On December 7^th, 2022, the Institute of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology Quy Nhon (IMPE-QN) and BK21FOUR Center for Human Resource Development in Bio-Health Industry, College of Medicine, Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Republic of Korea signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for research collaboration o­n tropical diseases, especially malaria and parasitic diseases in Viet Nam.

At the ceremony, the representative of GNU was Prof. Byoung-Kuk Na, director of BK21FOUR Center for Human Resource Development in Bio-Health Industry. The representatives of IMPE-Quy Nhon included Assoc.Prof. Ho Van Hoang, Director, Dr. Huynh Hong Quang, Vice Director, leaders and staff members from departments of Epidemiology, Research & Treatment, Entomology, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Specialist Clinic and International Cooperation.

Giving a welcoming speech to Professor Byoung Kuk-Na, Assoc. Prof. Ho Van Hoang said that this visit was the beginning of the two institutes' cooperation in scientific research. In spite of the difference in geography and language, the two countries are similar regarding to the people, history and culture. Assoc.Prof. Hoang expressed his joy and impression of the economic, social, and scientific development that the beautiful Korea has achieved in the past years. With these achievements, Korea has become the fourth largest economy in Asia and the tenth in the World, rising to become a developed country with a high position in the region and the world. Especially, Korea is o­ne of the leading countries in many fields, including Bio-Health Industry.

On the basis of cultural similarities and mutual support in science and technology, especially in medical science, as well as sharing mutual benefits for the peace and development of each country, Assoc. Prof. Ho Van Hoang hope that in the coming time, Professor Byoung Kuk-Na and Gyeongsang National Medical University will cooperate with and support IMPE Quy Nhon in malaria and tropical infectious diseases elimination in Central Vietnam.

In addition, Assoc.Prof. Ho Van Hoang emphasized that IMPE-QN has constantly considered the international connectivity with institutes/universities in scientific research as a matter of great interest. He also believed that the cooperation between IMPE-QN and GNU would be achieved good and sustainable development steps in the future. The signing ceremony marked an important milestone in the cooperation between IMPE-QN and GNU (RoK). This event would be much more meaningful as Viet Nam and Republic of Korea (RoK) were going to commemorate the 30^th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries (December 22, 1992 - December 22, 2022).

Assoc.Prof. Ho Van Hoang (on the right) and Prof. Byoung-Kuk Na (on the left) at the signing ceremony

After the Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Ho Van Hoang gave a general introduction to the functions, tasks of the institute, some of the achievements IMPE-QN has attained since its establishment, and the priority areas for investment and development in the near future, especially in the new phase of the roadmap to eliminate malaria and some newly emerging parasitic diseases (which are currently prevalent or re-emerging) in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. To ensure that the collaborative efforts between the two parties are implemented promptly and effectively, the director of IMPE-QN also proposed that immediately after the signing ceremony, both parties should proceed to develop a detailed plan for the activities discussed to be carried out in 2022, and agree o­n the activities for the following years.

Assoc.Prof. Ho Van Hoang introducing the functions, tasks of the institute, some of the achievements IMPE-QN has attained since its establishment, and the priority areas for investment and development in the near future

On behalf of College of Medicine, GNU, Prof. Byoung Kuk introduced the process of formation and development of GNU from 1948 to present. Gyeongsang National University is o­ne of the 10 national flagship universities of Korea. For more than 70 years since its foundation, Gyeongsang National University has been educating talented students who have served not o­nly for local community but also for national prosperity. The university is the typical o­ne in the Gyeongnam region, it has more 760 professors, 400 administrative staffs and near 25.000 students including undergraduate and graduate students enrolled. The university has three campuses, including Gajwa Campus, Chilam campus and Tongyeong campus.

On the side of the Gyeongsang National University (GNU), Prof. Byoung-Kuk Na introduced the process of formation and development of the university from 1948 to the present, with impressive goals and results achieved through different stages. Gyeongsang National University (GNU) is a National university governed under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korean government as o­ne of the 10 Flagship National Universities of Korea. Over the past 70 years since its establishment, the university has produced many outstanding generations of students in science and economics to serve the community and the prosperity of the country. The university is considered the starting point for Korea's industry and is a typical university in the Gyeong Nam region of Korea, with more than 760 professors and over 400 staff members, about 25,000 students with 3 campuses - Gajwa, Chilam, and Tongyeong - covering an area of about 1,678km², including many modern infrastructure and equipment facilities to serve teaching and student life.

Prof. Byoung-Kuk Na introducing the process of formation and development of GNU from 1948 to present

Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine of the College of Medicine of GNU has had an effective medical training and research collaboration in studying malarial parasites? genetics, molecular-based drug resistant malaria, and other human parasites via new approaches in recent years. These studies have revealed molecular approaches to detect emerging multi-drug resistant malaria in countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion, including Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Viet Nam, providing important data for developing of interventional strategies for the Malaria Elimination Roadmap.

After the ceremony, two sides shared specialized knowledge through a joint scientific seminar. The reports presented at the seminar, which were involved in the Institute's areas of concern such as malaria epidemiology, molecular biology, helminthology, malaria vector control, dengue fever and vector-borne diseases, have helped the members of GNU gain a deeper understanding of the burden of health issues in the Central Highlands of Viet Nam. Particularly, it has provided orientation of future research collaboration between the two parties in the coming time.

Dr. Huynh Hong Quang, vice-director in his presentation o­n drug resistant malaria in Central Vietnam at the joint scientific seminar

Participants to the joint scientific seminar

Some photos from Prof. Byoung-Kuk Na's visit to IMPE Quy Nhon:

The delegation visiting IMPE-QN's laboratories

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