OUCRU Nepal has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the A*STAR Infectious Diseases Labs (A*STAR IDL), Singapore, to establish a collaborative partnership aimed at advancing research in infectious diseases. This strategic collaboration focuses on mutual interest with a shared focus on antimicrobial resistance, respiratory diseases, and vector-borne diseases, including associated neuroviral outcomes.
OUCRU-Nepal is proud to announce that Dr Sabina Dongol has been selected to join the first cohort of the ISARIC Leadership Programme for Scientists a global initiative aimed at empowering mid-career female researchers from Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to become independent research leaders.
In a new commentary for BMJ Global Health, University of Oxford researchers argue that antimicrobial resistance (AMR) interventions often ignore morally relevant differences between microbes. They highlight that antimalarial resistance disproportionately affects low- and middle-income countries, particularly children in sub-Saharan Africa, and deserves greater attention in global health research and intervention priorities. The team calls for more equitable resource allocation, policy change, and advocacy to ensure AMR responses are just and inclusive.
Dr Anne Makena, has announced her decision to transition from the role of Co-Director of the Africa Oxford initiative. A founding member of the Africa Oxford Initiative, Dr Makena has overseen the establishment and rapid growth of AfOx from conceptualisation to scaling for almost a decade.
We are delighted to announce that seven CTMGH 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.
Oxford University has been world number one in the\u202fTimes Higher Education World University Rankings since 2017\u202f- the longest time any university has held the position in the 21 annual editions of the rankings.
Mental and substance use disorders are a major health concern in Kenya, yet remain underfunded and highly stigmatised. Despite policies like the Kenya Mental Health Policy, over 75% of those affected never receive professional care. Research institutions, including KEMRI\u2013Wellcome Research Programme, have played a key role in shaping national and county-level responses. Progress is being made through community-based care, traditional healer collaboration, and the professionalisation of Community Health Promoters, but significant resource and workforce challenges remain.
A major international collaboration between ISARIC researchers at King\u2019s College London and the Oxford University Clinical Research Trials Unit (OUCRU) has created the first global Core Outcome Measurement Set (COMS) for dengue clinical trials.
A Phase 3 pivotal trial, led by MORU and funded by Japan\u2019s Global Health Innovative Technology Fund (GHIT), has begun to evaluate a novel fixed-dose triple artemisinin-based combination treatment (FD-TACT) for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Professor Edwine Barasa has been appointed as the Executive Director of the KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme (KWRP), following the completion of a highly competitive recruitment process conducted by the Programme\u2019s partners: the University of Oxford, KEMRI and Wellcome.
Researchers, policymakers, and health professionals gathered at the Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) for a workshop on\u202f\u201cEnablers and Barriers to Development and Implementation of Early Warning and Response Systems for Climate-Sensitive Infectious Diseases in Viet Nam.\u201d
Sickle cell anaemia is a genetic condition causing red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, leading to painful complications and other health issues. In Kenya, it is common in malaria-prone regions, where the sickle cell trait offers some protection. Ongoing research and a long-standing clinic in Kilifi have improved survival rates, with more adults living full lives. Collaboration with local health authorities and the Ministry of Health supports early diagnosis, care guidelines, and expanded regional services.
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?
After eight weeks embedded in global health projects, IHTM students have returned to Oxford, bringing with them a wealth of new experiences from their research placements from around the world.
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.
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