During the soft launch of the CMNHS Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC)

The Fiji National University’s (FNU) newly established Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC) is set to deliver advanced knowledge in the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of communicable diseases in Fiji and the Pacific island countries.

The Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC) has been formed through collaboration between FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS), the University of Otago and Global Health Institute (OGHI) with support from Mercy Hospital in Dunedin, New Zealand.

While speaking during a virtual soft-launch of the Centre, FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Dr William May stated that the Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC) will produce Pacific led world-class research in communicable diseases for the Pacific region.

“The CDRC presents an important ambition of the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) to not only educate Pacific health workers but to generate the information that guides health practices in the region,” said Dr May.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has emphatically underscored the world’s continued vulnerability to communicable diseases and the important role that research plays in the management and control of such diseases.”

FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Acting Dean Dr Odille Chang said through collaborations with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, other organisation’s and research Centre’s, the CDRC will provide valuable networks for the College to build research training, capacity and quality in coming years.

“The creation of the CDRC will support a pillar of strategic direction for the FNU. It will generate research that aligns with national and global priorities whilst building relationships with other organisation’s and institutions,” said Dr Chang.

Mercy Hospital Chief Executive Officer Richard Whitney said they are excited to have partnered with the Fiji National University (FNU) and the new Centre will lead to outstanding Pacific-led collaborative research that impacts infectious diseases across the Pacific.

“The research Centre is aligned to one of the founding principles of the Mercy Hospital towards the elimination of infectious diseases.”

FNU’s College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) Associate Dean Research Dr Donald Wilson thanked the external partners for supporting and backing the Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC).

“This COVID‑19 pandemic has highlighted the critical need to build capacity in infectious and communicable disease research, and for that, we are extremely grateful to Otago and Mercy Hospital,” mentioned Dr Wilson.