Oxford University's partnerships in global health

The burden of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV-AIDS and tuberculosis falls most heavily on the countries of the developing world, with around 6 million deaths per year. The so-called 'diseases of affluence', such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, are also increasing in prevalence as these countries advance economically.

Through the units of the Oxford Tropical Network, Oxford researchers are able to work with more patients with tropical diseases than any other university, and their work has transformed the treatment of infections such as malaria. The scope of Oxford's partnerships in global health also encompasses clinical trials, epidemiology, vaccine development, maternal and child health, the computer analysis of biological data, and the political, economic and social aspects of health in resource-poor countries.

Oxford researchers engage with the challenges of global health across a diverse range of geographical, social and political environments. The impact of this work depends critically on a network of long-standing collaborations with hospitals and universities overseas, supported by major funders such as the Wellcome Trust, the Medical Research Council, the Li Ka Shing Foundation and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Oxford's overseas partnerships are saving lives every day.

Video and Global Health summary produced by The University of Oxford Public Affairs Directorate in November 2012.