WASHINGTON, CMC – In a significant move, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has joined forces with the Geneva-based Global Action Fund for Fungal Infections (GAFFI) through a memorandum of understanding (MoU). This collaboration is aimed at combating the growing threat of fungal disease in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
PAHO has outlined the practical outcomes of this MoU, which include enhanced diagnosis and treatment of fungal diseases. This collaborative effort is set to make a real difference in the health outcomes of the region.
The MoU between PAHO and GAFFI is a culmination of years of successful collaboration. It outlines a comprehensive strategy to combat fungal diseases in the Americas. This strategy includes the implementation of public health interventions, surveillance, and research strategies targeted at the most important fungal pathogens.
Under the agreement, PAHO and GAFFI will coordinate the participation of expert professionals and activities at the country and regional levels; provide technical cooperation and expertise for the development of guidelines and protocols related to detection, surveillance, laboratory testing, and clinical management, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) where appropriate; and contribute to research and evidence for the development of biobanks, digital databases, and genomic research.
PAHO said the MoU will also provide training and capacity building for human resources. The two organizations plan to leverage experience from successful pilot clinical hubs established in Guatemala and Argentina by expanding these hubs across the continent.
“The burden of invasive fungal infections has increased in recent years due to the higher prevalence of immunocompromised patients,” PAHO said.
“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), particularly related to the Candida fungus, has also become a frequent cause of healthcare-associated infections, especially for adults and children in intensive care units.”
PAHO said the collaboration with GAFFI tackles the challenge of diagnosing and managing fungal infections and AMR and “reinforces a key focus outlined in the WHO (World Health Organization) fungal pathogen priority list.”
GAFFI has been the leading not-for-profit global voice advocating for the overcomement of life-altering fungal diseases since 2013. PAHO said its mission is to enable health systems, especially in middle—and low-middle-income countries, to effectively diagnose and treat fungal disease.
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