Guest Lecture on “Medicine on the Menu”: How Animals Deal with Disease in Nature

The Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, organised a guest lecture titled “Medicine on the Menu: How Animals Deal with Disease in Nature” on 14 October 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the ERC Hall, Sri Wimaladhamma Mansion, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The lecture was delivered by Professor Michael Huffman of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Japan, who also serves as an Adjunct Faculty Member of the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The lecture explored how animals respond to disease in their natural environments, with particular attention to the ways in which they use naturally available resources to manage health problems. This topic provides valuable insights into animal behaviour, self-medication, and the relationship between organisms and their environments. It also highlights the importance of interdisciplinary research in understanding health-related behaviours across species. The session offered an academic platform for exploring the connections between anthropology, animal behaviour, and the study of natural medicinal practices. It also emphasised the relevance of observing non-human species to broaden our understanding of health, disease management, and the use of natural resources.