Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC)
Background
In the midst of a global pandemic, the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences (CMNHS) has established a centre that targets communicable diseases. The Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC) has been formed through collaboration between CMNHS and the Otago University, Global Health Institute (OGHI) with support from Mercy Hospital in Dunedin, New Zealand. The Centre will produce Pacific led world class research in communicable diseases for the Pacific region. It also aims to enhance the capacity for research training and support for student research specifically in Communicable Diseases. This includes advancing knowledge in the pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of communicable diseases in Pacific island countries. The CDRC presents an important ambition of the CMNHS to not only educate Pacific health workers, but to generate the information that guides health practices in the region.
The CDRC launched virtually on December 3, 2021, with the inauguration of its Reference Group members. The Centre presents an opportunity for the College to position itself as a regional Institution that identifies and addresses priority infectious diseases in the region, whilst also building research training, capacity and quality in coming years through collaborations with Ministries of Health, and organizations and institutes involved in infectious disease research.
Vision:
Pacific led world class infectious diseases research
Mission:
The Communicable Disease Research Centre (CDRC) will work in collaboration with partners to conduct research that addresses the most pressing infectious diseases problems of the Pacific region
Values:
Bula vinaka(wellbeing); Loma vata (harmony); Cakacaka vata (working together); Sautu (good fortune); Cakacaka vaka dodonu (ethical practice); Doudou (boldness); Uasivi (excellence)
Strategic Goals 2021-2022: