The Regional Network for Research, Surveillance and Control for Asian Schistosomiasis (RNAS) was established in 1998 with the aim to strengthen the communication, cooperation and coordination among scientists and control authorities concerned with schistosomiasis japonica at the regional level, including 5 member countries in Asia, namely Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Philippines.

More specifically the major objectives of RNAS have been to:

1) Coordinate and secure support for research on surveillance and control of schistosomiasis transmission in humans and animals;

2) Disseminate information about ongoing research and training activities;

3) Develop standardized protocols for infection and disease surveillance;