The University of Duhok (UOD) proudly announces the contribution of Dr. Delan A. Younus, a faculty member from the Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, as a co-author of a significant new study titled:

📄 Title: “Fungal disease incidence and prevalence in Iraq − Preliminary estimates”
📚 Journal: Medical Mycology
📅 Published: 2024 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101516

This publication represents the first national-level effort to estimate the burden of serious fungal infections in Iraq—an often overlooked yet critical area of public health.

🔬 Study Overview: A Baseline for Future Mycological Surveillance

Using data from national reports, World Health Organization databases, peer-reviewed publications, and clinical observations, the study offers the first comprehensive estimates of fungal disease incidence and prevalence in Iraq. Notable findings include:

• Over 1.1 million people in Iraq are estimated to suffer from serious fungal diseases annually.
  
• The most prevalent conditions include tinea capitis, recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, and invasive candidiasis.
  
• A significant burden is associated with immunocompromised populations, especially patients with tuberculosis, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.
  

This study is aligned with global health research goals and the World Health Organization’s call to address fungal diseases as emerging public health threats.

📈 Impact and Strategic Alignment with UOD’s Vision

Dr. Younus’s involvement in this high-impact international collaboration underscores UOD’s growing capacity in clinical microbiology and epidemiological research. This contribution is closely aligned with UOD’s Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which emphasizes:

• Advancing health research to address regional and national challenges
  
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine, public health, and data science
  
• Supporting scientific studies that contribute to public health policy and health system planning
  

🌍 Regional and Global Relevance

Iraq lacks a national fungal disease registry, and diagnostic infrastructure is limited across many provinces. This study’s findings lay the groundwork for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare providers to:

• Expand diagnostic capacity in hospitals and clinics
  
• Allocate resources for antifungal treatments and public health campaigns
  
• Raise awareness about the underestimated burden of fungal infections in the Middle East
  

🗣 Dr. Delan A. Younus commented:
“This research sheds light on an urgent but often neglected area of public health in Iraq. Building national awareness is essential to improving diagnostic tools, treatment availability, and patient outcomes.”

🔍 SEO Keywords:
Fungal disease burden Iraq, medical mycology research, public health microbiology, University of Duhok research, antifungal treatment needs, epidemiology of fungal infections

📍 UOD Media & Public Relations | June 2025
✍ Prepared by: University Press Office
🔗 Read the Article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2024.101516