Country Ambassadors

Aiah M. Khateb, Assistant Professor of Medical Molecular Mycology,
Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences,
University of Taibah, Saudi Arabia.
Email: On request
How you have helped GAFFI: Since March 2019 I have spread awareness of fungal disease in Madinah region of Saudi Arabia. Awareness session was organized in two governmental hospitals, research collaborations were established and sample collection has begun, participated in National conferences and fungal meetings presenting patients cases, students activities and competitions were performed.
Personal comment on the major needs in Saudi Arabia which GAFFI should be addressing:
Four major gaps: 1. Strengthening of Mycological background and diagnostic training, 2. Provide centers with the right diagnostic tools, 3. Reporting fungal infection, 4. Convening decision makers to fund more research and centers for better diagnosing

Links to key fungal/global health institutions in Saudi Arabia:
Burden of fungal diseases in Saudi Arabia estimation

Ahmed M. Albarrag, Assistant professor and consultant of Medical Mycology,
Dept. of Pathology, College of Medicine, King Saud University. Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Email: On request
How you have helped GAFFI: Estimating the fungal burden in the country. Introducing GAFFI in local conferences and meeting. Presenting the objectives, vision and mission of GAFFI to the attention of public health authorities in the country
Personal comment on the major needs in Saudi Arabia which GAFFI should be addressing: There is a need for training of clinicians and Laboratory specialists in medical mycology. Development of reference medical mycology laboratories. Study the epidemiology of fungal diseases in the country and initiate a population-based surveillance of fungal infections. Establishing a medical mycology network in the region.

Links to key fungal/global health institutions in Saudi Arabia:
Burden of fungal diseases in Saudi Arabia estimation