Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) reaffirmed its long-standing collaboration with the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit INDO PACIFIC (NAMRU IP) following a courtesy visit by a delegation led by its Commanding Officer, CAPT Nicholas Martin.

The delegation was received by UMS Vice-Chancellor, Professor Datuk Dr. Kasim Hj. Mansor, together with Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), Professor Ts. Dr. Rodeano Roslee, at the UMS Chancellory Buildin recently.

According to a statement issued by FST UMS, the visit underscored the strategic partnership between UMS and NAMRU IP in advancing infectious disease research, particularly on zoonotic malaria and undifferentiated febrile illness in Sabah.

The statement said the collaborative research programme is led by Professor Dr. Lee Ping Chin from the Biotechnology Programme, Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), UMS, in partnership with NAMRU IP and the Health Services Division of the Malaysian Armed Forces.

“Sabah remains one of the world's most important hotspots for zoonotic malaria, particularly Plasmodium knowlesi, while undifferentiated febrile illnesses continue to pose significant diagnostic and public health challenges in the region.

“Through this collaboration, the partners aim to strengthen disease surveillance, enhance diagnostic capabilities and generate scientific evidence to support evidence-based control and response measure,” the statement said.

It said the partnership combines UMS's research expertise with NAMRU IP's experience in tropical infectious diseases and the Malaysian Armed Forces' clinical and operational network, contributing to improved laboratory capacity, disease surveillance and a better understanding of the transmission dynamics of zoonotic pathogens in Borneo.

During the meeting, both parties reviewed the progress of the ongoing collaboration and explored opportunities to expand research in areas of regional and global health significance.

Headquartered in Singapore, NAMRU IP conducts collaborative research on infectious diseases of public health and military significance throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

The continued collaboration reflects UMS's growing reputation as a trusted regional research partner and reinforces its role in advancing scientific excellence and strengthening health security across Borneo and the wider region.