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« Back to NewsNew 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.
Community Voices Shaping TB Research in Vietnam
16 July 2024
A recent publication by OUCRU researchers, published in the journal Public Health Action, highlights the importance of community engagement in TB research.
OUCRU Hosts “Agent-based Modelling (ABM) with GAMA” Course: Potential Application in Health Sciences
18 June 2024
In June 2024, OUCRU organised a training course "Agent-based Modelling (ABM) with GAMA" in Ho Chi Minh City. Participants from multiple countries explored the practical application of ABM in health science through theoretical lectures, practical sections, and collaborative group projects.
Existing interventions are effective in reducing antimicrobial resistance
16 June 2024
In a new study published in The Lancet, a team of international researchers has highlighted the urgent need for action to address the growing threat of antibiotic resistance.
OUCRU presented our community mobilisation efforts in One Health at the launch event of Media for One Health project
5 June 2024
On 20 May in Hanoi, Dr Mary Chambers and Associate Professor Sonia Lewycka presented on One Health activities at OUCRU, highlighting the essential role of public engagement and communication with various communities in raising awareness as well as how to integrate One Health approach and climate change into infectious diseases research.
OUCRU welcomed ASEAN Social Impact Program students for a Science Visit
31 May 2024
On 31st May, the Public and Community Engagement Group at OUCRU re-launched the Science Visit project. This event saw 25 enthusiastic students from Vietnam, Brunei, Singapore, the Phillipines, and Cambodia. This student group is a part of the ASEAN Social Impact Program (ASIP), visit OUCRU. They joined a lab tour and participated in several group games centered around the clinical trials process.
Nurturing Future Generations’ Passion for Science through Engagement with Children and Teachers
30 May 2024
At OUCRU, we believe that science can excite and inspire children, contribute to their understanding of the world, and present opportunities for life skill development. The better children understand and appreciate science, the better-informed decisions they can make throughout their lives.
The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam
29 May 2024
OUCRU Hanoi and its host, the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases (NHTD), recently organised a workshop entitled “The Value of Vaccines in Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam.”
OUCRU Successfully Hosts Viral Genomics and Bioinformatics Course
28 May 2024
OUCRU recently hosted an intensive week-long training event, the Viral Genomics and Bioinformatics course. This event was organised in collaboration with Wellcome Connecting Science, highlighting the ongoing commitment of both institutions to enhance global health research capacity, particularly in the field of infectious diseases.
Associate Professors 2024
17 May 2024
We are pleased to announce that six of our researchers have been awarded the title Associate Professor
Public and Community Engagement to Support Vaccine Research
1 May 2024
The Public and Community Engagement group at OUCRU has a strong commitment to community engagement, particularly in the field of vaccine research. Let’s look at some featured projects in all OUCRU’s local offices, spreading out from typhoid in Nepal to TB in Vietnam.
Celebrating Earth Day: Reflecting on OUCRU Green Day
22 April 2024
22th April is Earth Day. As important as clinical research, at OUCRU, we are also committed to promoting environmental activities and encouraging a culture of sustainability. Our initiatives include a dedicated Green Team and several activities, one of which is the Green Day event. The OUCRU Green Team is a group of passionate volunteers who work tirelessly to equip our office with eco-friendly systems and inspire staff to adopt environmentally sustainable lifestyles.
Visit our exhibition: Malariaworld
17 April 2024
The Malariaworld exhibition has been developed for World Malaria Day 2024 to raise awareness of malaria and malaria research. We highlight some of the Nuffield Department of Medicine’s contributions to malaria research. Come and visit our exhibition at the John Radcliffe Academic Centre, 22-29 April 2024.
Dengue research in Vietnam
16 April 2024
The objectives of the dengue group over the last 20 years have been to improve the diagnosis and management of dengue and to facilitate and enhance disease prevention strategies at a local, regional and global level.
International Research Collaboration Confirms Novel Biomarker’s Accuracy for Predicting Preterm Births
12 April 2024
A recent study published in the Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine has validated a novel biomarker that accurately predicts preterm births. The research represents an important advancement in the early detection and management of preterm labour risks, with potential implications for improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in the Southeast Asian region.
Social cohesion among healthcare workers during COVID-19: Qualitative research in Indonesia, Nepal, and Vietnam
4 April 2024
It has been well-documented that healthcare workers were significantly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. They faced increased risks, shortage of protective equipment, heavy workloads, and severe mental distress. However, most existing studies explored healthcare workers’ experiences at the individual level rather than examining the collective responses. Exploring these experiences can highlight the local culture and social influence during the pandemic and point out system limits during public health crises.
OUCRU celebrates World Health Worker Week 2024
3 April 2024
In the 1st week of April each year, the global community comes together to celebrate health workers, the backbone of the health industry and society. This year, the theme is #SafeSupportedHealthWorkers. The Frontline Health Workers Coalition and its partners are leading the effort. The goal is to unite advocates, health workers, leaders, and communities worldwide to call for investment, protection, and support for the health workforce. This is especially important in low—and middle-income countries.
Social workers, an essential workforce at hospitals
29 March 2024
Social workers play an important role in complex and fast-paced environments like hospitals. They support hospital staff, patients, and carers professionally, physically, and mentally.
Fostering Global Health Collaboration: Ho Chi Minh City Health Officials Embark on OUCRU-Led UK Visit
26 March 2024
OUCRU, in collaboration with KPMG Vietnam, recently led a delegation from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health (DoH) on a visit to the United Kingdom. This visit is a part of a UK-funded strategic initiative to support the DoH in developing Ho Chi Minh City as a health innovation hub for Vietnam and the region.
OUCRU Researchers Join WHO in Updating Essential TB Diagnostic Handbook
25 March 2024
Members of OUCRU’s Tuberculosis group have contributed to the World Health Organization's latest edition of the tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic handbook. The "WHO operational handbook on tuberculosis" is an important resource for the rapid detection and diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB).
Dr Vu Thi Lan Huong: A Leadership Journey in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
18 March 2024
Since obtaining her PhD from the University of Oxford in 2017, Dr Vu Thi Lan Huong has charted a transformative journey, rising to spearhead the Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme. Currently, as the Senior Research Fellow at OUCRU Ha Noi, she has dedicated her career to unravelling the complexities of this silent but deadly threat.
OUCRU Welcomes Guy’s and St Thomas’ Clinicians to Enhance Critical Care Training in Vietnam
12 March 2024
OUCRU and Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust have partnered to deliver a specialised training program in critical care medicine at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases (Ha Noi) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (Ho Chi Minh City).
Embracing Vulnerabilities: Andy Musaffa’s Unconventional Path to Effective Leadership
7 March 2024
Bachtiar Andy Musaffa (Andy) stands at the intersection of data management and human leadership—a place where numbers meet the nuanced complexities of team dynamics. As the Senior Research Data Manager at OUCRU Indonesia, Andy is not only at the helm of organising critical clinical trial data and developing databases but also at the core of leading a diverse team through the highs and lows of intensive research environments.