Prof. Maharoof Ismail - Chairman

His research has Lead to the Global Control of Filariasis. Abridged from a Report in the Ceylon Daily Research carried out in Sri Lanka by Prof. Mahroof Ismail, leading a team from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, The National Hospital, Colombo in collaboration with Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, USA has discovered that Albendazole, a drug manufactured by SmithKIine Beecham, ( the standard treatment worldwide to combat intestinal worms) when given in single dose, combined with other anti-parasitic drugs is effective against the parasite which causes lymphatic filariasis. This highly beneficial single dose treatment will replace the previous long duration treatment lasting at times for 3 weeks or more. As a result of these research findings ( now confirmed by other Scientists) the World Health Organisation and the SmithKIine Beecham(SB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding whereby SB will donate the drug free of charge to WHO for use by Governments and other collaborating organisations working for elimination of the disease worldwide. Over one (1) billion people in 73 countries are at risk of contacting lymphatic filariasis and there over 120 million people already effected.

In Sri Lanka it has reached epidemic pro portions and is endemic, and about 1.5 to 2 million persons are effected. The disease is carried by mosquitoes and, if, untreated, leads to elephantiasis, the disfiguring enlargement of the arms, legs and genital organs. According to Professor Ismail an added advantage of using Albendazole for the control of filariasis is that simultaneously with the filariasis parasite other intestinal parasites such as hookworms, and roundworms will be eliminated. These latter parasites are known to cause anaemia and retardation of physical growth and mental development, especially in children and adolescents in developing countries. In a press release issued in January 1998, Dr.Hiroshi Nakagima, WHO Director-General, says this will be one of the largest global disease elimination programmes ever undertaken by public health authorities. There will be a huge benefit to Sri Lanka, from this landmark research finding, both in terms of funds expended on drugs, as well as in the elimination of a widely prevalent debilitating disease, which when implemented will bring relief to several thousands of Sri Lankans. Editors note: Prof. Mahroof Ismail, M.B.B.S., D.T.M& H., M.D, PhD.,Emeritus Professor of Parasitology, had his entire primary and secondary education at Wesley College from 1935 to 1950. He was twice winner of the Hill Medal, and carried away the class prize each year, in addition to other prizes.After graduating from the Medical College, he joined the Medical Research Institute where he had an outstanding career, and finally became the Director of the Institute.... in 1983.

In 1983 he was appointed as Professor of Parasitology, in the Faculty of Medicine, and became Dean of the Faculty of Medicine in 1994-96, and acted for the Vice Chancellor in 1996. ... He has been on the Board of numerous medical, educational, and scientific organisations both in Sri Lanka and abroad. He is an internationally recognised authority on Filariasis and soil transmitted nematode infections. He is a Member of the WHO Expert Committee on Filariasis. He has been a prolific contributor on research work undertaken by him and has over 60 publications to his credit. He is on the Editorial Board of three(3) International Journals on Tropical Medicine. He was Chairman, Post Graduate Institute of Medicine during 1994 to 96. He has had a long association with Wesley, first as student, then as an Old Boy, and has been a Member of the College Governing Board. He rendered yeoman service as President of the Old Wesleyites Sports Club, and revived and infused new life into its activities, as well as enhancing the facilities available. In addition to the many academic accomplishments, Mahroof also had the time and inclination to participate in Hockey and Badminton both at College and the University, where he won his colours. He is an accomplished Pianist, and has been the accompanist at several school functions.