India still short on expertise, tools to manage fungal health burden
India faces a significant burden from fungal infections, with millions affected annually. Despite the high prevalence, there is a lack of expertise and resources to effectively manage these diseases. Clinicians often delay appropriate treatment, leading to worsened patient outcomes.
- ▪The World Health Organization has identified a lack of data on fungal diseases and their morbidity.
- ▪An estimated 5 crore Indians suffer from fungal diseases, one of the highest burdens globally.
- ▪Fungal infections are often misdiagnosed or treated late due to inadequate testing protocols.
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For almost 25 summers, Sunita (name changed) gets a severe ‘sweat rash’ on her neck in the hot and humid weather of Mumbai. The rash turns black, looks almost burnt, and stays that way until the monsoons arrive. Then, as if miraculously, the dead skin is shed and her neck looks just fine all over again.Doctors have told her she needn’t worry too much about it and that she just tries to keep her neck bare and dry. Sunita, however, is embarrassed every time this happens and becomes anxious about hiding the rash or explaining it to puzzled and concerned onlookers. She has been self-medicating with a popular anti-fungal powder plus time under an air-conditioner to tame the rash on sweaty summer days.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Hindu — Top.
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