Dr. Lotis M. Balala and Dr. Jane P. Dautil from the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences were awarded the CHED Husay Grant, a short-term scholarship under the Higher Education Upskilling and Study for Advancement of Staff and Faculty (HUSAY) program of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The grant enabled them to attend the Clinical and Laboratory Diagnosis of Emerging Fungal Infections workshop held at the Institute for Medical Research, National Institutes of Health, in Setia Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, from December 2-6, 2024.

Organized by the SEAMEO-TropMed Network, the workshop focused on emerging fungal infections, antifungal resistance, and diagnostic methods. It provided hands-on training in fungal species identification, DNA extraction, and antifungal resistance testing. Participants also toured the state-of-the-art facilities of the National Institutes of Health.

Photo: Dr. Balala and Dr. Dautil performing fungal isolation for DNA extraction.

Attended by 29 professionals from the human and animal health sectors across the Philippines, the workshop highlighted the growing need to address fungal infections, a silent killer that is often overlooked despite increasing cases and limited treatment options.

Photo: Dr. Balala and Dr. Dautil posed for a photo with fellow attendees and the session mentor.

During the closing ceremony, CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III commended the participants and expressed hope that the training would drive innovation in healthcare and veterinary practices, enhancing research and diagnostic capabilities in their respective institutions.

Photo: Attendees gather for a group photo alongside CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III and key leaders from the Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia.

Photo: Dr. Balala and Dr. Dautil received Certificates of Completion for the Workshop, presented by CHED Chairman Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III and a representative from the Institute for Medical Research, Malaysia.

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 3 – Good Health and Well-being, SGD No. 4 – Quality Education, and SDG No. 17 – Partnerships for the Goals]

 

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