SMRU Thailand (MORU network)

Founded in 1986, the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) is the oldest and largest of the MORU units. It operates jointly with the Borderland Health Foundation (BHF), a Thai registered body that oversees the humanitarian work while SMRU focuses on the research projects with the support of MORU Bangkok-based departments.

Following the official opening in late 2022 of new offices and laboratory in Mae Ramat, 35 km north of SMRU’s original Mae Sot base, SMRU-BHF are now firmly established in Mae Ramat in two sites: the BHF building with all the administration and the various departments and Mae Ramat
Hospital where the SMRU laboratories now operate.

In the new premises, SMRU-BHF continue their mission to provide evidence-based quality health care to marginalised populations, mostly farmers and migrant workers on both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border, through a combination of research (SMRU) and humanitarian activities (BHF). Infectious diseases such as malaria, TB, dengue, hepatis B and rickettsioses exert a large burden on this mostly poor and marginalised community with limited access to healthcare.

Many of our research findings have global applicability. For example SMRU research has influenced the global treatment recommendations for malaria and malaria in pregnancy.

Composed of doctors, scientists, technicians, nurses, medical assistants, midwives, cleaners, drivers and support staff from a variety of ethnic backgrounds, the SMRU-BHF team is a dedicated, living example of equity, diversity and inclusion. We operate clinics on both sides of the border and a large malaria elimination program in Karen state in Myanmar.

The main pillars of our work are:

• Malaria, with a large malaria elimination program in Karen state in Myanmar;
• Maternal and Child Health (MCH) with antenatal care, delivery facilities and special care baby units; and
• Tuberculosis (TB) with four treatment centres, on each side of the border, and active screening activities in in Thailand and Myanmar border communities.