Mahidol oxford tropical medicine research unit moru Review

About Mahidol oxford tropical medicine research unit moru

Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit MORU: Advancing Global Health through Targeted Research

Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) is a leading research organization that focuses on conducting targeted clinical and public health research to improve the health of people living in resource-limited parts of the world. The organization is part of the MORU Tropical Health Network, which hosts the ‘Thailand Wellcome Africa and Asia Programme’. With a team of highly skilled researchers, clinicians, and support staff, MORU has been at the forefront of advancing global health through innovative research.

MORU's mission is to discover and develop appropriate, practical, affordable interventions that measurably improve the health of people living in resource-limited parts of the world. The organization achieves this by conducting high-quality research that addresses some of the most pressing global health challenges such as malaria, dengue fever, tuberculosis (TB), melioidosis, leptospirosis and emerging infectious diseases.

One area where MORU has made significant contributions is in malaria research. Malaria remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide with over 400 thousand deaths annually. In collaboration with partners across Africa and Asia, MORU has conducted several studies aimed at improving malaria diagnosis and treatment. For instance, they have developed new diagnostic tools for detecting drug-resistant strains of malaria parasites which are prevalent in Southeast Asia.

Another area where MORU has made significant contributions is in TB research. TB remains a major public health challenge globally with over 10 million cases reported annually. In collaboration with partners across Southeast Asia and Africa regions where TB burden is high; they have conducted several studies aimed at improving TB diagnosis using novel molecular techniques such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay.

In addition to its core areas of focus on infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis; MORU also conducts cutting-edge research on emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MORU has been at the forefront of developing new diagnostic tools and treatments for COVID-19. For instance, they have developed a rapid diagnostic test for COVID-19 that can deliver results in less than an hour.

MORU's research is not only focused on developing new interventions but also on improving existing ones. For example, they have conducted several studies aimed at improving the effectiveness of vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine which is used to prevent pneumonia in children.

Apart from conducting research, MORU also plays a critical role in capacity building and training of researchers and clinicians across Africa and Asia regions. They offer various training programs such as clinical trials management courses, laboratory skills training courses among others.

In conclusion, Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) is a leading research organization that conducts targeted clinical and public health research aimed at improving the health of people living in resource-limited parts of the world. With its team of highly skilled researchers, clinicians, and support staff; MORU has made significant contributions to global health through innovative research on infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis; emerging infectious diseases such as COVID-19; vaccine development among others. Through its capacity building initiatives across Africa and Asia regions; MORU continues to play a critical role in advancing global health by equipping researchers with skills needed to conduct high-quality research that addresses some of the most pressing global health challenges facing humanity today.