Sri Lanka

The community-directed health care volunteers model for the leishmaniasis disease control in Medawachchiya PHI Area , Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka

2023 2023 Winner Project | Engage Science Engagement (Falling Walls Engage)

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease found in the tropics, subtropics, and southern Europe. In Sri Lanka, the first case was reported in 1992, with noticeable outbreaks after 2015. A major challenge is the lack of early patient identification and effective vector control. This project aims to establish a disease and vector control program in Sri Lanka, beginning in a high-risk district and extending countrywide, utilizing the Community Directed Health Care Volunteers (CDHCV) program for sand fly vector control and early identification. Hybrid training (online and onsite) empowers CDHCVs for disease and fly vector surveillance. The project empowers communities to control the disease and create a risk map for leishmaniasis, aiding healthcare professionals. Target groups benefit from science communication activities, workshops, and awareness programs. Collected feedback enhances program implementation. This initiative could significantly impact leishmaniasis control in Sri Lanka and serve as a model for other vector-borne diseases.

Mayumi Madhushani Manamperi Hettige

Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Miss Mayumi Manamperi is an accomplished Entomologist specializing in vector surveillance, Chemical/Biological vector control methods, and insecticide resistance monitoring. Since 2019, she has been serving the Ministry of Health, Nutrition, and Indigenous Medicine in Sri Lanka as a Medical Entomologist. Currently, she is pursuing her post-graduate degree in Molecular Entomology and Health Promotion under the supervision of Dr. Asha Wijegunawardana at the laboratory facility in the Department of Bioprocess Technology, Faculty of Technology, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka under the funds received from WHO/TDR Crowdfund Grant 2019.