Cambodia Hosts Science Consultation on Infectious Disease Research in Southeast Asia and West Africa

On the morning of September 21, 2026, the Health Sciences University and ANRS MIE organized a scientific consultation on "Promoting Research on Infectious Diseases in Southeast Asian and West African Countries," chaired by Professor Koy Vannak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health. The meeting was attended by professors and researchers from Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Ivory Coast, and France. Professor Saphan Vattanak, Advisor to the Ministry of Health and Rector of the Health Sciences University, stated that the presence of participants demonstrates the importance everyone places on strengthening international scientific cooperation and cooperation between developing countries. He further noted that infectious diseases do not recognize national borders. Many challenges faced with diseases like tuberculosis and HIV are common to many countries, even with differing epidemic situations, healthcare systems, and available resources. No single institution or country can solve all these issues alone. Professor Vattanak continued that this cooperation allows for the assembly of diverse groups of people with varied knowledge, expertise, research capabilities, and healthcare system experiences. More importantly, when research is jointly developed by researchers from countries where the research results will be practically applied, there is a higher chance of responding to local needs and translating into policies and practical implementation. He expressed confidence that the meeting is not just about creating research projects, but about building a community of researchers and institutions that can work together long-term. For the Health Sciences University, hosting this meeting is a significant opportunity to strengthen its role in health research, both regionally and internationally. The university is committed to working with its partners to build research capacity, promote scientific leadership, and contribute evidence that can address the health priorities of Cambodia and the entire region. Professor Koy Vannak, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Health, emphasized that the meeting is not merely a conference but a working session and consultation to jointly identify research priorities, address knowledge gaps, generate ideas for collaborative research, and lay the foundation for sustainable scientific cooperation. Through this process, research ideas can be promoted for further development for ANRS MIE project proposal calls and opportunities to secure other international funding. He added that despite different contexts regarding disease prevalence and healthcare systems, countries share many challenges in managing tuberculosis and HIV, including resource shortages, decentralized service delivery, and the need to evaluate innovative intervention methods within routine program implementation. These differences should not be seen as obstacles but as valuable resources that can broaden collective understanding and strengthen the necessity and relevance of their research. Professor Vannak encouraged all participants to focus on research questions that are scientifically important, aligned with national and regional priorities, feasible in different contexts, and capable of generating positive and meaningful impacts. The goal should not only be to increase knowledge but also to generate evidence that can guide policy, strengthen programs, and improve health outcomes. For Cambodia, he added, partnerships that help strengthen national research capacity and allow Cambodian researchers and institutions to participate actively and meaningfully in planning, implementing, coordinating, and leading multi-country research initiatives are highly valued.