2024 Scientific days of the ANRS MIE partner site in Cambodia

A meeting place for infectious disease research

On October 10 and 11, 2024, Cambodia will host a new edition of the Scientific days of the ANRS MIE partner site. This event, organized every two years, is a key moment for sharing advances in infectious disease research. These scientific days provide an opportunity to present the results of recent research, to discuss future research priorities for addressing local and regional health challenges.

These days are the result of a strong partnership between France and Cambodia, initiated in the 1990s and formalized by an agreement between the Cambodian Ministry of Health and the ANRS MIE in 2000, which is materialized by what is called “the ANRS MIE partner site in Cambodia”. The partnership is built around two major Cambodian institutions: the University of Health Sciences in Phnom Penh and the Institut Pasteur in Cambodia. This long-term commitment has helped to create a privileged framework for scientific collaborations, bringing together Cambodian, French and international experts to refine strategies to combat infectious diseases.

Renowned experts and researchers

The scientific days event brings together Cambodian, French, and international researchers, clinicians, representatives of associations and civil society, as well as representatives of authorities. Among the key players present will be Professor Saphonn Vonthanak, Rector of the University of Health Sciences, and Dr. Bruno Spire, Research Director at Inserm, who coordinate the Franco-Cambodian partnership. The event will also gather representatives from partner institutions such as Inserm, IRD, the Institut Pasteur, CIRAD, Initiative and Expertise France, as well as international organizations like WHO and UNAIDS.

Professor Françoise Barré-Sinoussi, Nobel Prize laureate in Medicine, will be the guest of honor at these scientific days, in her capacity as a scientist particularly involved in HIV research and care in Southeast Asia, especially in Cambodia and Vietnam.

The research shaping the event

For the first time, results from major studies will be presented, such as the CAM-C study, an ANRS MIE study conducted in Cambodia by the University of Health Sciences on community-based hepatitis screening methods, as well as DATURA, a multicenter ANRS MIE study involving Cambodia and conducted by the Institut Pasteur in Cambodia in partnership with hospitals, to reduce mortality among immunocompromised people living with HIV and tuberculosis

These scientific days will not be limited to research conducted in Cambodia: projects conducted in other countries in the region, notably Vietnam, will also be presented. The discussions will focus on recently completed research projects supported by ANRS MIE and other funders. They will also set priorities for future studies in the fight against infectious diseases, including emerging infectious diseases, with a one-health approach. This meeting promises to be a crucial step in strengthening the links between research and public health authorities, with the goal of improving the health of local and regional populations.