July 2024:
1st - 2nd of July: Workshop “Advancing the Development of and Access to Diagnostics and Therapeutics
Across Southeast Asia.”, Malaysia
The PACE-UP team, represented by Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song from Vietnam, Prof. Velavan from Germany, and Dr. Ulfa Elfiah from the University
of Jember, Indonesia, was invited by the Academy of Medical Sciences Malaysia to participate in a workshop held from July 1-2, 2024, titled “Advancing the Development of and Access to Diagnostics and
Therapeutics Across Southeast Asia.”
Representatives from ministries and public health institutes of 10 ASEAN countries gathered to discuss the current evidence on diagnostics
and therapeutics in Southeast Asia. The discussions highlighted positive innovations focusing on multisectoral approaches and explored how health systems can better utilize diagnostics and
therapeutics for disease prevention and treatment, addressing key challenges in delivering effective programs.
Additionally, Prof. Velavan delivered the keynote lecture on “Catalyzing Change in Diagnostics and Therapeutics in Southeast Asia:
Insights, Innovations, and Collaborative Pathways.”
June 2024
06th of June: Building a Stronger Future in Global Health: VinUniversity, University of Tübingen, VG-CARE, and PACE-UP
We are excited to announce that on June 6th, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between VinUniversity, the University of
Tübingen, and VG-CARE. This strategic alliance is in collaboration with the PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP). This partnership aims to develop and sustain
multidisciplinary capacities in the field of global health, enhancing our ability to respond to epidemics and outbreaks. Together, we are committed to advancing global health research, education,
and preparedness.
June 2024
05th of June: PACE-UP Meets German Embassy in Hanoi to Discuss Initiatives and Future Projects
The PACE-UP team had a fruitful meeting at the German Embassy in Hanoi on June 5, 2024. We discussed our initiatives and future projects with Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy
Head of Mission and Head of the Economic Department. Looking forward to strengthening our collaboration.
June 2024
04th of June: I-CRECT Project | PACE-UP Hosts Collaborative Meeting
PACE-UP hosted an important meeting with partners from Sweden (Karolinska University, Linkoping University), Denmark (University of Copenhagen), France (CIRAD),
Germany (University of Tübingen), and Vietnam (Hanoi University of Public Health, National Children's Hospital, VG-CARE). Our collaborative project aims to prevent the transmission of antimicrobial
resistance from hospitals to the community. The meeting was very fruitful, leading to discussions about further activities planned for this year with a multidisciplinary team applying the ONE HEALTH
approach.
May 2024
25th of May: VG-CARE Participates in "Statistics Day 2024"
Workshop
PACE-UP contributed to the 'Statistics Day 2024 - Data Analysis in the Biomedical Field' Workshop,
held on the 25th of May at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST). Dr. Truong Nhat My and A/Prof. Hoang Van Tong representing the organization VG-CARE showcased the results of genomic data
analysis from the ongoing PACE-UP projects.
April 2024
23rd - 30th of April: PACE-UP workshop and course
modules on “Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and Basic principles of Biosafety’
PACE-UP recently held a workshop featuring two modules: “Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases” and “Hands-on Training on Biosafety Principles”. The former ran
from April 23 to 26, 2024, while the latter took place on April 29-30, 2024, at the University of Jember (UNEJ), Indonesia.
Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna, Rector of Jember University, along with co-director of VG-CARE, Prof. Thiru. P Velavan, Senior Academic Councillor at the University of Tübingen,
inaugurated the workshop. Her Excellency Ms. Ina Lepel, German Ambassador to Indonesia, and Dr. Guido Schneiders, Director of DAAD Regional Office Jakarta, welcomed the esteemed guests and
participants via video messages. Dr. Ir. Iwan Taruna stressed the importance of collaboration in tackling infectious disease challenges. Prof. Velavan highlighted PACE-UP’s focus on understanding
disease drivers, including zoonotic transmission and antimicrobial resistance. Both emphasized the need for biosafety and cultivating a community dedicated to integrity and innovation in addressing
and tackling infectious diseases.
The workshop, led by international experts, drew 62 postgrads including physicians, veterinarians, and epidemiologists from Indonesian Universities for Module 1 and up
to 72 for Module 2. Attendees learned about infectious disease epidemiology, outbreak detection, management, infection control, and shared insights on emerging infectious diseases. Also, 81
participants from global health centers, including Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo-Brazzaville, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia (overseas
residents), Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malawi, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Ukraine, USA, Vietnam, and Yemen joined online.
January 2024
31st January: Memoranda of Understanding with the Thai Nguyễn University of Medicine and
Pharmacy
As part of the DAAD-PACEUP program funded by the DAAD and the Federal Foreign Office, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between
the Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy, the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, the Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research and the 108 Military Central Hospital.
More than 30% of the students at Thai Nguyen University are members of various ethnic minorities from the north of Vietnam. Some of them
will benefit from the academic and training activities offered by PACE-UP.
27th January: 2023 Annual report on the activities of VG-CARE and
PACE-UP
All group leaders of VG-CARE and the senior scientists involved in the PACE-UP project summarised the
activities of their research group in the form of a presentation and publications and presented their next goals for 2024. The directors of VG-Care, Prof Velavan and Prof Song, gave a summary of all
activities for the year 2023 with an outlook on upcoming projects for the year 2024. Strengths and challenges were also discussed.
December
2023
13-15th December: Strengthening and expanding the
Indonesian-German collaboration in the ASEAN region.
Prof. Dennis Nurjadi and Prof. Velavan were invited to the University of Jember, Indonesia, cooperation partner of PACE-UP, to discuss
and strengthen the South-South activities within the PACEUP project. Prof. Kartika Senjarini, the coordinator for PACEUP-Indonesia, discussed current and future projects with her
team.
During this visit, Prof. Dennis Nurjadi, representing the University of Lübeck, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Jember, represented by the
Rector Dr. Iwan Taruna.
11th December: Prof. Dr. Velavan was awarded a certificate of merit and a medal by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Defense congratulates Prof. Dr. Velavan for his scientific achievements in building individual and institutional capacity at the Vietnamese
German Center for Medical Research. He was awarded a certificate of merit and a medal by the Vietnamese Ministry of Defense. The event took place as part of the celebrations for the 5th
anniversary of the Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research at the 108 Military Central Hospital.
For more information click here: The Voice of Vietnam; People's Army
Newspaper; Ministry of
Health; 108 Military Central Hospital
11th December: Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song is appointed as Full Professor of Epidemiology and Pandemic Preparedness at the University of
Tübingen.
The Institute of Tropical Medicine congratulates Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song on his appointment as Full Professor of Epidemiology and
Pandemic Preparedness at the University of Tübingen. The certificate was presented to him by Prof. Peter G. Kremsner, Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine at the University of Tübingen. The
professorship starting from January 2024 is funded by the DAAD and the University of Tübingen. The event took place as part of the celebrations for the 5th anniversary of the Vietnamese German Center
for Medical Research at the 108 Military Central Hospital.
For more information click here: The
Voice of Vietnam; People's Army
Newspaper; Ministry of
Health; 108 Military Central Hospital
November
2023
28th November: Certification and conclusion of the workshop
The two-month workshop on the harmonisation and standardisation of SOPs for hepatitis E virus diagnosis was concluded with the presentation of the final certificates
by the Director of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, Prof. Peter G. Kremsner, to the participants representing G-WAC, CAIDERA, GLACIER and PACE-UP.
23rd November: Promotion of Associate Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song as
Major General
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song has been promoted to Major General by the Ministry of Defense and has taken over the administration of
Military Hospital 108 as Director.
20-23rd November:
At the European Congress of Tropical Medicine and International Health (ECTMIH) in Utrecht, Netherlands, our PhD students Dr. Do Duc Anh MD, and Mr. Huy Loc Do, M.Sc
presented their first results.
15-16th November:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tong Van Hoang represented PACE-UP and gave a presentation on viral hepatitis E: ONE HEALTH at the event 'Towards ending epidemics in Vietnam'
organised by ANRS- France (Emerging Infectious Diseases) in Vietnam at Hai Phong University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vietnam.
13th November:
Representatives from all four global centers (#G-WAC, #GLACIER, #CAIDERA, #PACE-UP) participated in the joint discussions at the University of Tübingen on a joint
HEV project, together with the participants of the practical training workshop in viral hepatitis E diagnostics from all four global centers.
04th November:
Prof. Francine Ntoumi, Coordinator of the EDCTP-Central African Clinical Research Network (CANTAM), as well as the Coordinator of PACE-UP and Deputy Project
Coordinator for Europe-CANTAM, Prof. Velavan, and the Director of CERMEL and Deputy Project Coordinator for CANTAM Gabon, Prof. Adegnika, attended the EDCTP Scientific Advisory commitee (SAC) meeting
and explained the progress of CANTAM-III with the members of the EDCTP-SAC and with Dr. Michael Makanga, Executive Director of EDCTP.
October 2023
31st October:
The workshop on harmonisation and standardisation of SOPs for hepatitis E viral hepatitis diagnosis is in full swing with practical training with participants
representing G-WAC, CAIDERA, GLACIER and PACE-UP.
31st October:
The network meeting between PACE-UP and the University of Malaya, Malaysia and St. Georges University of London, UK for joint collaborations and projects of mutual
interest and in preparation of Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) with PACE-UP has been discussed.
23rd October: Start of an 8-week workshop on harmonisation and standardisation of SOPs for
the diagnosis of viral hepatitis E
With the participation of all four global health centers (G-WAC, CAIDERA, GLACIER, and PACE-UP), the 8 weeks Workshop on
Harmonization and Standardization of Protocols for Molecular Diagnostics and Serological Analysis of Viral Hepatitis E was started.
04th October: A/Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song is officially appointmened as Director of 108 MCH, Hanoi
The PACE-UP Consortium congratulates A/Prof. Dr. Le Huu Song MD, PhD, a DAAD Alumnus and Alumnus of the University of Tübingen on his
official appointment as Director of 108 Military Central Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
02nd October: Visit from the US CDC in Vietnam to VG-CARE/PACE-UP and 108 MCH,
Hanoi
Ms. Asia Nguyen, Chief of the Division of Health Systems Strengthening at the US CDC in Vietnam, visited VG-CARE. Asia Nguyen
explained the concept of the Community Advisory Board, which aims to bridge the gap between health facilities and communities. Ms. Nguyen offered her support in building capacity for PACE-UP
activities and engaging communities through her vast experience.
September 2023
29th September: Networking with VinUni, Hanoi. Invitation to the College of Health Sciences.
The recent German alumni event organized by DAAD in Hanoi in May 2023 gave visibility to PACE-UP’s activities and led to networking
with VinUni, Hanoi, a private and non-profit university established by the private company Vingroup in March 2018.
The PACE-UP team, represented by Dr. Nguyen Trong The, Dr. Nhat Truong My, and Prof. Velavan, was invited to the College of Health
Sciences for extensive discussions, represented by the Dean and Associate Dean, Assoc.Prof. Le Cu Linh, and Andrew Taylor, Prof. of Microbiology and Immunology, of the College of Health
Sciences.
VinUni has expressed its interest in becoming a consortium member of PACE-UP, which will be formalized through a memorandum of
understanding before the next phase of PACE-UP. Meanwhile, the exchange of VinUni students for the Master’s module in 2024 has been agreed upon, and VinUni has agreed to host a DAAD alumni event
planned under PACE-UP for 2025.
27th September: Invitation to the ‘One Health Scientific Day’ in
Hanoi, Vietnam.
Prof. Velavan from PACE-UP and Dr. Nhat My Truong, group leader at VG-CARE, were invited to the ‘ONE HEALTH SCIENTIFIC DAY:
Integrating Plant, Soil and Environmental Health into the One Health Strategy’ in Vietnam, by CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development).
23th September: Dr. rer.nat Kartika Senjarini (UNEJ) is officially appointed as Full Professor of Molecular Biology at the
UNEJ, Indonesia.
The PACE-UP Consortium congratulates Dr. rer.nat Kartika Senjarini, a DAAD Alumnus, on her official appointment as Full Professor of
Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Jember, Indonesia.
5-7th September: Infectious Diseases Symposium, hosted by Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv
Prof Velavan, representing PACE-UP, and Prof Nguyen Vu Trung, Director of the Pasteur Institute of the Vietnamese Ministry of Health,
were invited to speak on the Infectious Diseases Symposium, hosted by Bar-Ilan University, Tel Aviv, together with the Israeli Ministry of Science and Technology. The conference addressed early
diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine infections, diagnosis and challenges of flaviviruses, challenges in diagnosing bacterial and viral infections, and detecting the emergence of the next disease
X. Prof Velavan gave a presentation on ‘Viral Hepatitis E in Vietnam: ONE HEALTH’ and A/Prof Trung spoke on ‘Managing the diagnosis of flaviviruses in endemic countries: a lesson from
Vietnam’.
August 2023
10th August: Visit of representatives of the University of Jember, Indonesia, to the Institute of Tropical
Medicine, Tübingen, Germany
On behalf of the Pan Asean Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP), Dr. Dr. Carsten Köhler, Head of the Competence
Center and the Focus Group "Global Health”of the Institute of Tropical Medicine, welcomed the delegation from the University of Jember, consisting of the Vice Rector for Finance, Prof. Sri
Hernawatim, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dr. Ulfa Elvia, the representative of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Public Relations Officer, Endah Puspitasari, and our focal partner for PACE-UP, Dr.
Kartika Senjarini from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, at the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Tübingen on August 10, 2023. During the meeting the upcoming PACE-UP workshop and
hands-on training on “Emerging and re-merging viral diseases and Basic principles of Biosafety”, which will be hosted by the University of Jember in 2024, was discussed.
July 2023
11th July: Prof. Dennis Nurjadi (University of Lübeck) presented the results of an ongoing study
on antibiotic resistance, Tübingen
Prof. Dennis Nurjadi from the University of Lübeck and expert mentor of the PACE-UP has presented the
first results of an ongoing study on antibiotic resistance in resource-limited settings: Vietnam at the colloquium held at Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen,
Germany.
05th July: Visit from the Regional Medical Doctor from the Federal Foreign Office, Germany to
VG-CARE/PACE-UP and 108 MCH, Hanoi
Dr. Sabine Walter, Regional Medical Doctor for Southeast Asia from Federal Foreign Office, Germany
visited VG-CARE and the 108 Military Central Hospital (MCH) in Hanoi on July 5, 2023. Dr. Nguyen Trong The, group leader and deputy director of VG-CARE introduced her to the center and PACE-UP
activities.
05 th July: Prof. Nguyen Linh Toan (VMMU) and Prof. Velavan (PACE-UP) at the Thai Nguyen
University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Thai Nguyen
Prof. Nguyen Linh Toan and Prof. Velavan from PACE-UP were invited to Thai Nguyen University of Medicine
and Pharmacy on 05 July to discuss university partnerships in the ongoing PACE-UP program at VG-CARE. The Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung agreed to participate in our PACE-UP activities
and proposed the signing of an MOU between VG-CARE, University of Tübingen and Thai Nguyen University of Medicine and Pharmacy.
June 2023
28th June: Humboldt Research Hub Roundtable, Berlin
PACE-UP, represented by Prof. Velavan and PACE-UP partner Prof. Olusola Ojurongbe from the Bayer- AVH
Humboldt Research Hub, representing the Centre for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases (CERID), Nigeria, were invited to a round table discussion with all Research Hub Heads (Humboldt
Research Hubs in Africa) to intensify networking between the individual Research Hubs and the German cooperation partners during the Alexander von Humboldt Annual Meeting in Berlin. A possible joint
conference in Africa next year was suggested and a joint virtual meeting of the Research Hub Heads was planned to discuss further details.
16th June: Session on bioinformatics pipeline for the analysis of whole genome sequencing
data
Dr. Etienne Loire from Cirad, GREASE Network has given a session to introduce a bioinformatics pipeline
for the analysis of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data at VG-CARE, Hanoi. PACE-UP students, researchers and medical staff participated in the interactive session to understand how the pipeline can be
used for the detection of antimicrobial resistance genes. A follow up hands-on training is planned to be conducted.
Mai 2023
20th May: The Ministry of Defense of Vietnam announces the Certificate of Merit to Prof. Dr.
Thiru. P. Velavan
The Ministry of Defense of Vietnam announces the Certificate of Merit to Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P.
Velavan of the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen and the co-director of VG-CARE for his outstanding and excellent achievements in scientific collaboration, establishment, and development of the
Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, 108 Military Central Hospital. The official award ceremony will take place in December 2023.
20th May: DAAD Visit to VG-CARE/PACE-UP and 108 MCH, Hanoi
On May 20, 2023 Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of the DAAD and President of Justus Liebig
University Giessen, together with the current head of the DAAD regional office for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar in Hanoi, Mr Stefan Hase-Bergen, and his successor, Mr Felix Wagenfeld, visited
VG-CARE/PACE-UP at the 108 Military Central Hospital (108 MCH) in Hanoi.
Since the foundation of the Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research, the DAAD has been one of the
largest funders of the projects carried out or ongoing at the center, which includes the PACE-UP. In the framework of the meeting, the 108 MCH, the work of VG-CARE and the goals and activities of
PACE-UP were presented.
Prof. Mukherjee emphasized that VG-CARE is an excellent example of successful and sustainable scientific
cooperation between two countries in the sense of the DAAD funding principles. Mr Stefan Hase-Bergen highlighted that the approach of mutual added value through cooperation between the University of
Tübingen and the 108 MCH contributes significantly to the success of VG-CARE and its projects.
On this occasion, the decision of the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam was announced, to award the
Certificate of Merit to Prof. Dr. Thiru. P. Velavan, co-founder and co-director Director of VG-CARE, for his outstanding and excellent achievements in scientific collaboration, establishment, and
development of the Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research.
19th-20th May: DAAD Alumni meeting on Sustainability in Higher Education,
Hanoi
On May 19, 2023 representatives of the PACE-UP/VG-CARE participated at the DAAD Alumni meeting on
Sustainability in Higher Education in Hanoi. The event was aligned with the 20 years anniversary of the DAAD regional office for Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar in Hanoi. Furthermore, the
occasion was taken to officially farewell Ms Stefan Hase-Bergen who was in charge of the DAAD office since 2017 and to welcome his successor, Mr Felix Wagenfeld.
The event was inaugurated by his Excellency Dr. Guido Hildner, German Ambassador to Hanoi, Prof. Dr.
Nguyen Thien Nhan, Member of the National Assembly HCMC, Former Member of the Politburo, Former Secretary of the Party Committee HCMC, DAAD-Alumnus, and Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee, President of
DAAD, President of Justus Liebig University Giessen.
A number of lecturers on the ‘Sustainability in Higher Education’ was given during the 1,5 days event.
Prof. Dr. Velavan was invited to give a lecture together with A/Prof. Dr. Tran Xuan Chuong, a PACE-UP cooperation partner from the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, on “Sustainability in
Health Education and Research”.
18th May: A networking meeting was held at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
Hanoi Office to identify synergies in ongoing activities between CDC and PACE-UP.
Dr. Lindsay Kim, Program Director for Global Health Security (Vietnam) at the CDC, outlined
opportunities for collaboration on Event-based Surveillance (EBS) and the Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), laboratory capacity building, and early reporting on disease
outbreaks.
Dr. Serena Vinter, Deputy Regional Director of CDC’s Southeast Asia Regional Office, explained CDC’s
opportunities to support activities on infection prevention control (IPC) in the ASEAN region through CDC-funded program for ASEAN nationals.
The PACE-UP/VG-CARE team was represented by Dr. Bui Tien Sy, Prof. Dr. Velavan, Ms. Olga Hase-Bergen,
and Ms. Ms. Thi Anh Mai Pham. Prof. Velavan presented both centers and their activities in Vietnam and ASEAN region.
18th May: Network hybrid meeting with the University of Lübeck, Germany
A hybrid meeting between the University of Lübeck (UoL), Germany, and VG-CARE took place. Prof. Dennis Nurjadi (UoL) presented first
results on the topic “Molecular epidemiology of colistin and carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Viet Nam”. This study is part of a collaborative project between the UoL, 108 Military
Central Hospital and VG-CARE/PACE-UP in the research area of antimicrobial resistance to investigate resistance, virulence and transmission patterns.
12-14th May: „Europe Village“ in Hanoi, Vietnam
PACE-UP / VG-CARE members have informed about the center‘s activities during the „Europe Village“ event
taking place from May 12 to 14, 2023 in Hanoi. Europe village is an annual event held by the European Union Delegation in Vietnam. 15.000 visitors were expected to visit the
event.
The German Embassy together with German organizations, institutes and foundations in Vietnam are
representing Germany and collaborative projects between the two countries.
03rd-04th May: Second annual Steering Committee Meeting of the Central African clinical research
network (CANTAM)
PACE-UP was represented and reported on its activities for 2023 during the Central African clinical
research network’s (CANTAM) second annual Steering Committee Meeting (Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the Congo) from May 3 to 4, 2023.
Prof. Eric Achidi from the University of Buea in Cameroon explained the cooperation with PACE-UP. A
full-time PhD student from University of Buea is conducting her PhD study at the University of Tübingen, funded through PACE-UP.
Zambia has reported on the internship of their staff in 2022 within the PACE-UP-Internship
program.
Central African Infectious Disease and Epidemics Research Alliance (CAIDERA), another DAAD Global Health
Center also presented its activities within CANTAM. CAIDERA shared joint activities with PACE-UP.
April 2023
25th-27th April: German-Vietnamese Science Day (GVSD) in Da Nang,
Vietnam
VG-CARE participated together with the PACE-UP cooperation partners in the GVSD – an event jointly
organized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Germany, and the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) as a bilateral dialogue and networking event between science,
industry and policy makers from Germany and Vietnam.
The aim of the GVSD was to discuss, build and to consolidate potential projects between
German-Vietnamese cooperation in the fields of science, technology, innovation, and higher education, and to strengthen networking between German and Vietnamese stakeholders to create a strong
framework for sustainable German-Vietnamese cooperation.
The event was opened by Mr. Nguyen Van Phan Phuc – Vice Minister of the Ministry of Education and
Training (MoET), Dr. Luong Van Thang from the Department of International Cooperation, Europe (MoST), Ms. Kathrin Meyer (BMBF) and Dr. Le Nguyen Bao, Rector of Duy Tan University
(DTU).
On the first day of the GVSD, April 26, VG-CARE conducted a thematic workshop entitled “UNITY of
PURPOSE: Scientific Partnerships for Innovation and Research,” which aimed to build a consortium of multidisciplinary stakeholders from academia, research, industry, and government. The workshop led
to the formation of consortia between VG-CARE, DZIF-Germany, VABIOTECH-Vietnam and IDT Biologika-Germany, involving both ministries, to jointly develop an MVA-based vaccine against an emerging
infectious disease in the ASEAN region, with the possibility of technology transfer from IDT Biologika-Germany to VABIOTECH-Vietnam to manufacture GMP-compliant vaccines in
Vietnam.
On the second day of the event, April 27, the German Ambassador, His Excellency Dr. Guido Hildner, and
the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Dr. Bui The Duy, recognized VG-CARE as a successful bilateral initiative in their introductory talks. This was followed by the
presentation of the workshop results and panel discussions with the partners of cross dialogue.
25th April: PACE-UP together with
the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Charité representatives visited the Duy Tan University, Da Nang
VG-CARE/PACE-UP, together with representatives of GIZ and Charité, was invited by Duy Tan University
(DTU) in Da Nang to discuss cooperation opportunities. DTU was interested in capacity building through cooperation with German institutions. Prof. Velavan, director of VG-CARE and project coordinator
of PACE-UP, as well as visiting professor at DTU’s Faculty of Medicine, pointed out the potential opportunities between the two institutions. PD Dr. Eric Hahn, deputy head of the GIZ hospital
partnership program provided insights into potential support for integrating mental health into the university curriculum and through GIZ funding opportunities.
24th April: Representatives of the German Embassy
Hanoi, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) visited the PACE-UP workshops held at
Hue University for Pharmacy and Medicine (HUMP).
Representatives of the German delegation of the German-Vietnamese Science Day (GVSD) in Da Nang (April 26-27, 2023) visited the
PACE-UP hands-on-training workshop on “Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases and Principles of Biosafety” held at the HUMP campus in Hue, Vietnam.
The BMBF, represented by Ms. Katrin Meyer and Dr. Ulrike Wolters, the German Embassy in Vietnam, represented by Mr. Jörg Kinnen, Ms.
Susanne Kammüller from DAAD Headquarters, Ms. Katja Yang from AvH-Asia head and the Rector of HUMP, Prof. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, were given an insight into the ongoing practical training. This was
followed by a demonstration of the functions and utility of PACE-UP’s BSL-2 mobile laboratory with BSC-III cabinet used for outbreak response and preparedness.
19th-25th April: PACE-UP workshop and course modules in ‘Emerging and re-emerging diseases’ and ‘Hands-on training on Basic
principles of Biosafety’, Hue, Vietnam
PACE-UP successfully conducted a workshop with two course modules on “Emerging and Re-emerging
Infectious Diseases”. The course modules on “Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases” were conducted on April 19-21, 2023 and the practical training on biosafety fundamentals was conducted on
April 24-25, 2023 at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP) in Hue, Vietnam.
The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, Rector of the Hue University on Medicine and
Pharmacy (HUMP), and the co-director of the Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE) and Senior Academic councillor at the University of Tübingen, Germany, Prof. Thirumalaisamy P
Velavan.
Prof. Huy emphasized the importance of working together to face challenges in preparedness for
infectious disease outbreaks. Prof. Velavan highlighted the activities of PACE-UP, a multidisciplinary consortium that supports building and strengthening capacities for pandemic preparedness and
prevention, and the importance of collective action in addressing health risks in the region.
The workshop was conducted by international experts from Europe, Africa and Vietnam with deep expertise
in the field of emerging and re-emerging diseases. More than 160 participants with postgraduate qualifications (MD, MSc, MPH, PhD), including physicians, veterinarians, entomologists, biomedical
scientists, health-care staff and epidemiologists from Vietnamese and Indonesian Universities participated at the course and gained insights on infectious diseases epidemiology and outbreak
detection, early management, and infection control mechanisms and shared their knowledge on the various emerging and re-emerging viruses. In addition, 49 registered participants from other global
health centers in Central America and West Africa participated online.
Dr. Tran Duc Khanh from the Vietnamese-German University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – PACE-UP partner
institution – conducted a lecture on ‘Artificial Intelligence and early warning systems’ demonstrating the potentials for the infectious disease research within a collaborative interdisciplinary
approach of PACE-UP.
PACE-UP Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) with Biosafety Cabinet (BSC – III) mobile laboratory was used to train
scientists and health-care workers from HUMP in field deployment. The mobile laboratory supports surveillance, diagnostics and early warning of disease outbreaks.
The successful participation in the workshop was solemnly confirmed on April 25th by handing over the
certificates.
18th April: Obituary of Prof. Dr. Christian G. Meyer, Expert Mentor and Vice Director of the Vietnamese. German Center for Medical Research (VG-CARE)
The VG-CARE and PACE-UP consortia share the sad news of the death of Prof. Dr. Christian G. Meyer, who
passed away in his sleep on the flight from Frankfurt to Hanoi. Prof. Meyer was an extremely wise mentor, a brilliant writer, and a tropical medicine physician with a broad and deep knowledge. As a
mentor, Prof. Meyer encouraged and influenced as many medical students and researchers in Asian and African countries with his knowledge and wisdom. Prof. Meyer remained very active for VG-CARE
and its activities in Tübingen, especially in Vietnam, and lived for tropical medicine until his death.
Prof. Meyer accomplished much in the field of tropical medicine in Germany during the last 30 years. He
was author of more than 200 scientific publications, editor, and sole author of one of the most important German-language textbooks of tropical medicine and editor of the journal “Tropical Medicine
and International Health”.
February 2023
23rd February: Network online meeting with the University of Copenhagen,
Denmark
An online meeting between the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, and VG-CARE took place on February 23,
2023, to evaluate and to discuss the possible collaboration between both institutions. Dr. Gildas Hounmanou, University of Copenhagen, presented an I-CRECT sub-project “Onsite hospital sewage
treatment to reduce down-flow of CREs”. The project hypothesis states that onsite hospital wastewater treatment will decrease antimicrobial resistance genes levels and the number of multi-drug
resistant pathogens entering aquatic recipients and thereby reduce the risk of human exposure and transmission downstream. Based on that the project aims to assess the effectiveness of existing
wastewater treatment systems at selected hospitals in reducing discharged AMR pathogens and genes and proposes optimum treatment method(s) providing the best reduction rate as an intervention to
scale-up. A possibility of cooperation between the University of Copenhagen, 108 Military Central Hospital and VG-CARE was evaluated and agreed upon.
21st-22nd
February: Strategic meeting between PACE-UP/VG-CARE and HUMP, Hue
A strategic meeting between the Hue University for Medicine and Pharmacy (HUMP) and PACE-UP/VG-CARE took place in Hue from February 21st to 22nd, 2023. Prof. Dr.
Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan and Dr. Nhat My Truong met Prof. Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy, Rector of the university, the Rector Board, the member staff of the International Relation office, of the Institute of
Biomedicine and of the Departments of Infectious Diseases, Tuberculosis, Parasitology and Microbiology.
In different sessions the upcoming PACE-UP workshop and hands-on training “Emerging and re-merging viral diseases and Basic
principles of Biosafety”, hosted by HUMP from April 18 to 25, 2023, and further plans and activities of the PACE-UP consortia were discussed.
13th-14th
February: Project Team Meeting Global Health and Climate Centers 2023, Bonn
PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and Outbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP) participated in the DAAD Project Team Meeting in Bonn. The meeting aimed to get new insights into the activities and topics of the DAAD Global Health and Climate Centers, to gain
a deeper understanding of common interests and to identify overlapping areas of interest to collaborate in 2023 and beyond.
January 2023
29
January: Meeting with Malaysian Minister of Health YB Dr. Zaliha Mustafa and the Director General of Health Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah,
London
PACE-UP, represented by Prof. Dr. Velavan, was invited to London for a networking meeting with the Malaysian Minister of Health YB
Dr. Zaliha Mustafa and the Director General of Health in Malaysia Tan Sri Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah. The meeting shall contribute to the strengthening of ASEAN-wide capacity in clinical
research.
14
January: Tet New Years celebrations at the Embassy of Vietnam, Berlin
The Vietnamese Ambassador, Mr. Vũ Quang Minh, invited Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan and members from VG-CARE to the traditional
Tết New Years celebrations at the Embassy of Vietnam in Berlin. The programme was filled with a New Year's speech from Mr. Vũ Quang Minh, honour's speech, award ceremonies and other cultural
activities. The visit strengthened the collaboration with the Embassy of Vietnam in Berlin and VG-CARE.
December 2022
01-03
December: Training on the mobile laboratory, Hanoi
Dale Parker, the Global Field Service Manager, and the Site Superintendent of Germfree Inc USA trained the user groups how best to work
in a safe working environment and explained the correct operational and management procedures and protocols for the sustainable use of the Sprinter van equipped with a BSL/2 laboratory with BSC III
cabinet.
Mechanical and electrical engineers as well as scientists from 108 Military Central Hospital and VG-CARE were trained in all aspects of
the fabrication of the mobile van, and the scientists benefited from this laboratory training prior to field deployment.
November 2022
30
November: Handover ceremony of the PACE-UP mobile laboratory, Hanoi
PACE-UP received a Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) mobile laboratory with Biosafety Level 3 (BSC-III) safety
cabinet from DAAD/AA funds. The handover ceremony took place at 108 Military Central Hospital (MCH). The mobile BSL-2/BSC-III laboratory was handed over to Prof. Mai Hong Bang, Director of 108
Military Central Hospital and the directors of VG-CARE by Mr. Simon Kreye, Deputy Head of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and Mr. Stefan Hase-Bergen, Head of the DAAD Regional Office
for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.
The BSL-2/BSC-III mobile laboratory will be used for infectious disease research, surveillance and mapping
hotspots for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. It will also be used to train medical staff for use in emergencies or disease outbreaks. The mobile laboratory is equipped with advanced
molecular diagnostic instruments including PCR, real-time cyclers, haemocytometers, next generation sequencers, freezers and refrigerators, autoclave and allied instruments for the use of a
laboratory.
The mobile lab provides quick access to remote locations and is easy to manoeuvre in urban areas. This
compact mobile laboratory can accommodate a small team of staff, allowing them to respond to incidents very quickly and safely. Proximity and speed are critical for early detection of a potential
outbreak as part of an effective disease surveillance program. The BSL-2 Sprinter van laboratory is ideal for bringing diagnostic capabilities combined with point-of-care testing to hard-to-reach
areas, from urban centres to remote locations.
29- 30 November: PACE-UP Expert seminar on GCP/GCLP
PACE-UP has conducted an international Expert seminar on GCP/GCLP (29.-30.11.2022). The seminar was
carried out by Dr. Diane Egger-Adam, from the University of Tübingen, Germany and Dr. Nguyen Trong The shared his working experience on clinical trials in Africa and Vietnam.
More than 20 researchers from Indonesia, Hue (Vietnam) and VG-CARE (Hanoi/Vietnam) were trained / could
refresh their knowledge and skills on rights, safety, and well-being of clinical trial subjects. All individuals has taken up a test for receiving the international certification from Global Health
Network. The next Expert seminar on GCP/GCLP will be conducted in 2024.
September 2022
22 September: DAAD Alumni Talk at Goethe-Institute,
Hanoi
On 22 September, Dr. Nguyen Trong The and Prof. Dr. Velavan were invited to a DAAD alumni event organised by
the DAAD office, the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy. The Deputy Director of VG-CARE, Dr Nguyen Trong The, gave a
lecture on "Dengue Fever" and Prof. Dr. Velavan gave a lecture on "COVID-19: an update".
Mr. Stefan Hase-Bergen, Head of the DAAD Office, moderated the event. The event was also chaired by Mr. Jörg
Kinnen, Head of the Department of Culture, Press and Science of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Related Press Release DAAD Hanoi, click here.
Picture Courtesy and Copyright: DAAD-Vietnam
19-23 September: Workshop "Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Diseases".
The Pan ASEAN coalition for epidemic and outbreak preparedness (PACEUP), the only Global Health Centre based at the
Vietnamese German Centre for Medical Research (VG-CARE) 108 Military Hospital, organised the workshop "Emerging and Re-emerging Viral Diseases". The workshop was opened by the German Ambassador, His
Excellency Dr Guido Hildner. The workshop, which was attended by 42 scientists, PhD students, undergraduate students and others from Vietnam, Germany, Indonesia, Europe and Africa, was organised by
the DAAD Global Health Centre, also known as PACE -UP, Global Health Centre in Asia, which is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and the DAAD.
Related Press Releases from Embassy Click here for German; Click here for Vietnamese; from 108
Hospital Click here for English, from Jember University Click here for Indonesian
06-07 September: International scientific collaboration for
tomorrow's world: Global Centres for Health and Climate, Berlin, Germany
The Federal Foreign Office (AA) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) hosted the inaugural meeting with
all stakeholders of the eight interdisciplinary 'Global Centres' addressing global health and climate challenges around the world. The Pan ASEAN coalition for epidemic and outbreak preparedness
(PACEUP), the only global health centre for Asia hosted by VG-CARE, was well represented at this event on international scientific collaboration for tomorrow's world: Global Centres for Health and
Climate, which took place in Berlin on 6-7 September.
May 2022
Prof. Dr. Velavan from VG-CARE has been elected to the Steering Committee (2022-2024) for Biomedicine of the German
alliance of Global health Research (GLORHA). For more information, visit GLORHA website.
May 2022
Delegates from the Naval Medicine Research Unit-2 (NAMRU-2 Unit, USA) visited VG-CARE to initiate a clinical
trial of tafenoquine as a malaria chemoprophylaxis.
March 2022
Prof. Dr Thirumalaisamy P Velavan of VG-CARE has been appointed by the State of Baden Württemberg to the
civil service for life as Akademischer Oberrat at the University Hospital Tübingen, Germany.
December 2021
VG-CARE reports the first OMRICON SARS-CoV-2 varaint identified in a Vietnamese patient. VG-CARE continues
to contribute to genomic surveillance of SARS-C0V-2. VG-CARE has deposited more than 1000 SARS-COV-2 genomes in the global GISAID database. For more information from Ministry of Health, GISAID, press release.
October 2021
With the support of ongoing DAAD funded projects, the Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research,
together with experts from the University of Tübingen, successfully completed a two week training course on whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 variants using MinIon Nanopore technology. This
capacity is being sustained and a number of sequences are currently being deposited in the global databases by VG-CARE and associated partner institutes of the Pan ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and
Outbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP).
June 2021
The German Society for Tropical Medicine, Travel Medicine and Global Health e.V. (DTG) has conferred 'Award
for Tropical Medicine 2021’ to Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan for outstanding scientific achievements in the field of tropical medicine or international health sciences. For details
please Click here.
May 2021
Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE) has received a grant 'PAN ASEAN Coalition for Epidemic and OUtbreak Preparedness (PACE-UP)' from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). VG-CARE will serve as one of the four Global
health and Pandemic prevention hub, in particular for the ASEAN region for next five years.
The well-established and successful North-South and South-South collaborative networks bring to the PACE-UP a consortium of 28 partner
institutions drawn from 5 Asian, 4 European and 11 African countries, with multidisciplinary expertise aimed at strengthening regional and ASEAN-wide capacity to respond rapidly and effectively to
infectious diseases with epidemic potential occurring in the region or imported from overseas. For additional information
please Click here.
March 2021
The Vietnamese-German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE) has successfully completed a study from
hospitalized patients and outpatients including the health care workers, to understand the factual burden of COVID-19 in the Vietnamese high-risk population. The study is now published in Lancet
Regional Health - Western Pacific. Thanks to DAAD for the support for the conduct of the study. For additional information please Click here.
November 2020
On November 02, Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan, along with members of the NeoART-V team in Hanoi,
visited the Nghe An Oncology Hospital in Vinh for study monitoring. The visit is intended to strengthen intramural collaboration and to accelerate the patient recruitment for the ongoing clinical
trial "Phase II Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Neoadjuvant Artesunate in Stage II/III Colorectal Cancer (NeoART-V) in Vietnamese Patients". ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
NCT03093129; For additional information please click here
October 2020
On October 27, Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P Velavan was invited to a DAAD alumni event organized by the DAAD
office, the Goethe-Institut and the German Embassy. Prof. Velavan gave a lecture on "Our journey with COVID-19: The pandemic". The event was chaired by honorable Ambassador of the Federal Republic of
Germany to Vietnam Dr. Guido Hildner. Mr. Stefan Hase-Bergen, the head of the DAAD office, moderated the event. Related Press release from DAAD Hanoi Click here for German; Click here for Vietnamese.
March 2020
The rapidly spreading COVID-19 clearly shows that infectious diseases are among the greatest threats. During
this crisis sitaution depletion of resources from supply chains in Germany is acknowledged. VG-CARE has sent 6000 Oropharyngeal swabs to Germany for a
clinical study to treat COVID-19 patients with Hydroxychloroquine. This was possible with the support of the German Embassy in Hanoi and from Ministry of
Health (BMG) Germany. We value your support. The swabs were received on 30 March 2020. Related Press release from German Embassy Hanoi Click here for German; Click here for Vietnamese; Click here for English language.
November 2019
On 12-13th November, Prof. Dr. Velavan representing Universitätsklinikum Tübingen and Prof. Dr. Nguyen Linh Toan,
representing Vietnam Military Medical University (VMMU) took part in the DAAD - ASIA Network conference held in Yangon, Myanmar. New
collaborative projects are foreseen with other ASEAN and Asian partners.
On 06th November, the President and the
Rector of the Vietnam Military Medical University (VMMU) Prof. Dr. Do Quyet has conferred Prof. Dr. Thirumalaisamy P. Velavan and Prof. Dr. Christian G. Meyer, representing Universitätsklinikum Tübingen with the prestigious
title of Visiting Professorship for their academic contribution in the field of infectious diseases between the two institutes.
On 01st November, the
German ambassador to Vietnam, His Excellency Dr. Guido Hildner had made an official visit to VG-CARE and was received by the 108 Hospital Board of directors
and colleagues from VG-CARE. All ongoing activities related to individual, institutional
and infrastructural capacity building were demonstrated. Also present was Mr. Stefan
Hase-Bergen, the Head of the DAAD regional office Hanoi for Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmmar and
Laos.
October 2019
On 30th October, the
3rd German Science day 2019 in Hanoi was organized: VG-CARE was represented for distinct BMBF, DAAD-PAGEL, BMBF-MOST bilateral projects. The German Federal
Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the Vietnamese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in cooperation with the German Embassy in Hanoi
has organized this event. The event marks a large variety of presentations, and a unique chance to network with representatives of leading German Universities, research institutions and funding
organizations.
On 29th October, the delegation from Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), led by Ms. Katharin Meyer and the team from PT-DLR Büro, along with the
Vietnam-German University President Dr. Thomas Benz made an official visit to VG-CARE. The delegation was briefed with all our ongoing activities in the field of research, teaching-training and
patient-care. Further possibilities on collaborative initiatives in the ASEAN region and among EU countries were discussed.
July 2019
In the context of an ongoing 'Phase II Randomised, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial of Neoadjuvant
Artesunate in stage II/III Colorectal Cancer (NeoART-V) in Vietnamese patients', the members of NeoART-v team had undergone ICH-GCP/GCLP training after second year. Additionally, members
involved in this clinical trial were trained and monitored for the use of the REDCAP database. Study and data safety monitoring subsequently took place this July 2019. ClinicalTrials.gov
Identifier: NCT03093129; For additional information please Click here.
DAAD -PAGEL Summer school on Parasitology
With support from DAAD-PAGEL program, VG-CARE has succesfully organized and completed the Summer school on
Parasitology from May 06th until May 08th. The event was inagurated by our German Ambassador His Excellency Mr. Christian Berger. The event was aimed to strengthen and build capacities in the field
of parasitology, which was seldom studied or investigated in the clinical routine among many Vietnamese hospitals. The target group comprised of 38 participants who were mainly physicians, clinical
researchers and laboratory staff.
April 2019
On 01st April 2019, the directors Profs. Dr. Le Huu Song and Thirumalaisamy P Velavan presented
ongoing clinical research in VG-CARE at the first joint committee meeting between Vietnam and Germany on Scientific and Technological Cooperation. This inter-ministerial meeting between the Federal
ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) took place in Berlin.
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