AMDI Story

Mahidol University: An Insightful Visit

NUR SYAMILAH BT ROSLI

Published : 18 December 2023

ABSL-3 at Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi Campus

MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, BANGKOK, November 13 2023 -

To tackle future pandemics, the EID research group held 'One Health Approach to Zoonotic RNA Viruses in Pandemic Preparedness' programme at Mahidol University (MU), Bangkok, from 13th to 17th November 2023. The aim of this programme is to foster research exchange between AMDI-USM and MU researchers, and to discuss potential collaborative research interest between USM and MU.

Such fascinating concept of One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment to achieve optimal well-being. This holistic approach demands collaboration across multiple sectors, from healthcare professionals and farmers to environmental scientists and policymakers.

Thailand is one of the countries that actively commits to One Health initiative. MU exemplifies this commitment through its dedication by establishing One Health research unit under Faculty of Veterinary Science (MUVS). Under MUVS, disease surveillance, disease investigation and wildlife conservation are actively coordinated by their own research units, such as Thailand National Wildlife Health Center (Thailand-NWHC) and The Monitoring and Surveillance Center for Zoonotic Diseases in Wildlife and Exotic Animals (MoZWE).

Photo By Nur Syamilah
Mahidol University Veterinary Sciences (MUVS) Salaya Campus

Various interesting research related to zoonotic diseases were shared throughout the visit at MUVS Salaya Campus, including the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in exotic wild animals and animals scavenging at garbage dumping sites by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anuwat Wiratsudakul, Dr. Metawee Thongdee on leptospirosis around tourist areas, Dr. Ladawan Sariya on chlamydia outbreaks effecting wild birds and Siamese crocodile and Dr. Kan Kledmanee on rabies-free Thailand by 2025.

Photo By Mo Yaxin
Dr. Kan Kledmanee presenting Towards a Rabies-Free Thailand by 2025: Now and Next

Research sharing continued at MU Kanchanaburi Campus where we were given opportunities to visit their latest laboratory facility, the animals biosafety laboratory level 3 (BSL-3), led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Witthawat Wiriyarat. The laboratory holds capacity to various laboratory works, including antigen detection, antibody detection and experimental infection in animal model using Syrian hamster and K18 mice.

Thus, this visit fostered insightful research exchange between Malaysia and Thailand researchers, while also enriching AMDI students through cultural immersion and showcasing transferable scientific knowledge to the community as what has One Health advocates.

Photo By Zain Ul Abeden
Cultural exchange night at Kanchanaburi Campus

SDG 3 - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
SDG 4 - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
SDG 16 - Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
SDG 17 - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development