Fungal disease
Fungal diseases cause more than 6.5 million invasive infections and an estimated 2.5 million deaths every year, yet they remain one of the most neglected challenges in global health.
The burden of fungal disease is growing due to climate change, global travel, antimicrobial resistance and ageing populations. Yet fungal infections remain neglected, with poor diagnostics, limited treatment options and low global awareness.
In recognition of this growing threat, the World Health Organization launched its first-ever Fungal Priority Pathogens List in 2022, identifying fungal infections as an urgent priority for global health research and action.
Oxford Global Health is spearheading a major new fungal disease programme to improve the diagnosis, treatment and surveillance of fungal infections. The programme brings together expertise from across the University spanning biology, chemistry, medicine and climate science through a One Health approach, while also drawing on perspectives from the humanities and social sciences.
Oxford Global Health is working closely with the University's international programmes and partners to strengthen collaboration in fungal disease research and connect expertise across countries. Together, they are building an international network to support locally led research and strengthen global responses to antifungal resistance and emerging fungal threats.