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« Back to NewsOUCRU 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.
Bangladesh malaria mass vaccine and drug administration trial begins
19 February 2025
After more than a year of community engagement and preparation in 100 villages with 12,000 populations across the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the mass malaria vaccine (R21/Matrix M) and drug (DHA, piperaquine, and single low dose primaquine) administration study started on 15 Feb.
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.
Breaking Barriers: Dr Caroline Tigoi’s Journey in Science and Research
11 February 2025
The science field has largely been male-dominated from time immemorial and women in science are increasingly making their mark and breaking barriers through conducting and leading various ground-breaking research. The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is an annual observance in recognition of the critical role played by women and girls in science and the promotion of their full and equal access to participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields. At KWTRP we celebrate, Dr Caroline Tigoi a dedicated scientist whose journey into microbiology and infectious disease research has not only advanced medical science but also inspired the next generation of women in STEM.
Identifying fake Covid-19 vaccines by analysing vial labels and vaccine liquids
31 January 2025
Researchers at the Medicine Quality Research Group, University of Oxford and collaborators, including the Serum Institute of India, have published an innovative method to identify falsified vaccines without opening the vaccine vial.
Blog: Research priorities for a warming world
30 January 2025
Professor Deirdre Hollingsworth, Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at NDM’s Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health and the Big Data Institute, looks at potential ways to advance research on the impact of climate change on malaria and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Oxford tops THE subject ranking in medicine for 14th consecutive year
24 January 2025
The University of Oxford has once again been named the top institution in the Times Higher Education (THE) Subject Rankings for Clinical, Pre-Clinical, and Health, marking an impressive 14th consecutive year in this prestigious position.
The Global Health Network reaches 1 million members
15 January 2025
The Global Health Network has achieved a remarkable milestone: one million members worldwide. This dynamic and inclusive community of healthcare professionals and researchers is addressing two of the most pressing challenges in global health. By equipping teams to tackle everyday diseases of poverty and strengthening the ability to detect and respond to emerging threats, The Global Health Network is saving lives and safeguarding the future of global health.
Myanmar-Thailand: Healthcare access without barriers
14 January 2025
In Myanmar, the United Nations reports that 3 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing civil war. The 2021 coup intensified conflicts and worsened the humanitarian crisis, forcing at least a hundred thousand to seek refuge and medical care in Thailand. The Tak province, a key crossing point between the two countries, sees a rising number of new migrants (with 40% of women) crossing the border every day. In response to this health emergency caused by these large-scale forced displacements, the SMRU and M-FUND projects have concentrated their efforts along the border area.
GRAM Bangkok workshop strengthens local capacity for AMR burden estimation
1 January 2025
Sessions supported researchers and decision-makers who encounter AMR across South and Southeast Asia
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.
Launch of largest-ever study tracking chikungunya burden in East Africa
13 December 2024
A team of scientists in the UK, Kenya and Tanzania will soon find out the extent to which chikungunya, a debilitating mosquito-borne disease causing large outbreaks in Asia and South America, is also affecting countries in East Africa.
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.
AMR booklet by Shuma Banik
3 December 2024
IHTM alumna, Shuma Banik, has written and painted a booklet about the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Assam, India.
Oxford Clinical Lecturer awarded prestigious BIA Barnet Christie Lecture
2 December 2024
Xin Hui Chan has won the competitive 2024 Barnet Christie Lecture award of the British Infection Association. As part of the award, Dr Chan delivered a lecture entitled ‘Drugs for Tropical Infections: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Infectious Disease Physician’
KEMRI renews collaboration with Oxford University and Wellcome Trust
29 November 2024
The Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) has signed a seven-year memorandum of agreement with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford. Under this collaboration, Wellcome has awarded £91 million (KES 15 billion) to support research over the next seven years. KEMRI have been collaborating with the Wellcome Trust and the University of Oxford on improving health through research for over 35 years.
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.
Dialogue drama on adolescent pregnancy in a marginalised migrant population on the Thailand-Myanmar border
20 November 2024
A participatory-action approach involving community members and adolescents resulted in a dialogue-drama on adolescent pregnancy, contraception, and choice in the event of an unplanned pregnancy. The dialogue-drama augmented discussion of traditionally taboo issues and this ethnographic method is potentially useful for similar global health settings.
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.
The Medicine Quality Research Group invited to present at the World Health Summit, Berlin, 15th October
6 November 2024
Dr Gesa Gnegel and Dr Céline Caillet were invited to present their current work during a session at the World Health Summit. This international forum and leading global health conference brings together stakeholders from politics, science, the private sector, and civil society. The aim of this event that took place in Berlin from the 13th to the 15th of October 2024 is ‘to set the agenda for a healthier future by inspiring innovative solutions for better health and well-being for all’.
Caesar Atuire interview
5 November 2024
Dr Caesar Atuire was recently interviewed for an article in Science on 29 October 2024 on the renewed version of the declaration of Helsinki.
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!
Innovative diagnostics, new tools, near-elimination strategies, cross-border collaborations top agenda at malaria elimination joint meeting
1 November 2024
From 24-26 Sept, the Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN) Vivax Working Group (VxWG) and Surveillance & Response Working Group (SRWG) held their 2024 Joint Annual Meeting in Kuching, Malaysia. Co-organized by SRWG and VxWG host institutions MORU and Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV), the event took place immediately following the 2024 International Congress for Tropical Medicine and Malaria (ICTMM).
Dr Claire Chewapreecha wins Nature Award for Inspiring Women in Science
1 November 2024
Dr Chewapreecha, a Wellcome International Intermediate Fellow and computational biologist at NDM's Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, has been announced as the Individual Winner at this year’s Inspiring Women in Science Awards hosted by Nature and The Estée Lauder Companies. She was honoured at a ceremony in London on 31 October.
Experts gather to discuss medicine quality research
1 November 2024
Experts from across Europe joined forces to discuss research on substandard and falsified medical products and how to translate the evidence into policy and implementation. Over forty participants from various countries around the world, all based in Europe, including the UK, Sweden, France, Germany and Belgium, joined the in-person informal event at the Richard Doll Building, in Oxford, on the 24th of October.
Lorenz von Seidlein awarded RSTMH medal for outstanding work in tropical health
29 October 2024
On 10 Oct in London, the Royal Society for Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (RSTMH) awarded MORU’s Prof Lorenz von Seidlein (centre) the Donald Mackay Medal for outstanding work in tropical health, especially relating to improvements in the health of rural or urban workers in the tropics.
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.
The Global Health Network MENA Regional Hub officially launched
22 October 2024
The Global Health Network, hosted by NDM-CGHR, proudly announced the official launch of its Middle East North Africa (MENA) Regional Hub, an initiative set to revolutionise health research, education, and practice across the region. The launch event was held at the Canadian University Dubai on the 21st October 2024, and brought together leading experts, policymakers, and academic institutions to chart a path toward a healthier and more resilient future for the MENA region.
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.
MoU University of Oxford and the University of Seychelles
21 October 2024
IHTM Course Director, Proochista Ariana, travelled to Seychelles in October to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between the University of Oxford and the University of Seychelles, with the focus on research, education and evidenced-based policymaking.
Rift Valley fever vaccine to enter Phase II clinical trials in Kenya
14 October 2024
A promising human vaccine candidate against the potentially deadly Rift Valley fever, a mosquito-borne disease affecting countries across Africa, is set to begin Phase II trials in Kenya. This is the most advanced stage of testing a human Rift Valley fever vaccine has reached in an outbreak-prone area to date. A team of scientists at the Nuffield Department of Medicine and the KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme will lead the $3.7m trial, funded by the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI).
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.
AMR surveillance challenges
9 October 2024
Dr Geetanjali Kapoor gives a series of talks on AMR surveillance best practices 9-15 October, understanding real-world challenges associated with large datasets from disparate sources, laboratory methods, country workshops, and the importance of AMR surveillance. The series is based on her experiences as a Fleming Fund regional grantee in Africa.
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.
IHTM 10 years on
7 October 2024
IHTM is celebrating reaching its first decade and is delighted to welcome the tenth cohort of inspiring individuals to the University of Oxford.
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.
New study to support WHO guideline changes
2 October 2024
A new study which will help inform World Health Organization guidelines for treating children with Plasmodium vivax malaria has found that giving children higher doses of primaquine substantially reduced recurrences of malaria.
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.