UHS-SPH Integrated Research Programme (USIRP)

UHS-SPH Integrated Research Programme (USIRP) is a joint programme between SSHSPH and the University of Health Sciences, Cambodia (UHS). The programme was initially set up to focus on tuberculosis (TB) in Cambodia, specifically how resources should be allocated for the control of TB. Subsequently, the programme expanded its activities to include other areas such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), workplace safety and health, and diabetes mellitus.

The USIRP office is based in Phnom Penh and currently houses two research fellows from SSHSPH, one research fellow and one research assistant from UHS, and an administrator. The programme works closely with other Cambodian institutions and NGOs, including Cambodia’s National Center for Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control (CENAT) that houses the country’s National TB Control Program (NTP).

USIRP has completed several studies on TB including a discrete choice experiment study to determine the best incentive combination to increase volunteer health workers’ motivation in carrying out health duties.

The programme is currently conducting spatiotemporal modelling of TB in Cambodia, where findings from in-depth spatial analyses of collected data are extrapolated to non-sampled parts of the country. The study combines the spatial analysis of TB prevalence with the evolving demographic characteristics in different parts of Cambodia to obtain reliable predictions of TB indicators for 2030 and 2050 at sub-national and national levels. These findings will assist the resource allocation by the NTP in Cambodia towards achieving the World Health Organization’s End TB Strategy targets.