Musculoskeletal and Psychosocial Problems Encountered by Rubber Tappers

About the lecture: Tapping of natural latex is the first stage in the long production process that brings us many goods, from tires to rubber gloves. However, workers in Sri Lanka's rubber tapping industry suffer harsh working conditions and seasonal poverty. The Duke Global Health Institute, in partnership with the University of Ruhuna in Sri Lanka, conducted the first ever study on this population. This talk will discuss the myriad of problems encountered by rubber tappers in Sri Lanka, and the results of the research collaboration. About the Speakers: Kayla Stankevitz Masters of Science in Global Health Student BS Biomedical Engineering Hemajith Tharindra MA Degree in Conflict, Peace and Development Studies BA Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution Diploma in Psychological Counseling Hemajith and Kayla are part of the DGHI twinning program, where Duke students are partnered with students abroad. Hemajith is a psychology lecturer at the University of Ruhana in Galle, Sri Lanka. Kayla is a biomedical engineer turned global health researcher studying at Duke University.