From Research to Action: The Regional Webinar Strengthens Efforts to Combat Mycetoma

Unite Against Mycetoma: Pioneering Solutions and Urgent Call to Action

On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, an impactful regional webinar dedicated to the fight against mycetoma was held, marking a significant step forward in global efforts to address this neglected tropical disease. The event was a collaborative initiative organised by the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (EMRO), the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), and the Mycetoma Research Centre (MRC) at the University of Khartoum. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including health professionals, researchers, policymakers, and representatives from affected communities, all united by a shared commitment to combat this debilitating condition.

Mycetoma, a chronic and often progressive disease caused by fungi or bacteria, predominantly affects impoverished populations in tropical and subtropical regions. Despite its devastating impact on individuals and communities, it remains largely neglected in global health agendas, leading to limited awareness, insufficient research funding, and a scarcity of effective treatments. Recognising the urgent need for coordinated action, this webinar served as a platform to share knowledge, showcase innovative solutions, and forge stronger partnerships to accelerate efforts toward elimination.

The webinar featured insightful presentations from two leading authorities actively engaged in the fight against mycetoma. Professor Ahmed Fahal, Director of the Mycetoma Research Centre at the University of Khartoum, provided an in-depth overview of the Centre’s pioneering work. He shared how the MRC has adopted a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach that combines clinical management, research, community outreach, and education. Professor Fahal emphasised that their holistic strategy, integrating early diagnosis, surgical intervention, medical therapy, and social support, has led to notable progress in reducing disease severity and improving quality of life for patients. He highlighted some of the Centre’s key achievements, such as developing community-based screening programmes, training local healthcare workers, and implementing innovative diagnostic techniques, all of which are vital in overcoming the barriers posed by limited resources and infrastructure.
Moreover, Professor Fahal addressed the ongoing challenges, including delays in diagnosis, limited access to effective treatments, and the socio-economic impact on affected individuals and their families. Despite these hurdles, he stressed the importance of continued innovation and resource mobilisation, urging the global health community to sustain and expand these efforts.
Dr. Borna Nyaoke-Anoke, Head of the Mycetoma Programme at DNDi, brought a perspective rooted in innovative drug development and clinical research. She outlined DNDi’s strategic initiatives aimed at discovering and delivering affordable, accessible treatments for mycetoma. Dr. Nyaoke-Anoke highlighted some of the organisation’s recent milestones, including the launch of the world’s first double-blind clinical trial for mycetoma, a groundbreaking step that could pave the way for new, more effective therapies. She explained how the trial aims to evaluate promising drug candidates in a rigorous, scientifically sound manner, ensuring that eventual treatments are both safe and effective.
Additionally, Dr. Nyaoke-Anoke discussed ongoing projects that leverage novel drug delivery systems, repurposing existing medicines, and fostering local manufacturing capacities to reduce dependency on imports. She underscored the importance of international collaboration and funding in accelerating these efforts, emphasising that sustained investment is crucial to translating research breakthroughs into tangible health solutions for affected populations.

Throughout the session, active discussions and exchanges took place, moderated by WHO experts who provided valuable insights into policy frameworks, funding avenues, and strategic priorities. These dialogues reinforced the need for a concerted global response, emphasising that no single country or organisation can tackle mycetoma alone. The importance of integrating mycetoma into broader neglected tropical disease programmes, strengthening health systems, and enhancing surveillance and data collection was also underscored.

This event truly embodied the spirit of ‘Unite, Act, Eliminate’, a rallying cry that encapsulates the collective resolve needed to confront this neglected disease. It was inspiring to witness such a diverse assembly of stakeholders committed to developing innovative solutions, raising awareness, and implementing effective interventions. The shared vision was clear: to mobilise resources, foster research, and implement community-based strategies that will ultimately lead to the elimination of mycetoma as a public health threat.
In closing, the webinar served as a reminder that while progress has been made, there is still a long road ahead. The fight against mycetoma requires sustained global commitment, innovative scientific research, and a focus on equitable access to diagnosis and treatment. As the international community continues to unite in this cause, it is hoped that future generations will view mycetoma not as a neglected disease, but as a defeated one —an achievement made possible through continued collaboration, innovation, and urgent action.