South Asia is home to about 1.89 billion people, containing 25% of the world’s population. The enormity of South Asia’s population translates into a disproportionately high global disease burden, even for conditions with lower prevalence relative to other populations. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and cancer, are a growing public health challenge in South Asia, fueled by urbanization, lifestyle changes, and risk factors such as tobacco use and unhealthy diets. NCDs account for 55% of all deaths in the region, with nearly half occurring prematurely before the age of 70. Health systems are struggling to respond effectively, constrained by limited infrastructure, insufficient data, and a shortage of trained personnel. Key obstacles include underfunded health systems historically focused on infectious diseases, inadequate national surveillance, and an increasing burden of NCDs among economically disadvantaged populations.
South Asia Forum, a biennial scientific congress founded by the University of Kelaniya in partnership with its research affiliate RemediumOne, brings together leading clinicians, regulators, industry experts, and other stakeholders to share knowledge, implement evidence-based strategies, and accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions through high-quality clinical research. The South Asia Forum launched its inaugural session in 2019 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The 4th South Asia Forum for Clinical Development, co-hosted by University of Kelaniya RemediumOne and The George Institute for Global Health, will take place on 6–7 November 2025 at Cinnamon Life, Colombo. This year the forum will focus on advances in cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases. The forum will be moderated by Prof Asita de Silva, Senior Professor of Pharmacology, Director, Clinical Trials Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya and Prof Anushka Patel, Conjoint Scientia Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia and Chief Executive Officer, The George Institute for Global Health, two of leading research scholars and recognized leaders in clinical development.
The forum will also drive forward key initiatives by exploring innovations in clinical trial methodologies and regulatory frameworks, identifying pathways for regional harmonization and collaborative action, and proposing practical solutions to strengthen health system responses to the growing NCD epidemic.
Why should you attend?
1. Hear directly from renowned leaders from The George Institute, Imperial College London, University of New South Wales, WHO, and more.
2. Explore the latest evidence on cardio-metabolic diseases, renal health, hypertension, and clinical trial innovation.
3. Gain exposure to guidelines, trial designs, and treatment strategies that shape the future of patient care.
4. Connect with clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals in South Asia and beyond.
5. Discuss challenges and solutions for clinical trials and health systems in South Asia, with focus on equity and practice.
For Sri Lanka, hosting this prestigious forum highlights the nation’s emerging role as a regional hub for clinical research. The event will showcase the country’s contributions to the global evidence base, including insights from pivotal studies conducted in collaboration with international partners, emphasizing the expertise of local clinician-researchers and the impact of regional collaborations on advancing global clinical knowledge.
We warmly encourage anyone who wishes to connect and engage with global clinical leaders and trialists working on non-communicable diseases to attend and be part of this transformative dialogue.
Register for South Asia Forum 2025: https://shorturl.at/M3Smc
For more information, visit: https://www.remediumone.com/south-asia-forum-2025/
