on Leishmaniasis.
WHO Representative praised the industrial support and national services of the center in the healthcare sector. Dr. Mahipala also appreciated the international center for playing a pivotal role in the national flight against COVID-19.
