Bridging science and practice to improve the outcome of patients with dengue
According to the Ho Chi Minh Center for Disease Control, 2025 witnessed nearly 25,000 cases of Dengue, an increase of more than three times compared to the same period in 2024. 73% dengue patients need to be hospitalised with 10 deaths put significant pressure on the healthcare system(*). A current concern is that dengue is […]
Share your knowledge & experience with us and the healthcare professional community
As a part of the collaboration between OUCRU, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and The Global Health Network (TGHN), CONNECT was founded with the goal of building a support network, provide equitable access to professional development opportunities and learning materials, tailouring for healthcare workers. Acknowledge that Vietnam has a unique health industry context of challenging […]
Community discussion: What do underserved populations at risk of Hepatitis C Virus need the most?
As part of the project to Improve Hepatitis C Access and Treatment for Underserved Communities, OUCRU’s Public and Community Engagement Group together with Social Science, Ethics, and Implementation Research Group organised a dialogue session between community members, social insurance representatives, and social scientists. The session brought together representatives from underserved communities who had contributed to […]
Enhancing research through effective science communication and strengthening community bonds
In May 2025, hundreds of science communications and public and community engagement practitioners gathered at the Public and Communication Science Technology Conference (PCST) 2025, discussing the theme “Using Science Communication to Effect Positive Change: Exploring Transitions, Traditions and Tensions”. Four different projects at OUCRU were featured at the conference, emphasising OUCRU’s vision to make research […]
Using effective media strategies to bridge gaps to hard-to-reach populations: case studies in Vietnam and Indonesia
Tailour a culturally relevant message to reach the ethnic minority communities to improve vaccine communications and vaccine uptake. Vaccine refusal, delay or hesitation is a growing concern worldwide, proven through the increased occurrence of vaccine-preventable diseases in children. Reasons vary widely between parents, but they can be encompassed in four overarching categories: religious reasons, personal […]
Community Engagement, a bridge between research and public health: A case study from Dengue
With 75% of the disease burden concentrated in the Asia-Pacific region, ASEAN and the World Health Organization (WHO) choose June 15th as Dengue Day[1]. According to WHO, dengue cases have reportedly increased from 505,430 cases in 2000 to 5.2 million in 2019. 2023 witnessed the highest number of dengue cases, with over 6.5 million cases […]
The power of community: Together for good mental health
People who feel more connected to others have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Some studies show they also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, and are more trusting and cooperative. Social support and connections are particularly important during crisis time. A research study of over 37,000 students at Vietnam National University of Ho […]
The power to take care of your mental health is within the community
Several countries choose May as Mental Health Awareness Week. The theme of this year, chosen by the Mental Health Foundation, is community, highlighting the essential role of community and social connections in mental health and well-being. Social connections and community play a central role in mental health, especially during times of crisis. Healthy relationships and […]
Patient-centred care: The heart of modern healthcare approach to improve patient’s satisfactory
Patient-centred care approach prioritises individual patients’ needs, preferences, and values throughout their care journey, empowers patients to become active participants in their care, particularly during the decision-making process. To adopt this approach, healthcare professionals must develop strong communication skills and serve as patient advocates to address patient needs effectively. Key requirements required from health professionals […]
Collab Lab’s Meet the Scientists: Where science lovers connect
With the new concept ‘Through the Lenses of Science’, Collab Lab’s upcoming Meet the Scientists event is designed to bring meaningful interactions and engagement opportunities for young people to be able to dialogue and gain deep insight on scientific research as well as build the connection with scientists at OUCRU. Meet the Scientists is an […]
Moral distress of frontline workers in research settings is often overlooked
The kick-off meeting for the Moral Distress Frontline Staff Network was organised over two and a half days, gathering professionals from the UK, Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Thailand, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam—each committed to improving the experience and well-being of frontline research staff working in resource-constrained settings. Complex emotions tied to frontline workers’ […]
Webinar: Malaria Burden in Southeast Asia: Research Findings and Community Engagement Impact
Malaria remains a serious threat to public health across Asia. The South-East Asia Region has the second-highest malaria burden globally, with WHO estimating that 1.61 billion people remain at risk and the disease being endemic in nine countries. The Global Health Network, Oxford University Clinical Research Units (OUCRU) and Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit […]
The world is facing a shortage of 11 million health workers by 2030(*)
World Health Worker Week (#WHWWeek) highlights the importance of the health workforce – nurses, pharmacists, epidemiologists, doctors, community health workers/volunteers, technicians, and their colleagues – the heart of global health. Led by the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, #WHWWeek calls for increased investment in all cadres of the health workforce and advocates for prioritizing human resources […]
One-third of antibiotics used in Vietnam are ‘inappropriate’
Ranking 11th globally in antibiotic use, Vietnam faces a serious risk of drug resistance, ‘running out of treatment options due to antibiotic resistance’. According to statistics, treatment options due to antibiotic resistance’, 79% of antibiotics taken in Vietnam are over the recommended level, and antibiotics are most often prescribed unnecessarily(*). Scientists also highlight the fact […]
TBM survivor: “TBM can be completely cured.”
Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is a form of tuberculosis that carries the highest mortality rate due to its gradual onset, non-specific symptoms, and easy confusion with other brain infections. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that children account for 10-12% of new and recurring TB cases annually. Approximately 70,000 infants and children die from TB each […]
60% of hepatitis C patients do not know how they had the disease(1)
A survey conducted at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases shows that approximately 60% of patients did not know how they contracted hepatitis C and the majority of patients only discovered their disease when it had been already in the late stage(1). The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of deaths caused by […]
2024 Highlights: Further Engagement with Youth in Research at OUCRU
As we reflect on 2024, let’s look at our public and community engagement achievements. One particular highlight is our continuing partnership with young people to nurture a strong connection between research and the younger generation.
56.8% of Young People Lost Concentration or Interest in Living in 2021 (*)
Global and National Mental Health Statistics Among Youth According to UNICEF, at least 30% of school-age children experienced stress, anxiety, or depression due to health-related social restrictions during and after the pandemic. Poverty, violence, gender social norms, high-pressure learning environments, and stressful life events all contribute to emotional and psychological distress among young people.(1) Another UNICEF […]
The Important Role of Young People in Tackling AMR
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, […]
Bioethics Grant Awardees Webinar: Highlighting the Importance of Bioethics in Research
Recognising that bioethics is an essential part of research, particularly in biology and medicine, the Southeast Asia (SEA) Bioethics Network was established with support from the Wellcome Trust Research Development Award. The network is dedicated to publicise the bioethics approaches across Southeast Asia by promoting a deeper understanding and application of ethical principles in biological […]