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« Back to NewsAfrica launches landmark consortium to transform health research with longitudinal data
25 June 2025
The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) has formally launched, uniting over 40 population cohorts from 16 countries. With £4 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.
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.
Oxford academics awarded European Research Council Advanced Grants for cutting-edge research
17 June 2025
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 €2.5 million over a period of five years.
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.
Interview with Trudie Lang, mpox surging in Sierra Leone
13 June 2025
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.
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.
Nipah virus vaccine granted European Medicines Agency PRIME designation
11 June 2025
Co-led by researchers at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, the Nipah virus has been granted PRIME designation. This recognises the vaccine’s potential to address the unmet medical need arising from the devastating Nipah virus disease, which can be fatal in up to 85% of cases.
Circus arts shine spotlight on AMR in Cambodian communities
4 June 2025
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.
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.”
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Research Leaders: A Celebration of Mentorship and Discovery
3 June 2025
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’s immersive, hands-on experience builds scientific skills, confidence, and curiosity, inspiring the next generation of researchers and future science leaders.
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.
Ambitious project to develop low-cost genome sequencing for pathogens
28 May 2025
A low-cost genome sequencing technique that was used by thousands of laboratories globally to 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.
Landmark DeTACT project holds final Investigators’ meeting
26 May 2025
On 6-7 May in Zanzibar, Tanzania, the final investigators’ 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.
UPDATE Myanmar earthquake: MAM and MOCRU provide life-saving response
23 May 2025
On 28 March 2025, a powerful earthquake (magnitude 7.8) devastated central Myanmar, with the epicentre near Mandalay, the country’s 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.
CTMGH LinkedIn takeover by MSc IHTM students starts 3 June
23 May 2025
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.
Rethinking Autism: Bridging gaps in care, culture and understanding
20 May 2025
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.
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.
Researchers awarded Associate Professorships
20 May 2025
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.
Engaging stakeholders to build a Kenyan learning health system success in Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
20 May 2025
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.
Oxford and Thai Health Officials Sign Agreement on Infectious Disease Control
15 May 2025
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.
IHTM shortlisted for Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025
14 May 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.
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.
Investigating Quality and Safety and Intervention Design in Health Services (IQID) course
9 May 2025
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.
Enhancing neonatal care in Kenya: insights from the HIGH-Q exchange stakeholder forum
6 May 2025
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.
Celebrating 10 years of IHTM
28 April 2025
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.
New study confirms malaria drug is safe for children and could reduce disease spread
25 April 2025
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.
Global ROOTs network launched to examine moral distress in health research
25 April 2025
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.
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.
MORU-Oxford Engagement Meeting
8 April 2025
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.
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.
KEMRI signs landmark partnership with Wellcome and Oxford
3 April 2025
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
1 April 2025
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Susanna Dunachie and Dr Caesar Atuire as Co-Associate Directors of Oxford Global Health.
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.
Lower-dose yellow fever vaccine as effective as the current standard
20 March 2025
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.
GRAM Project Nairobi workshop targets AMR in Africa
20 March 2025
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.
MORU hosts international workshop on safer drug use in obstetric and paediatric medicine through PBPK modelling
19 March 2025
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.
Prioritising research to better address high-consequence outbreaks
19 March 2025
A new paper published in BMC Medicine analyses research prioritisation approaches for high-consequence pathogens.
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.
Innovative forensics to identify origins of falsified medicines presented to UNODC and WHO
11 March 2025
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.
Africa’s change-makers: meet the Mastercard Foundation Scholars with big ambitions for the future
5 March 2025
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.
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.