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News

Autism

Rethinking Autism: Bridging gaps in care, culture and understanding

Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition affecting communication, behaviour, and sensory experiences. In Kenya, stigma, misinformation, and limited access to care hinder early diagnosis and support. Cultural beliefs and lack of specialist services further challenge families. KWTRP NeuroDev Project is improving understanding through genetic research, while new interventions like caregiver training are being trialled. Experts call for greater awareness, early screening, and inclusive policies to support autistic individuals and their families.

Laughing members on the community in Vietnam, with the text 'There is power in the community'

The power to take care of your mental health is within the community

This May, countries worldwide mark Mental Health Awareness Week under the theme community. OUCRU highlights research from Vietnam showing how social connections support mental wellbeing. With localised resources and expert guidance, we aim to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and empower individuals and communities to care for mental health—together.

Abdirahman Abdi and Alice Norton

Researchers awarded Associate Professorships

We are delighted to announce that Abdirahman Abdi and Alice Norton have been awarded the Associate Professor title, in recognition of their research achievements, contribution to teaching, and contribution to the general work of the Nuffield Department of Medicine.

Group photo of CIN

Engaging stakeholders to build a Kenyan learning health system success in Vice-Chancellor’s Awards

Work led by a NDM Centre for Global Health Research (CGHR) and KEMRI-Wellcome team `Engaging stakeholders to build a Kenyan learning health system’ was recognised as winner of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Engagement Award on Thursday 15 May where the team was represented by Professor Mike English.

group photo of the signature of MoU SMRU Thai Health Officials

Oxford and Thai Health Officials Sign Agreement on Infectious Disease Control

On 13 May 2025, representatives from the University of Oxford and the Tak Provincial Public Health Office signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on infectious disease prevention and control along the Thai–Myanmar border. The agreement focuses on joint research into key diseases affecting the border population.

Logo of the vice-chancellor award 2025 superimposed on the wallpaper image of all alumni of IHTM

IHTM shortlisted for Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025

The MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine (IHTM) at the University of Oxford has been shortlisted for two 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards, recognising the programme’s outstanding contributions to education and student support across the University.

Hand holding pills on a tray

More effective and affordable treatment strategies for Hepatitis C

Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) announced promising results from the VIETNARMS trial, a years-long multi-arm clinical trial conducted in Vietnam. The trial found that the readily available and affordable Hepatitis C treatment sofosbuvir/daclatasvir had a >95% cure rate. The results offer important insights into new treatment regimens for Hepatitis C, potentially reducing treatment durations and halving treatment costs.

Group photo of the IQID course

Investigating Quality and Safety and Intervention Design in Health Services (IQID) course

From 28th April - 2nd May 2025 Mike English and Charles Vincent led the IQID course focusing on diagnosing healthcare delivery issues and designing interventions. The event brought together international health professionals who are developing or embarking on an intervention, service redesign, implementation or improvement project to develop practical strategies and plans.

Photos of a session of the HIGH-Q Exchange Stakeholder Forum

Enhancing neonatal care in Kenya: insights from the HIGH-Q exchange stakeholder forum

The Harnessing Innovation in Global Health for Quality Care Exchange (The HIGH-Q Exchange) held a stakeholder meeting during the Kenya Paediatric Association conference between 8th and 11th April 2025, in Mombasa. The project shared key findings on how health systems can go beyond training and equipment to deliver high-quality newborn care. The meeting provided a platform for reflection on how to enhance the quality of neonatal care in Kenyan hospitals, focusing on the role of Ward Assistants in improving care delivery.

Oxford clinical lecturer receives ESCMID Young Investigator Award and is touchINFECTIOUS DISEASES Future Leader 2025

Alumni and friends of IHTM gather to celebrate ten years of the MSc in IHTM.

Celebrating 10 years of IHTM

On the 25th and 26th April the MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine, IHTM, celebrated its tenth anniversary as an internationally renowned programme for future global health leaders, with over 100 alumni travelling from around the world to join colleagues, current students and guests in Oxford.

Woman feeding child Liberia

New study confirms malaria drug is safe for children and could reduce disease spread

A major study in The Lancet Infectious Diseases confirms that single low-dose primaquine is safe and effective in reducing malaria transmission in young children. Analysing data from over 6,000 patients, researchers found it effective even in young children and areas with high malaria burden. The findings support expanding primaquine use to tackle drug-resistant malaria in Africa. A child-friendly formulation is urgently needed to maximise its impact on malaria elimination efforts worldwide.

Group photo of ROOTS meeting - Rethinking Organisational Opportunities to Tackle Distress

Global ROOTs network launched to examine moral distress in health research

The Health System Collaborative hosted a global meeting in Oxford from 24 to 26 March 2025 to launch the ROOTs Network, a programme addressing moral distress among frontline health research staff. Funded by Professor Sassy Molyneux’s NIHR Professorship, the initiative aims to improve ethical research practices and system resilience. Participants from eight countries shared insights, discussed management interventions, and strengthened international partnerships, marking a key step in fostering mutual learning and research equity.

Metting of participants to the MODRA programme

Building Better Vaccines: Dr Thitinan Kitisin Explores Tonsil Organoids Models in Thailand

Years of groundwork have led Mahidol University Assistant Professor Dr Thitinan Kitisin to his first major step: leading an advanced vaccine research project in Thailand. With support from MODRA, he’s now developing one of the first tonsil organoid models in the country, a small but important step toward improving how vaccines are tested. Along the way, he’s also passing on practical research skills to the next generation of Thai scientists.

Professor Buddha Basnyat

Professor Buddha Basnyat recognised by the Nepal Health Research Council

Professor Buddha Basnyat has received the NHRC Lifetime Achievement Award for Health Research in Nepal. The Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) recently conferred its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for Health Research upon Professor Basnyat at the 11th National Summit of Health and Population Scientists. This honour recognises his exceptional contributions to medical research and public health over a career spanning more than five decades.

Dr Sulochana Manandhar

Blog: Tackling newborn infection risks in Nepal

At OUCRU Nepal, microbiologist Sulochana Manandhar spent much of her early career at the lab bench, examining bacteria, fine-tuning methods, and chasing answers to scientific questions. Now, with support from the MODRA programme, she’s leading her first hospital-based study, bringing new attention to neonatal health risks in Nepal.

Crossing of a stream in rural Thailand

MORU-Oxford Engagement Meeting

On 27 March, members of the Public and Community Engagement with Research (PCER) team at the University of Oxford met with MORU colleagues and other engagement colleagues from the University. The session focused on sharing strategies for community engagement, evaluating engagement, and exploring opportunities for future collaboration.

Four Ganaian medical professionals in PPE walking down the street and carrying protocol documentation

Celebrate World Health Worker Week

The world is facing a shortage of 11 million health workers by 2030. World Health Worker Week calls for increased investment in all cadres of the health workforce - nurses, doctors, pharmacists, and others vital to resilient health systems. Health workers save lives, support economies, and advance development goals. Collaborative efforts, such as OUCRU’s training programme in Dak Lak, Vietnam, demonstrate the benefits of investment, with increased vaccine uptake. Protecting, valuing, and training health workers strengthens global health.

Blog: From post-PhD uncertainty to leading international research

Dr Duong Thi Hue Kien, a Post-doc Scientist at OUCRU, has shared her experience of finishing her PhD and kickstarting her career in science. She documents the highs and the lows, as well as how she was able to move forward in her career with support from the MORU–OUCRU Discovery Research Academy.

KEMRI signs landmark partnership with Wellcome and Oxford

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has officially entered into a seven-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Wellcome, a UK-based charitable foundation, and the University of Oxford. The £91 million agreement was signed at the Wellcome headquarters in London, marking a significant boost for medical research and training in Kenya.

Susanna Dunachie and Caesar Atuire appointed co-Associate Directors of Oxford Global Health

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Susanna Dunachie and Dr Caesar Atuire as Co-Associate Directors of Oxford Global Health.

IV drip in hospital setting

One-third of antibiotics used in Vietnam are ‘inappropriate’

Ranking 11th globally in antibiotic use, Vietnam faces a serious risk of drug resistance, ‘running out of treatment options due to antibiotic resistance’.

Group photo of participants to the training course

OUCRU Hosts Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training

OUCRU Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a three-day Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training course. The course, organised by OUCRU and the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, welcomed 25 participants selected for their potential to drive innovation across diverse organisations, including non-profit, for-profit, social profit, and governmental bodies.

X-ray of a skull with insert of tuberculosis bacillus

Tuberculous meningitis survivor: “TBM can be completely cured.”

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a severe form of tuberculosis with high mortality and long-term disability risks, especially in children aged 1–5. It accounts for 1–5% of TB cases. WHO recommends a new 6-month treatment alternative to the traditional 12-month regimen. OUCRU is conducting a trial to assess its effectiveness. The project also addresses post-treatment support through a community advisory board and co-designed resources, aiming to improve care and outcomes for TBM-affected children and their families.

Healthcare worker vaccinating a patient

Lower-dose yellow fever vaccine as effective as the current standard

In a recent study, researchers at the KEMRI Wellcome Trust Research Programme in Kenya have discovered that a low-dose of the yellow fever vaccine is as effective as the current standard dose.

Participants to the AMR workshop, GRAM Project in Nairobi

GRAM Project Nairobi workshop targets AMR in Africa

The GRAM Project welcomed public health leaders from 40 African organisations this month in Nairobi to address the growing threat of AMR. The AMR Data Analysis Workshop, organised by GRAM partners from Oxford and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), convened researchers and officials from ministries of health, and other academic and policy institutions, to discuss emerging trends and review key skills. The workshop was hosted by the Centre for Epidemiology and Modelling Analysis (CEMA) from 11-14 March, with support from the Wellcome Trust.

Group photo of workshop participants

MORU hosts international workshop on safer drug use in obstetric and paediatric medicine through PBPK modelling

Healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers gathered in Bangkok 12-13 March for PBPK modelling in paediatrics, pregnancy and lactation, a major international workshop addressing a longstanding issue in medicine: ensuring safer and more effective drug treatments for pregnant or lactating women and children.

Dr Emilia Antonio

Prioritising research to better address high-consequence outbreaks

A new paper published in BMC Medicine analyses research prioritisation approaches for high-consequence pathogens.

Group photo of participants to the workshop

Recap: Southeast Asia Social, Ethical and Engagement Aspects of Pandemic Preparedness Workshop

From 18-19 February 2025, a workshop focusing on the social, ethical, and engagement aspects of pandemic preparedness took place in Da Nang, Vietnam. Thirty-one participants from five Southeast Asian countries attended, representing health research, academia, policy, community engagement, and local community organisations.

Participants to the Intensive Care Training for Healthcare Workers

OUCRU Hosts Intensive Care Training for Healthcare Workers

OUCRU Ho Chi Minh recently concluded its annual three-day intensive care training program in Vietnam, made possible through the generous funding of Dragon Capital. Building upon the success of previous iterations, this year’s training aims to equip Vietnamese healthcare professionals with the latest advancements in intensive care management, particularly for life-threatening infectious diseases.

Paul Newton (MQRG), Pierre Esseiva (School of Criminal Justice, University of Lausanne), Céline Caillet (MQRG) and Mickael Deats (MQRG Honorary Visiting Fellow and UNODC Consultant).

Innovative forensics to identify origins of falsified medicines presented to UNODC and WHO

On 24-26 Feb 2025, Paul Newton, Head of MORU’s Medicine Quality Research Group (MQRG), and MQRG Deputy Head Céline Caillet presented work by the MQRG at the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and WHO meeting, Strategic and Tactical Interventions to Address Medical Products-Related Crimes.

Photo collage of AfOx scholars

Africa’s change-makers: meet the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with big ambitions for the future

By 2050, Africa will host a majority of the world's student-age population, shaping global futures. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars at Oxford's Africa Oxford Initiative receive full scholarships, rigorous education, leadership training, entrepreneurship support and networking, preparing them to lead Africa's and the world's future challenges and opportunities.

Drawing of a doctor with text in Vietnamese, translating: "understanding the hepatitis C patient experience to improve care and treatment"

60% of hepatitis C patients do not know how they had the disease

A survey at Vietnam's National Hospital for Tropical Diseases found 60% of hepatitis C patients unaware of how they contracted the disease, often diagnosed late. Globally, viral hepatitis causes 3,500 daily deaths, ranking second among infectious killers after tuberculosis. Advances in treatment affordability and public health policies aim to improve outcomes. OUCRU's research explores cultural and psychological factors impacting diagnosis and care, supporting WHO's goal to eliminate hepatitis by 2030.

Health care workers in Bangladesh

Bangladesh malaria mass vaccine and drug administration trial begins

After more than a year of community engagement and preparation in 100 villages with 12,000 populations across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the mass malaria vaccine (R21/Matrix M) and drug (DHA, piperaquine, and single low dose primaquine) administration study started on 15 Feb.

Doctor treating patient

Researchers develop AI-powered tools to improve pneumonia care

A team of researchers at OUCRU was recently awarded a multi-million-dollar Discovery Award from the Wellcome Trust to develop AI tools to advance pneumonia research.

Female researchers in a lab

Breaking Barriers: Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science, observed on February 11, serves as a reminder of the gender disparities that persist in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

Caroline Tigoi extracting DNA

Breaking Barriers: Dr Caroline Tigoi’s Journey in Science and Research

The science field has largely been male-dominated from time immemorial and women in science are increasingly making their mark and breaking barriers through conducting and leading various ground-breaking research. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance in recognition of the critical role played by women and girls in science and the promotion of their full and equal access to participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. At KWTRP we celebrate, Dr Caroline Tigoi a dedicated scientist whose journey into microbiology and infectious disease research has not only advanced medical science but also inspired the next generation of women in STEM.

Lead author and DPhil student, Yohan Arman loading a MALDI slide into the bioMérieux Vitek-MS used in this study

Identifying fake Covid-19 vaccines by analysing vial labels and vaccine liquids

Researchers at the Medicine Quality Research Group, University of Oxford and collaborators, including the Serum Institute of India, have published an innovative method to identify falsified vaccines without opening the vaccine vial.

Déirdre Hollingsworth

Blog: Research priorities for a warming world

Professor Deirdre Hollingsworth, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at NDM’s Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health and the Big Data Institute, looks at potential ways to advance research on the impact of climate change on malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Radcliffe Camera

Oxford tops THE subject ranking in medicine for 14th consecutive year

The University of Oxford has once again been named the top institution in the Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings for Clinical, Pre-Clinical, and Health, marking an impressive 14th consecutive year in this prestigious position.

TGHN logo - 1 million

The Global Health Network reaches 1 million members

The Global Health Network has achieved a remarkable milestone: one million members worldwide. This dynamic and inclusive community of healthcare professionals and researchers is addressing two of the most pressing challenges in global health. By equipping teams to tackle everyday diseases of poverty and strengthening the ability to detect and respond to emerging threats, The Global Health Network is saving lives and safeguarding the future of global health.

Screenshot of the video "Myanmar -Thailand: Healthcare access without barriers" showing Mellie Gilder

Myanmar-Thailand: Healthcare access without barriers

In Myanmar, the United Nations reports that 3 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing civil war. The 2021 coup intensified conflicts and worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing at least a hundred thousand to seek refuge and medical care in Thailand. The Tak province, a key crossing point between the two countries, sees a rising number of new migrants (with 40% of women) crossing the border every day. In response to this health emergency caused by these large-scale forced displacements, the SMRU and M-FUND projects have concentrated their efforts along the border area.

Group photo of the GRAM Bangkok workshop

GRAM Bangkok workshop strengthens local capacity for AMR burden estimation

Sessions supported researchers and decision-makers who encounter AMR across South and Southeast Asia

Group photo of meeting

New Hospital Networks for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Vietnam

OUCRU Ha Noi and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases (NHTD), under the guidance of the Department of Health, are collaborating to establish local hospital networks for Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) across Vietnam. This initiative, connecting district hospitals with provincial hospitals, leverages existing systems and resources to enhance AMS implementation and strengthen efforts against antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Young person looking dejectetly at a laptop

56.8% of Young People Lost Concentration or Interest in Living in 2021

High numbers of mental health issues in children and adolescents highlight the urgent need for a systematic approach to young people’s mental health and the importance of developing support systems at home, in schools, and throughout society. OUCRU Collab Lab‘s mission is to make health science, including mental health, research more accessible and relatable to young people, and university students are their main target audience and stakeholders.

East African hospital

Launch of largest-ever study tracking chikungunya burden in East Africa

A team of scientists in the UK, Kenya and Tanzania will soon find out the extent to which chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne disease causing large outbreaks in Asia and South America, is also affecting countries in East Africa.

Group photo

OUCRU workshop bridges research and clinical practice on Pneumococcal infections

On November 22, 2024, the Zoonoses research group at OUCRU, in collaboration with Children's Hospital 2, Ho Chi Minh City, successfully organised a scientific workshop: "Community-acquired pneumonia: Update on pneumococcal infection with vaccines, drug resistance and multiple infections". The workshop attracted nearly 70 experts, including doctors, nurses, medical students, and technicians.

A picture of a graphic booklet created by IHTM alumna Shuma Banik

AMR booklet by Shuma Banik

IHTM alumna, Shuma Banik, has written and painted a booklet about the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Assam, India.

Xin Hui Chan

Oxford Clinical Lecturer awarded prestigious BIA Barnett Christie Lecture

Xin Hui Chan has won the competitive 2024 Barnett Christie Lecture award of the British Infection Association. As part of the award, Dr Chan delivered a lecture entitled ‘Drugs for Tropical Infections: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Infectious Disease Physician’

Singature of the contract

KEMRI renews collaboration with Oxford University and Wellcome Trust

The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has signed a seven-year memorandum of agreement with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford. Under this collaboration, Wellcome has awarded £91 million (KES 15 billion) to support research over the next seven years. KEMRI have been collaborating with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford on improving health through research for over 35 years.

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