The Medical Microbiology and Immunology Association, in collaboration with the Community Service and Environmental Development Sector at the Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, and the Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, organized the second annual celebration for "Fungal Disease Awareness Week," coinciding with the global week for fungal disease awareness.

This event was held under the patronage of Prof. Mohamed Diaa Zain El-Abedeen, President of Ain Shams University; Prof. Dr. Ghada Farouk, Vice President for Community Service and Environmental Development; Prof. Ali Al-Anwar, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Chairman of the Hospitals Board; Prof. Hala Suweed, Vice Dean for Community Service and Environmental Development; and chaired by Prof. Maha Hamdi, President of the Association.

The sessions addressed important topics in the field of mycology, including the increasing burden of fungal infections in Egypt, diagnostic and treatment methods, and the prevention of fungal infections, in addition to discussing modern approaches and current challenges in this field, with participation from a group of specialized professors and experts.

The scientific day concluded with several recommendations, the most important of which is that the increase in fungal infection cases represents an opportunity to emphasize the need for appropriate diagnostic and treatment efforts for these infections.

It is also essential to include fungal diseases and fungal infections in clinical training and public health programs at all levels of medical training, as invasive fungal infections are expected to become more common due to climate change, population growth, and risk factors.

Participants also recommended that understanding the connections between animal health, human health, and environmental factors is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with fungal diseases. Zoonotic fungal diseases represent an important yet often overlooked aspect of infectious diseases, necessitating increased attention from both the medical and veterinary communities.

Moreover, doctors should maintain a high level of awareness regarding fungal infections, especially in patients with weakened immune systems or specific risk factors, as adopting a multidisciplinary approach that combines clinical insight with advanced diagnostic tools is essential for effectively managing fungal infections and improving patient care. Finally, the Ministry of Agriculture was advised to regulate the use of fungicides.