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« Back to NewsUsing effective media strategies to bridge gaps to hard-to-reach populations: case studies in Vietnam and Indonesia
25 June 2025
OUCRU has developed culturally tailored strategies to improve vaccine communication and uptake in diverse communities across Vietnam and Indonesia. From training village health collaborators and co-creating storytelling films in Dak Lak to animated videos for malaria trial recruitment among Indonesian soldiers, these efforts highlight the power of locally relevant, creative engagement. By addressing structural barriers, cultural sensitivities and trust, OUCRU’s initiatives demonstrate how community-informed approaches can enhance public health research and support better health outcomes.
Real-time genetic surveillance can support timely, evidence-based responses to shifting malaria threats
25 June 2025
A sharp decline in piperaquine-resistant strains of P. Falciparum malaria following drug policy revisions across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) highlights how real-time genetic data can support timely, evidence-based responses to shifting malaria threats, say researchers in a study published in Nature Communications.
Bring time back to care with AI-assisted applications for dengue in Vietnam
16 June 2025
OUCRU has developed D‑SCAPE, a wearable device, and D‑CAT, an AI-led clinical decision tool, to enhance dengue management in Vietnam. These innovations automate vital monitoring and analyse patient data to predict deterioration, allowing timely action. They alleviate frontline workloads and improve proactive care in resource-constrained hospitals.
Research finds new metabolic clues to survival in tuberculous meningitis
12 June 2025
In a collaborative new study led by OUCRU, researchers have found that tryptophan in cerebrospinal fluid is a determinant of lower survival in people with tuberculous meningitis. These findings suggest the possibility that other metabolites could also predict patient outcomes.
WHO delegation visits OUCRU to strengthen collaboration on infectious disease research and surveillance
12 June 2025
A WHO delegation visited OUCRU and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (HTD) to explore collaborative efforts in infectious disease research, diagnostics, and surveillance. The institutions showcased achievements in outbreak response and genomic sequencing. The visit strengthened ties with WHO, highlighting OUCRU and HTD’s regional leadership and commitment to advancing health security and training opportunities.
AI and big data in clinical care for infectious diseases in Vietnam
3 June 2025
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a scientific conference titled “Applying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Clinical Practice for Infectious Diseases.”
OUCRU and partners chart a “Roadmap to the Future of Clinical Trials in Vietnam”
2 June 2025
A new report charts a roadmap to make Vietnam a top-three ASEAN destination for clinical trials by 2030. It outlines challenges and solutions to unlock economic and health benefits. Aligning with global best practice can position Vietnam as a hub for life-saving research and innovation.
The power to take care of your mental health is within the community
20 May 2025
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.
More effective and affordable treatment strategies for Hepatitis C
12 May 2025
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.
Building Better Vaccines: Dr Thitinan Kitisin Explores Tonsil Organoids Models in Thailand
23 April 2025
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 recognised by the Nepal Health Research Council
22 April 2025
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.
Blog: Tackling newborn infection risks in Nepal
16 April 2025
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.
Celebrate World Health Worker Week
7 April 2025
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
4 April 2025
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.
One-third of antibiotics used in Vietnam are ‘inappropriate’
25 March 2025
Ranking 11th globally in antibiotic use, Vietnam faces a serious risk of drug resistance, ‘running out of treatment options due to antibiotic resistance’.
OUCRU Hosts Health Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training
24 March 2025
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.
Tuberculous meningitis survivor: “TBM can be completely cured.”
21 March 2025
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.
Recap: Southeast Asia Social, Ethical and Engagement Aspects of Pandemic Preparedness Workshop
14 March 2025
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.
OUCRU Hosts Intensive Care Training for Healthcare Workers
12 March 2025
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.
60% of hepatitis C patients do not know how they had the disease
5 March 2025
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.
Researchers develop AI-powered tools to improve pneumonia care
19 February 2025
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.
Breaking Barriers: Celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
11 February 2025
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.
New Hospital Networks for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Vietnam
23 December 2024
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).
56.8% of Young People Lost Concentration or Interest in Living in 2021
20 December 2024
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.
OUCRU workshop bridges research and clinical practice on Pneumococcal infections
4 December 2024
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.
Study finds methaemoglobin levels could predict malaria recurrence
26 November 2024
A new study has found methaemoglobin levels during treatment for vivax malaria could be used to predict whether a patient would have recurrent malaria.
OUCRU researchers help shape global priorities in AMR research
22 November 2024
OUCRU researchers from Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam contributed to the newly published WHO research priorities for AMR. These top 40 priorities, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with global collaborators, aim to guide research into drug-resistant infections over the next five years, with a special focus on challenges faced by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
The Important Role of Young People in Tackling AMR
20 November 2024
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health and socioeconomic crisis. Regardless of its impact on human and animal health, food production, and the environment that could happen to everyone, everywhere, there’s still much to be done to raise public and stakeholder awareness. A global online survey of nearly 200 stakeholders from human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors also highlighted the need for increased public awareness and action.
Improving antimicrobial resistance control in resource-limited areas: A success story from Phu Tho, Vietnam
20 November 2024
OUCRU and the Phu Tho Department of Health have partnered to improve antibiotic stewardship and microbiology capabilities in underserved districts of the province. A recent semi-final meeting was held to review the project's progress and celebrate its achievements.
Indonesia faces gaps in hospital antibiotic programmes amid fight against antimicrobial resistance, study by Universitas Indonesia and OUCRU Indonesia finds
19 November 2024
A nationwide study led by Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia (FMUI) and OUCRU Indonesia found that 9 out of 10 hospitals in a sample of 575 across 34 provinces of Indonesia had a formal Antimicrobial Stewardship Programme. But only half of those had reached a development level where they could run a robust, functional stewardship programme.
MODRA Workshop 2: Putting research ideas into action
12 November 2024
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) Workshop 2 was recently held in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
OUCRU hosts BactiVac Network Meeting to drive global vaccine development
8 November 2024
The 5th Annual BactiVac Network Meeting, co-hosted by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Bacterial Vaccines Network, took place from 4-7 November 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Applying genetic technology for early tuberculous meningitis diagnosis helps enhance patients’ quality of life
7 November 2024
Vietnam remains a country with a high tuberculosis burden, with tuberculous meningitis (TBM) being particularly challenging to detect early, often leading to severe neurological sequelae in patients. With the mission of addressing global health issues, Collab Lab, an initiative led by OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement group, has chosen to animate a publication about TBM, aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis in general, TBM, and the importance of BCG vaccination for children.
New Research Sheds Light on Deadly TB Meningitis: Finding cues in the blood
4 November 2024
In a new study published in eLife Journal, OUCRU researchers identified gene activity signatures in the blood of patients with a life-threatening form of tuberculosis.
Dengue: Are Baby Mosquitoes a Hidden Threat?
4 November 2024
Did you know that dengue fever cases have witnessed a ten-fold surge in the past two decades? This tropical disease continues to be a global health situation. The fight against dengue has become increasingly complicated due to drastic changes in mosquito behavior and geographical distribution. Traditionally, we’ve focused on preventing mosquito bites. But now, researchers are asking a crucial question: What happens when the dengue virus passes from mosquito to mosquito? Through vertical transmission - where a mother mosquito passes the virus to her offspring - could baby mosquitoes also spread dengue? If so, we’re facing a new threat and have to develop new strategies against this new enemy, baby mosquitos!
Forum Theatre: Exploring Community’s Power and Raising Awareness
23 October 2024
Forum Theatre, a branch of the so-called Theatre of the Oppressed, is an interactive and participatory form of theatre developed by Brazilian theatre practitioner Augusto Boal in the 1970s. This unique approach has the potential to explore a community’s voice and raise awareness by empowering people with a tool that encourages them to change reality through their own suggestions for real social issues.
Wellcome Trust Delegates Visit OUCRU Indonesia
22 October 2024
On 14 October 2024, a delegation from Wellcome visited OUCRU Indonesia to deepen their understanding of the unit’s research, learn about its collaborations with various partners, and gain insights into its capacity-building initiatives for local researchers.
It’s time to prioritise mental health at workplace
10 October 2024
10th October is World Mental Health Day. This year’s official theme, “It’s Time to Prioritise Mental Health in the Workplace,” once again emphasised the importance of mental health in professional settings. The global campaign aimed to advocate for improved mental healthcare systems and procedures in workplaces, ensuring employees feel their mental health is prioritised, protected, and promoted.
Blog: End of life care in Vietnam
8 October 2024
Luu Phuoc An, a PhD student at NDM’s Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), is dedicated to improving end of life care in Vietnam. Her research explores the complex cultural, emotional, and medical aspects of death and dying in hospital settings.
MODRA Workshop Empowers Early-Career Scientists to Secure Competitive Research Grants
7 October 2024
The MORU-OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) recently concluded its inaugural workshop in Bangkok. This intensive five-day programme equipped 15 promising postdoctoral researchers with the skills required to complete a high-quality seed proposal.
Youth Ambassadors Aim to Raise Tetanus Awareness Through Public and Community Engagement Activities
24 September 2024
OUCRU Youth Science Ambassadors (YSA) project, launched in 2021, has become a key youth engagement activities of OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement Group. Becoming part of the project, young participants are empowered to lead, propose, plan, and execute their own initiatives addressing specific issues they identify themselves.
New Study Shows High Acceptability for Point-of-Care Testing to Improve Antibiotic Use in Vietnam
24 September 2024
OUCRU Hanoi’s new study has found high levels of acceptability for a point-of-care testing service to improve antibiotic dispensing for respiratory infections in Vietnamese pharmacies.
Central Ho Chi Minh City identified as a hotspot for tuberculosis
18 September 2024
A recent study identified key factors contributing to the tuberculosis burden in Ho Chi Minh City, conducted by researchers from the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit in Vietnam (OUCRU) and Pham Ngoc Thach Hospital.
Hydroxychloroquine provides moderate COVID-19 prevention, large clinical trial shows
12 September 2024
Four years after being derailed by scientific fraud and politicised science in the first year of the pandemic, COPCOV, the world’s largest COVID-19 chemoprevention study, finally published results today that showed that hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) does have a moderate benefit in preventing COVID-19.
Seven CTMGH researchers awarded full professorships
3 September 2024
We are delighted to announce that seven of our researchers have been awarded the title of Professor, in recognition of their research achievements, contribution to teaching, and contribution to the general work of the Nuffield Department of Medicine.
OUCRU and Universitas Indonesia complete historic malaria vaccine trial
19 August 2024
The Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia (FMUI) and OUCRU Indonesia have completed a phase 2 clinical trial for two new malaria vaccines developed by Sanaria Inc. This is the first malaria vaccine trial ever conducted in Indonesia and the first in the Asia-Pacific region in over 30 years.
OUCRU Indonesia Researcher Wins Best Poster Presentation at International Pandemic Sciences Conference 2024
31 July 2024
OUCRU Indonesia scientist, Dr Edward Sutanto MPH, was awarded ‘Best Poster Presentation’ in the topic of Vaccine and Immunology at the International Pandemic Sciences Conference 2024. Edward’s poster showcased a recently completed study on Covid-19 vaccines for pregnant women in Indonesia.
Community Engagement and Involvement: Enhancing Research Impact
31 July 2024
At OUCRU, we have integrated public and community engagement projects into our research program since 2011. But what exactly is community engagement (and involvement), and why is it important to global health research? Let’s take a look at the summary of a new free course on MESH, a community engagement knowledge and professional support hub by The Global Health Network, and the research outputs made by and led by community members at OUCRU throughout the years to find out.
Visit MalariaWorld
24 July 2024
The Malariaworld exhibition was developed in conjunction with World Malaria Day 2024 to raise awareness of malaria and malaria research, and to highlight some of our contributions to malaria research. You can now visit our virtual exhibition!
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy Announces its First Cohort
18 July 2024
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) is thrilled to announce the selection of its first cohort of the programme. The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA), funded by Wellcome, is a collaborative initiative by the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Madihol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) to nurture the next generation of scientific leaders in low- and middle-income (LMICs) countries of South Asia.