Published on: 2026-06-30
Source: United Nations – Объединенные Нации –
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June 30, 2026 Healthcare
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new guidance aimed at helping countries address the growing burden of fungal diseases and antifungal resistance. This issue remains one of the most neglected threats in global health and is still barely reflected in government policies.
The new strategic plan outlines practical steps to improve prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological surveillance.
According to WHO data, fungal diseases affect more than 300 million people annually. They are associated with high mortality rates, progression to chronic disease forms, and also cause significant damage to healthcare systems and labor productivity worldwide.
The growing global threat
The spectrum of pathologies ranges from common conditions such as ringworm and nail infections to severe invasive diseases. The latter can be fatal, especially for people with weakened immune systems, intensive care unit patients, people living with HIV, transplant recipients, and cancer patients.
Meanwhile, resistance to antifungal drugs poses a growing threat. This is due, in particular, to the widespread use of antimycotics and their analogs in medicine, veterinary science, and crop production, as well as exposure to antifungal chemicals present in the environment.
“Fungal diseases and resistance to antifungal drugs remain an issue that does not receive adequate attention in national health plans, antimicrobial resistance strategies, and surveillance systems,” noted Hatim Satti, a specialist in the WHO department for combating antimicrobial resistance, who led the development of the guidance.
“Specific measures”
The publication of the plan followed about a month after the World Health Assembly approved the updated Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. Resistance occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve and stop responding to drugs, significantly complicating the treatment of infections.
The new document builds on the first WHO priority list of fungal pathogens, published in 2022. It included 19 species and groups of pathogens that require urgent research, development of new drugs, and public health action.
The main goal of the initiative is to help countries eliminate critical gaps in knowledge, diagnostics, treatment, surveillance, and workforce capacity, especially under resource constraints.
WHO Plan
The WHO plan provides for priority measures in four interrelated areas that form the basis for its practical implementation:
Public health and healthcare systems: raising awareness and preparedness, monitoring antifungal prescriptions, staff training, prevention, and infection control.
Fair access and innovation: expanding equal access to high-quality and proven antifungal drugs and diagnostic tools while simultaneously supporting scientific research, innovation, and the market.
Laboratory systems and epidemiological surveillance: strengthening the laboratory infrastructure and monitoring systems for clinical patient management, evidence-based public health decision-making, and enhancing outbreak preparedness.
Social and environmental factors: aspects related to agriculture, ecology, and the ‘One Health’ concept, which unites actions in protecting human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
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