The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene's most prestigious award, the Sir Patrick Manson Medal, is being given this year to Professor Kevin Marsh, a Malariologist and Global Health Researcher. Professor Marsh is the Director of the Africa Oxford Initiative and Senior Adviser Science for Africa Foundation at the University of Oxford. His major research interests focus on immunity to and pathogenesis of malaria, and he has a particular interest in supporting science and scientific leadership across Africa.
PediSEP-1, a new study funded by the EDCTP3 Horizon programme, has launched to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in African hospitals. The initiative introduces a risk-differentiated care approach identifying low-risk children who can be safely discharged early with minimal or no antibiotics supported by targeted parental education and \u2018virtual ward\u2019 follow up by phone. The project seeks to reduce antibiotic overuse and AMR transmission, and increase system efficiency
On 26 September 2025, leading researchers, policymakers, and international partners gathered in Hanoi for the Workshop on Clinical Trial Opportunities in Viet Nam, co-organised by the World Health Organization, Hanoi Medical University, and the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU). The event marked an important step in strengthening Vietnam\u2019s clinical trial ecosystem, aligning national ambitions with global health innovation.
From 21-22 Aug, twenty five MORU Major International Programme (MIP) colleagues attended the second CAB-NET meeting in Bangkok and online. Run by MORU Bioethics & Engagement (B&E), CAB-NET is a network that bring together the facilitators of community advisory boards (CABs) run by the MORU MIP to share activity updates, ideas and best practices, training, and network.
Professor Joel Tarning, head of MORU\u2019s Clinical Pharmacology Department, has been honoured with the award of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene\u2019s Chalmers Medal for his exceptional contribution to the field of clinical pharmacology of neglected tropical diseases, and in particular antimalarial therapy.
On the Thai-Myanmar border, life is often a daily struggle, especially for expectant mothers like migrant day labourer Daw Mu (name changed for privacy), who lives in a village near Jaydi Koh in Tak Province\u2019s Phop Phra District. Now three months pregnant with her second child, Daw Mu must walk 4 hours to the Jaydi Koh SMRU/BHF outreach clinic for antenatal care, often with her four-year-old son by her side.
Fifteen emerging scientists from South and Southeast Asia begin an 18-month journey with MODRA. Together, they are gaining the skills to lead research that makes a difference in global health.
A new study has found the current recommended treatment for Chagas disease could be given over a substantially shorter time period and still be as effective.
Dengue cases in Ho Chi Minh City surged by 170% in 2025, straining hospitals and affecting both children and adults. In response, OUCRU and partners held a workshop with over 200 health professionals to share research, identify clinical gaps, and advance collaborative efforts for improved dengue diagnosis and treatment.
OUCRU researchers have played a leading role in developing the world\u2019s first international clinical practice guideline for tuberculous meningitis (TBM), now published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Tuberculous meningitis (TMB) harms not only through infection, but also through the body\u2019s own overactive immune response. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, OUCRU scientists have identified specific immune cells in the brain that may be driving this harmful inflammation. Their study established a cutting-edge cellular method to identify new therapeutic targets for host-directed therapy, aimed at improving survival and reducing immune-mediated brain injury in TBM patients.
After more than three years of collaboration, OUCRU and Dragon Capital are pleased to announce the release of the final report of the Intensive Care Training Programme for Life-Threatening Infectious Diseases in Vietnam.
On World Mosquito Day, Dr Lucy Harrison, postdoctoral researcher at Oxford\u2019s Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO) at the Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, reflects on the global impact of the mosquito and her research into malaria drug resistance.
On 13 August 2025, SMRU received the \u201cOne Health Champion\u201d First Prize for its response to a cholera outbreak along the Thai\u2013Myanmar border. Awarded at a national One Health conference, the recognition highlights SMRU\u2019s excellence in cross-border disease surveillance and public health response through collaborative, sustainable policy efforts.
OUCRU and partners have officially launched the Klebsiella pneumoniae Community Acquired Infections Surveillance And Vaccine Development (Kleb-CASAVA) project. This collaborative initiative will strengthen surveillance of community-acquired Klebsiella pneumoniae infections and advance vaccine development to address the growing global threat of antimicrobial resistance
On 8 July 2025, researchers at the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme began the Phase II trial of the ChAdOx1 RVF vaccine in Kilifi, Kenya\u2014the most advanced Rift Valley fever vaccine study in an outbreak-prone region. Led by Oxford University and funded by CEPI, this milestone brings us closer to a licensed vaccine for protecting lives and livelihoods.
A multi-disciplinary study by KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Harnessing Innovation in Global Health for Quality Care (HIGH-Q), has revealed how workforce issues influence the quality of care in newborn units. The research highlighted the effect of severe nurse staffing shortages in Kenyan hospitals as a major obstacle to providing quality care for newborns.
OUCRU Indonesia is preparing a Phase 2 clinical trial of a malaria vaccination designed to protect against the two most widespread malaria parasites, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. The trial, to be conducted in Keerom, Papua, will be the first to test a dual-species malaria vaccination in humans.
Measuring the rate of viral clearance from the back of the mouth in patients with mild infections can be used to determine quickly and inexpensively if an antibody is effective in future COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory virus pandemics, say researchers in a letter published today in The Lancet.
Greater surveillance and well-designed epidemiological studies for noma should be a research priority. A new BMJ Global Health paper reveals major gaps in research on noma, a severe and often fatal oral disease affecting children in low-resource settings. Despite WHO recognition of noma as a neglected tropical disease, limited data exists on its causes, burden, and treatment. The study calls for standardised reporting, increased surveillance, and improved early detection. Conducted by IDDO and WHO, the review analysed 366 studies to provide a comprehensive foundation for future research and policy action.
Nandita Shenolikar, a final-year UK medical student, completed a clinical internship in infectious diseases at OUCRU in Ho Chi Minh City. She tells us how her placement offered unique exposure to severe infections, highlighting global vaccine disparities and deepening her medical knowledge. Nandita's experience also fostered friendships, cultural exploration and a lasting connection to Vietnam.
Alayshja Bable, a Princeton University student, interned with OUCRU Vietnam\u2019s Policy Engagement team, conducting interviews to evaluate how research informs health policy. Her work strengthened OUCRU\u2019s strategy while deepening her understanding of Vietnam\u2019s policy landscape. The experience also enriched her personal growth and affirmed her commitment to human rights work.
OUCRU and the Health Strategy and Policy Institute have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote joint research and evidence-based health policy. The agreement marks a significant step toward a long-term interdisciplinary collaboration.
A collaborative new study involving KEMRI-Wellcome Trust researchers has highlighted a new way to control malaria transmission. The study found that ivermectin, a drug normally used for neglected tropical diseases, led to a 26% reduction in new malaria infections among children aged 5-15.
The Global Health Solidarity Open Forum 2025 convened over 150 global participants to explore solidarity in research and practice. Speakers emphasised power redistribution, equitable partnerships, and community-led engagement in global health. Discussions highlighted the importance of shifting from aid to collaboration, ensuring solidarity becomes a driving force in shaping just, resilient health systems.
As part of efforts to improve Hepatitis C care for underserved groups, OUCRU hosted a dialogue bringing together community members, social scientists and insurance representatives. Participants, including people who inject drugs, LGBT+ individuals and low-income groups, discussed barriers to accessing health insurance despite policy improvements. Challenges include complex hospital systems, documentation issues, limited awareness, financial constraints and privacy concerns. The session highlighted the importance of continued community-based participatory research to address health inequities and strengthen support networks.
In May 2025, LOMWRU organised the 4th Pint of Science event in Vientiane, Laos, as part of the global Pint of Science festival. The successful event, open to the general public, had local researchers from public health, wildlife conservation, and geology giving fun and interesting talks over two nights, giving insights into how their work impacts Laos.
How participatory mapping helped identify trusted voices in health crisis communication during Indonesia\u2019s COVID-19 response? This article highlights the role of public trust, local leadership, and culturally relevant messaging in shaping more inclusive and effective communication strategies for future outbreaks.
At the Public and Communication Science Technology Conference (PCST) 2025, OUCRU showcased four projects highlighting the value of culturally sensitive public and community engagement in science. Presenters stressed the importance of tailoring communication to local contexts and promoting open science. The conference underscored the need for better recognition of engagement roles within academic research in the Global South.
Climate change is the greatest health threat facing humanity today. Its impact on livelihoods, equity, healthcare access, and community resilience falls hardest on vulnerable groups\u2014women, children, ethnic minorities, older adults, and those with pre-existing conditions. How can a creative engagement method, photovoice explore the perception and communicate climate and health risks in Indonesia, Vietnam and Nepal?
The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) has formally launched, uniting over 40 population cohorts from 16 countries. With \u00a34 million funding from Wellcome, the initiative aims to harness longitudinal data to advance health equity, shape policy, and strengthen scientific leadership across Africa, focusing on ethics, data and impact.
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\u2019s initiatives demonstrate how community-informed approaches can enhance public health research and support better health outcomes.
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.
Professor Deirdre Hollingsworth and six researchers at the University of Oxford have been awarded Advanced Grants from the European Research Council, each worth up to \u20ac2.5 million over a period of five years.
OUCRU has developed D\u2011SCAPE, a wearable device, and D\u2011CAT, 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.
As mpox cases rise in Sierra Leone, Professor Trudie Lang helps us understand the implications of the continuing spread of the disease, why it matters and how global efforts to tackle the outbreak are progressing.
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.
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\u2019s regional leadership and commitment to advancing health security and training opportunities.
Co-led by researchers at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, the Nipah virus has been granted PRIME designation. This recognises the vaccine\u2019s potential to address the unmet medical need arising from the devastating Nipah virus disease, which can be fatal in up to 85% of cases.
In May 2025, circus performances were used to educate Cambodian youth on the correct use of antibiotics. Misuse of antibiotics is a major driver of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide. The wide availability of antibiotics over the counter in Cambodia and linguistic issues make it difficult for younger Cambodians to understand when antibiotic use is appropriate.
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a scientific conference titled \u201cApplying Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Clinical Practice for Infectious Diseases.\u201d
The KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Schools Engagement Programme (SEP) celebrated the achievements of its School Leavers Attachment Scheme (SLAS) through a poster event. Twelve Kilifi students explored real-world research, mentored by experts. SEP\u2019s immersive, hands-on experience builds scientific skills, confidence, and curiosity, inspiring the next generation of researchers and future science leaders.
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.
A low-cost genome sequencing technique that was used by thousands of laboratories globally\r\nto spot COVID-19 variants will be extended to cover all pathogens, in an ambitious new Wellcome Trust-funded project launched today. The ARTIC-2 project is led by the University of Birmingham and brings together researchers from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Kenya with expertise in responding to numerous viral threats using genomic surveillance, including recent outbreaks of Ebola virus and Mpox in Africa.
On 6-7 May in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the final investigators\u2019 meeting of the Development of Triple Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (DeTACT) project brought together 35 investigators from participating institutions in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Guinea, Nigeria, Niger, Tanzania, The Gambia, Rwanda, Singapore, and MORU, along with key partners from Fosun Pharma, Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the WHO Global Malaria Programme, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which funded the project over the past seven years.
On 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake (magnitude 7.8) devastated central Myanmar, with the epicentre near Mandalay, the country\u2019s second largest city, and home to 1.5 million people. On 1 April, Medical Action Myanmar (MAM) and the Myanmar Oxford Clinical Research Unit (MOCRU) sent 70 staff to launch an emergency response.
Get ready! - the CTMGH LinkedIn takeover begins on Tuesday 3 June and eight students from our MSc in International Health and Tropical Medicine, who are currently working around the world, will be sharing their research placement experience.
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.
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\u2014together.
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