James Cook University has again been recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) for its work tackling diseases across the Tropics.
JCU has been re-designated as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Vector-borne and Neglected Tropical Diseases for another four years, from November 2025 to November 2029.
The designation recognises the University's long-standing partnership with the WHO and strengthens collaboration on research, training and technical support to help countries prevent and control tropical diseases.
JCU has supported the control of vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases through WHO Collaborating Centre activities since its first designation in 1996, and this redesignation allows the University to continue the fight against tropical diseases for the health of Australia and our Pacific neighbours.
Centre co-director and JCU Emeritus Professor Maxine Whittaker said the recognition would strengthen the organisation's ability to draw on JCU expertise.
"Malaria, Lymphatic filariasis, dengue fever, strongyloidiasis, hookworm and whipworm disease, as well as several other vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases, remain a challenge across the Pacific islands," Prof Whittaker said.
"Tropical climates, remoteness, limited access to healthcare, and periodic disasters hinder timely diagnosis, treatment, and disease control.
"The re-designation strengthens WHO's ability to draw on JCU expertise to support member states, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region."
Head of JCU Public Health and Tropical Medicine Professor Richard Franklin said the issue was also a hugely important one for Australians as vector-borne and neglected tropical diseases remain a major health challenge.
"For Australia, the Pacific burden matters directly," Prof Franklin said.
"Our proximity and frequent travel and trade increase the likelihood of imported infections and occasional local transmission where disease-carrying mosquitoes exist.
"This makes strong Pacific partnerships in surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, health workforce training and coordinated responses a shared health and biosecurity priority."
Centre co-director and JCU Associate Professor of Public Health and Tropical Medicine Richard Bradbury said the Centre would continue working closely with the WHO to support practical disease control efforts.
"The Centre's work focuses on practical support to WHO and countries, including training, operational research and technical support that aligns with their strategies," Assoc Prof Bradbury said.
"These priority areas include strengthening clinical and laboratory capacity, improving disease surveillance, supporting elimination programs and helping countries respond to outbreaks."
Capacity development stream lead Dr Maru Castellanos-Reynosa said the collaboration came at a critical time.
"Countries are facing increasing challenges, including constrained resources, the need for sustainable surveillance after elimination milestones, and the growing impacts of climate-sensitive disease vectors," Dr Castellanos-Reynosa said.
JCU's Dean of the College of Medicine and Dentistry Professor Sarah Larkins said the re-designation recognised the University's long-standing leadership in tropical health.
