WHO COLLABORATING CENTRE FOR ARBOVIRUS REFERENCE AND RESEARCH

WHO COLLABORATING CENTRE FOR ARBOVIRUS REFERENCE AND RESEARCH , UNIVERSITI MALAYA (MAA-12)

Universiti Malaya was first designated as a World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre (WHOCC; MAA-12) in 1982. The initial designation was accorded to the Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and later renewed to the Tropical Infectious Diseases Research & Education Centre (TIDREC) in 2019. While the earlier Terms of Reference (TOR) had focused primarily on dengue surveillance and the evaluation of diagnostic test devices, the re-designation under TIDREC marked an expanded scope of work. The current TOR includes research and development of innovative diagnostic technologies, active surveillance of multiple vector-borne pathogens, and community outreach programmes aimed at raising public awareness on infectious and vector-borne diseases. The laboratory  is an ISO 17025 accredited lab, where accredited test methods such as dengue and SARS-CoV-2 detection are performed. Evaluation of medical devices such as COVID-19 self-test devices are also performed in the laboratory. 

Beyond dengue, the Centre’s activities have broadened to include other arboviruses such as chikungunya and zika, as well as tick-borne pathogens including Rickettsia and Bartonella. In alignment with the One Health concept, TIDREC’s integrated surveillance and research activities encompass the screening of pathogens in vectors, domesticated and wild animals, environmental samples, and human hosts. This holistic approach enables a better understanding of pathogen transmission dynamics between ecosystems and the identification of emerging or re-emerging infectious threats.

TIDREC’s mission extends beyond laboratory and field-based research. The centre places strong emphasis on community engagement and health literacy, particularly among the underserved and vulnerable populations. 

The WHO Collaborating Centre at Universiti Malaya remains committed to assist WHO in surveillance, research, and capacity-building related to vector-borne diseases. The centre will continue strengthening its regional partnerships, expanding diagnostic and genomic surveillance capabilities, and promoting One Health-driven approaches to mitigate the impact of dengue, chikungunya, rickettsial, and other emerging vector-borne infections. Through sustained collaboration with WHO and other WHO CC partners, TIDREC strives to contribute meaningfully to global efforts in infectious disease preparedness and control.

Person in charge

Name: Dr. Teoh Boon Teong

Email: boonteong@um.edu.my

Name: Juraina Abd Jamil

Email: juraina@um.edu.my