Focus On Allergy Research The Latest To Reach Indian Soil

President of World Allergy Organisation (WAO) Ruby Pawankar said that India will be under more focus for treatment and research on allergic disorders over the next two years. "The strategy now is to have more attention and focus on India and other developing countries for enhancing research on allergic disorders. There is need for more training, global surveys on allergies, promoting young people to learn," Pawankar, the first Indian president of WAO, told IANS.

"We are also in constant touch with the health ministry in India. We are committed to develop this field in India," Pawankar said during her India visit.

Headquartered in Milwaukee, WAO is an international umbrella organisation with 89 regional and national groups from around the world as members.

Pawankar, who is also a recipient of Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award 2010, is the first woman president of WAO.

According to Pawankar, the WAO has also been in touch with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to compile more data on allergies.

The abnormal reaction by the body to harmful substances triggers allergy.

Advertisements

The country will also host an international congress on allergies with participation of over 90 experts and members from 30 countries. The international congress is slated for Dec.

Pawankar said rapid urbanisation has resulted in a shift in lifestyle, which has added to the burden of allergies in developing countries. She stressed on the need for more research on the subject.

Advertisements

"People know of asthma and respiratory allergies, but there is little research on skin allergies, food allergies and various others," Pawankar added.

Source-IANS