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About us

The Borderland Health Foundation (BHF) is a non-for-profit, non-confessional and non-political organization, registered in Thailand since December 2017. The Foundation is linked to the Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU), a field station of the Mahidol Oxford University Research Unit (MORU) based in Bangkok.
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While SMRU is primarily an academic research organisation, working with marginalized populations along the Thailand-Myanmar border since 1986, it has developed a strong humanitarian component. Professor Francois Nosten, Director of SMRU and his team have worked in collaboration with Thai Public Health, local leaders and migrant population to develop better access to quality evidence-based health care.

The Borderland Health Foundation was established to carry out the humanitarian work of SMRU, scaling up and supporting health projects by translating the results obtained by the research conducted by SMRU. The foundation’s main areas of work are malaria, tuberculosis, and maternal & child health. To achieve these goals, the foundation employs both full-time paid staff and short-term volunteers working on the ground. All personnel, including short-term volunteers, are required to complete mandatory data privacy training.

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How BHF makes a difference

Health services provider

BHF supports SMRU’s clinics along the Thailand-Myanmar border, providing free quality health care to marginalized populations living on both side of the border. The clinics operated by BHF’s volunteers from several countries include: medical doctors, nurses and medics. With focuses on TB, Malaria, maternal-child health and infectious diseases, operational units in Wang Pha and Mawker Thai clinics are comprised of general medicine, pediatrics, antenatal care clinic, labor and delivery ward, and special care for TB patients.
baby being fed an apple at BHF Thailand Charity

BHF VISION

Marginalized populations can benefit from health care projects that are designed and implemented on the basis of robust evidence. The synergy between operational research and humanitarian programs will have a strong impact on the quality of life of people who are excluded from the public health services.

BHF Objectives
The Borderland Health Foundation works with the underprivileged populations living along 4 districts on the Thailand-Myanmar border: Mae Sot, Pobpra, Mae Ramat, Tha Song Yang in Tak province. The BHF has the following objectives:

1. To promote public health services and health care for people at the border, with a focus on malaria, tuberculosis and maternal & child health.
2. To support and coordinate research, professional development on major public health issues.
3. To enhance public health by cooperating with relevant agencies and partners.
4. To support improvement in public health knowledge in the population.
Woman wrapped up in blanket at BHF Thailand Charity

humanitarian activities

Man in shelter wearing a chelsea beanie at BHF Thailand Charity
The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit's commitment to humanitarian aid goes beyond research, delivering comprehensive primary healthcare services tailored to marginalized communities along the Thailand-Myanmar border. This includes timely diagnosis and treatment of malaria patients through a broad network of over 500 malaria posts.

Maternal and child health services form a cornerstone of SMRU's efforts, providing essential prenatal care, safe childbirth practices, and postnatal support. Since 2009 SMRU has also worked on tuberculosis and is the only organization outside the Thai Hospital to treat patients with TB. SMRU operates two sanatoriums where patients are hosted for the entire duration of their treatment. The organization also prioritizes immunisation programs, particularly focusing on displaced migrant children through the Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI), to shield them from preventable diseases and strengthen broader public health initiatives in the region.

The unique combination of healthcare provision and research distinguishes SMRU's approach. Driven by clinical practice challenges, the research agenda encompasses both clinical and laboratory-based studies, all designed to address the needs of the population served.

BHF Board of Committee and Advisors

Professor Francois Nosten, Director of SMRU and his team (Board and Advisors) have worked in collaboration with Thai Public Health, local leaders and migrant population to develop better access to quality healthcare.

Stories from the field

Woman smiling with newborn baby

Border Situation: 2025
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Woman comforting child inside mosquito net

SMRU TB Clinic - A Mother's Story

Woman smiling with newborn baby

Complicated Pregnancy: Nah Wah

How you can make a difference

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Child turned around facing camera with burred woman in background smiling at BHF Thailand CharityTwo women and a baby planting a palm root at BHF Thailand Charity

Volunteer

BHF provides an opportunity for international volunteers who want to work to reduce inequality in health care that affects marginalized populations along the Thai-Myanmar border. Clinics specialize in providing primary health care with a focus on mother and child health, infectious diseases and TB.  If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer for 12 months, please forward your CV and letter of interest to our staff who announce the call for volunteer, and if there is an opportunity, we will contact you to process your document, and assist with arranging your visit.

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MEET US IN PERSON

The Borderland Health Foundation

78/1 Moo 5, Mae Ramat Sub-District,

Mae Ramat District,

Tak 63140 Thailand

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The traditional way

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bhf@bhf-th.org
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Phone: +66 (0)55-581-135

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