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On 13 August 2025, SMRU received the “One Health Champion” First Prize for its response to a cholera outbreak along the Thai–Myanmar border. Awarded at a national One Health conference, the recognition highlights SMRU’s excellence in cross-border disease surveillance and public health response through collaborative, sustainable policy efforts.

SMRU receiving One Health Champion first prize © SMRU

On 13 August 2025, the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) participated in an academic conference organised by the Epidemiology Network and One Health Network, aimed at advancing the national policy of “Detect Early, Respond Quickly, Prevent Effectively” through the 7-1-7 Tool. 

The conference was officially opened by Dr Phanumas Yanwetsakul, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, and was attended by over 200 participants from various agencies and networks.

On this occasion, SMRU was honoured to receive the “One Health Champion: Detect Early, Respond Quickly, Prevent Effectively” First Prize in the category of ‘Management of a Cholera Outbreak along the Thailand–Myanmar Border’. This award recognises SMRU’s outstanding capacity in disease surveillance, timely response, and effective public health emergency management in cross-border areas.

SMRU extends its gratitude to the Department of Disease Control, the Department of Livestock Development, the Department of Medical Sciences, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, and the Pollution Control Department for their collaborative efforts in advancing the “One Health” approach. This initiative serves as a key mechanism for supporting sustainable national public health policies.

SMRU is honoured to have been invited to this conference and deeply appreciates being entrusted with this important award. It motivates us to continue strengthening disease prevention and control efforts along the Thai–Myanmar border.

Thank you Saw Htee K Paung for text and photo

 

 

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