NIID receives global health recognition

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) in Angoda has been officially designated as a World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Training and research on dengue case management.

The Ministry of Health stated that this is the first time WHO has granted such international recognition to a hospital in Sri Lanka.

A special press briefing was held today (11) at the NIID in Angoda to inform the public about this recognition.

It was revealed that this achievement is the result of years of continuous effort and dedication by the hospital’s administrative and clinical teams.

Until now, Sri Lankan healthcare workers had to travel abroad for training and education on dengue management. With the establishment of this centre in Sri Lanka, healthcare professionals from other countries will now also be able to receive training and conduct research here.

Previously, the NIID had already established a Research and Training Centre (CeRT), through which healthcare workers from Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan have received theoretical and clinical training in dengue management.

The WHO designation has been granted for a period of four years, with several targets set for the institute to achieve during this period.

The Ministry further noted that the NIID must submit annual progress reports to WHO.

The designation will be extended beyond four years only if these targets are satisfactorily met, and the hospital will also receive continued support from WHO in achieving them.

As an initial step, the institute plans to involve health officials from the Maldives and Nepal in training programmes within the next two months.

Speaking at the briefing, NIID Director and specialist physician Dr. A.B. Sandanayake stated that a modern laboratory facility for testing severe infectious diseases, including Ebola, is currently under construction within the hospital.

He added that the laboratory is expected to be brought into service within this year.

The event was attended by several resource persons, including NIID Director Dr. A.B. Sandanayake, former Senior Consultant Physician Dr. Ananda Wijewickrama, Consultant Physicians Dr. Damayanthi Idampitiya and Dr. Eranga Narangoda, Paediatrician Dr. Punyani Bandutilake, Chief Nursing Officer Geethani Udugama Korale, and Dr. Jagath Amarasinghe of the National Dengue Control Unit.