There are a few lines on WCM; it will be good if we can publish it in a PubMed index Journal., need opeienions

[Prasanta R. Mohapatra]

“Early diagnosis saves lives, every minute counts”: An overview of the WMC.

From October 21 to 23, 2024, a distinguished assembly of scientists, microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, clinicians, and over 180 delegates representing more than 20 countries convened at the Darwin Convention Centre for the opening of the 10th World Melioidosis Congress, hosted by the Menzies School of Health Research. Over the course of the three-day program, esteemed experts, researchers, and professionals from CDC and NIH actively collaborated with international speakers who imparted valuable insights and knowledge pertaining to the mitigation of melioidosis, in harmony with the Congress theme, "Unity in Diversity: Global Partnerships in Melioidosis”.

The paramount significance of international collaboration was highlighted in addressing the diverse aspects of melioidosis, encompassing regional epidemiology, diagnostic methodologies, treatment options, immunological research, public health implications, bacterial genomics, environmental factors, and the development of vaccines. Participants were afforded the opportunity to engage in a distinctive integration of knowledge sharing, professional networking, and cultural exchange, thereby contributing to the evolution of melioidosis research, prevention, and therapeutic strategies. It is noteworthy that the attendance of delegates and participants remained consistently robust throughout the extensive sessions on the third day, indicative of their enthusiasm and active involvement in the conference. Even in the final session, the presentations of finalist abstracts and farewell participants were similarly well-attended.

The recent event received invaluable support from the committed Menzies melioidosis research team in collaboration with an esteemed International Scientific Committee representative of the International Melioidosis Network. By hosting the Congress locally, Menzies was afforded a significant opportunity to prominently exhibit its comprehensive melioidosis research program, which has consistently yielded pioneering discoveries in the detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this disease. The overarching aim of this research initiative is to provide benefits to both local and global communities as Menzies researchers engage in international collaborations to effectively tackle this infectious disease.

The team is currently focused on developing rapid testing methodologies to assist in the timely diagnosis of melioidosis and is collaborating with international partners on the potential development of a vaccine to enhance health outcomes in endemic regions. It is essential to recognize that melioidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition caused by the soil-dwelling bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, has seen a significant increase in diagnosis, particularly in India, Southeast Asia, and Northern Australia, positioning it as a critical global health concern. The disease is a prominent cause of severe cavitating pneumonia and presents diagnostic challenges, often leading to serious health ramifications.

Despite the significant repercussions that this frequently neglected pathogen has on the healthcare systems and economies of numerous low- and middle-income countries worldwide, melioidosis is not currently recognized as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Melioidosis is estimated to cause a more significant disease burden and mortality rate than many other acknowledged NTDs, with fatalities predominantly affecting rural impoverished populations in low- and middle-income nations. Encouragingly, the detrimental effects of melioidosis in a given region can be mitigated by establishing awareness regarding its known or suspected endemicity. In this analysis, We strongly encourage member states to petition the WHO to reassess their NTD classification and appeal to governmental and philanthropic organizations to initiate programs in endemic regions to control melioidosis, ultimately striving to alleviate its global health impact.

A succinct dialogue took place regarding the forthcoming 11th World Congress, scheduled to occur in June 2027 in Sarawak, Malaysia. Additionally, it was noted that the 12th World Congress will be organized by the AIIMS team in Bhubaneswar, India, and is set to take place in January 2029.

Thanking you,

With Kind regards,

Prasanta R Mohapatra, MD, FAMS, FRCP(London), FRCP (Glasg), FACP(USA), FCCP(USA), FIDSA(USA), ATSF(USA), FICS, FICP, FAPSR

Dean (Academic)

Professor of Pulmonary Medicine & Critical Care, 

AII India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar -751019, India