In 2009, the world discovered a new fungal disease, Candida auris. The first case of C. auris in Pakistan was suspected to be in 2008, resulting in a global phenomenon of a highly infectious and transmissible disease-causing antimicrobial resistance. For the past couple of years, IGC has worked with CDC in reducing the burden of Candida auris through different projects in Pakistan. These projects include laboratory personnel training and facilitating workshops and communication for large stakeholders. IGC recognizes the need to expand efforts around mycotic infections and will continue to support CDC and their initiatives in reducing hospital- based infections.
Training and Facilitation Projects In-Country
Implementing Partners:
Centers for Disease
Control and
Prevention
Project 1:
C. auris Laboratory Training Year 2020
IGC developed a laboratory survey tool to determine whether laboratory facilities in Pakistan have the capacity to detect Candida auris, a newly emerging fungal infection that is spreading rapidly worldwide. IGC piloted surveillance in three initial hospital sites in Islamabad. Integral worked with the CDC to develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory diagnosis, surveillance, and reporting. This was a new and unique project that has not been done before and helped shed light on laboratory practices and the burden of disease in hospitals. This also assisted with capacity building to better detect the pathogen.
Project 2:
C. auris Collaboration and
Facilitation Year 2021-2022
In 2021, IGC was awarded a cooperative agreement with CDC to provide logistical support to the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad. Both IGC and the NIH collaborate to support antimicrobial resistance activities throughout the country. These activities align with CDC’s mycotic goals to continue developing laboratory workforce capacity. IGC has provided assistance to NIH through communication and facilitation measures for laboratory assessments and trainings.
Project 3:
Candida Auris in Bangladesh
Year 2023
This year, a preliminary assessment of IEDR’s capacity to conduct fugal disease surveillance was conducted in Dhaka, Bangladesh. IEDCR, or the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research, is Bangladesh’s national institute for outbreak investigation and disease surveillance. Site visits were conducted at Uttara Adhunik Medical College and Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
