PH, Italian institutions ink partnership on liver research

INSTITUTIONS FROM  the Philippines and Italy inked a memorandum of understanding for scientific and technological cooperation on liver research.

The signing among the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), University of the Philippines-Manila (UPM), and Fondazione Italiana Fegato (FIF) was held virtually on Wednesday night.

They will conduct scientific and technological cooperation on translational hepatology through joint research and development, capacity building, establishment of Liver Research Program, and organization of Philippine Liver Network, among others.

"The emergence and continual progression of Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) has placed other patients with chronic illnesses at greater risk by limiting their access to healthcare. Thus, our responsibility to continue our efforts in tackling long-standing health problems such as liver diseases is of great importance, DOST Secretary Fortunato de la Peña said.

He added that he is confident that the collaboration could create boundless opportunities for the involved parties to share information, services, and expertise with the global community towards the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

FIF is an organization that provides services on the management of liver diseases and manages clinical and basic research.

Exchange of scientists and researchers; granting of scholarships for Master's and PhD degrees as well as for postgraduate studies and research fellowships; joint conferences are also expected under the collaboration.

According to de la Peña, establishing a Liver Research Program will further open opportunities and developments in infrastructures and resources related to liver research.

The Philippine Liver Network, on the other hand, will be comprised of academic and research institutions across the country.

This cooperation valid for five years may welcome the participation of other institutions, scientific and technical organizations, local government units and private enterprises of both countries when deemed appropriate and mutually agreed upon. (Ma. Cristina Arayata)