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« Back to NewsOUCRU workshop drives dialogue on early warning systems for climate-sensitive infectious diseases
6 October 2025
Researchers, policymakers, and health professionals gathered at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) for a workshop on “Enablers and Barriers to Development and Implementation of Early Warning and Response Systems for Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases in Viet Nam.”
Building Vietnam’s Clinical Trial Future: OUCRU and Partners at the Forefront
29 September 2025
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’s clinical trial ecosystem, aligning national ambitions with global health innovation.
MODRA Cohort 2 begins: Empowering the next generation of leaders in global health
23 September 2025
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.
Bridging science and practice to improve the outcome of patients with dengue
25 August 2025
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 a leading role in developing first International Clinical Practice Guideline for Tuberculous Meningitis
22 August 2025
OUCRU researchers have played a leading role in developing the world’s first international clinical practice guideline for tuberculous meningitis (TBM), now published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
New study maps immune cells fuelling harmful inflammation in tuberculous meningitis
21 August 2025
Tuberculous meningitis (TMB) harms not only through infection, but also through the body’s 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.
OUCRU release report on intensive care training programme in Vietnam
21 August 2025
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.
OUCRU and partners launch Kleb-CASAVA project
18 August 2025
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
Indonesia to host first dual-species malaria vaccination trial
11 August 2025
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.
What I learned as a UK clinical intern at OUCRU Vietnam: infectious diseases and the realities of vaccine inequality
4 August 2025
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.
Policy in action: A Princeton student’s internship at OUCRU Vietnam
30 July 2025
Alayshja Bable, a Princeton University student, interned with OUCRU Vietnam’s Policy Engagement team, conducting interviews to evaluate how research informs health policy. Her work strengthened OUCRU’s strategy while deepening her understanding of Vietnam’s policy landscape. The experience also enriched her personal growth and affirmed her commitment to human rights work.
OUCRU and HSPI sign MoU to advance health research collaboration
29 July 2025
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.
Community discussion: What do underserved populations at risk of Hepatitis C Virus need the most?
21 July 2025
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.
15 emerging Asian global health researchers selected to join MODRA
11 July 2025
The MORU – OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (MODRA) announces its 2025 cohort of emerging researchers in global health and infectious diseases.
Enhancing research through effective science communication and strengthening community bonds
4 July 2025
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.
Using photos to express community perspectives: how photovoice reflects the daily health risk of climate change
3 July 2025
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—women, 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?
Using 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.