The GastroPak project is a research initiative aimed at developing capacity for pathogen surveillance and understanding the factors contributing to the spread of gastroenteritis in Pakistan. Led by an interdisciplinary team of social scientists, microbiologists, engineers, epidemiologists, chemists, and statisticians, the project seeks to take a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges of gastroenteritis.
Background
Gastroenteritis is a significant public health concern worldwide, particularly in areas where access to clean water and sanitation is limited. In Pakistan, gastroenteritis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially among children under five years of age. The GastroPak project was established in response to this challenge, with funding support from the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF).
Objectives
The primary objective of the GastroPak project is to develop capacity for pathogen surveillance in Pakistan. This involves deploying equipment and protocols that enable the detection of different species of non-viral gastroenteritic pathogens in samples collected from the environment, domestic animals, and the local community. Another key objective of the project is to take an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the various social, biological, chemical, and technical factors affecting the spread of gastroenteritis.
Activities
To achieve its objectives, the GastroPak project is conducting a ‘One Health’ survey of pathogens across different settings in Pakistan. This involves collecting samples from a range of sources, including soil, water, food, and animals. The samples are then analyzed using state-of-the-art molecular techniques to identify the presence of pathogens. In addition, the project is investigating the role of various factors in the spread of gastroenteritis, including agriculture, sanitation, drinking water, food, and person-to-person contact. The project team is also working closely with local communities and stakeholders to raise awareness about the risks of gastroenteritis and to promote prevention and control strategies.
Expected Outcomes
The GastroPak project is expected to make significant contributions to the understanding and control of gastroenteritis in Pakistan. By developing capacity for pathogen surveillance, the project will help to improve the detection and tracking of gastroenteritic pathogens in different settings. The interdisciplinary approach taken by the project team is also expected to provide valuable insights into the complex factors contributing to the spread of gastroenteritis, which can inform the development of targeted prevention and control strategies. Finally, the project is expected to strengthen research capacity in Pakistan and foster collaborations between researchers and stakeholders from different sectors.
Since its inception, the GastroPak project has made significant progress in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by gastroenteritis. Our research and activities have contributed to several impactful outcomes, including:
- Pathogen surveillance: We have developed capacity in Pakistan for pathogen surveillance, which enables the detection of different species of non-viral gastroenteritic pathogens. This has improved our understanding of the distribution and prevalence of these pathogens, which is essential for developing effective prevention and control strategies.
- One Health survey: We have conducted a One Health survey of gastroenteritis pathogens across the environment, domestic animals, and the local community in Pakistan. This survey has helped us identify the sources and transmission routes of these pathogens, which is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
- Community engagement: We have engaged with the local community in Pakistan to raise awareness about gastroenteritis and promote safe hygiene and sanitation practices. Our efforts have included school-based education programs, community meetings, and the distribution of educational materials.
- Capacity building: We have trained and mentored a new generation of researchers and practitioners in gastroenteritis research and related fields. Our capacity-building activities have included workshops, internships, and research collaborations.
- Impactful publications: Our research has led to several impactful publications in high-impact scientific journals, which have contributed to the global knowledge base on gastroenteritis and related topics.
In summary, the GastroPak project is a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the challenges of gastroenteritis in Pakistan. Through its interdisciplinary approach, the project is expected to make significant contributions to the prevention and control of gastroenteritis, improve research capacity, and promote collaborations across different sectors.
Overall, the GastroPak project has made significant contributions to the field of gastroenteritis research and has impacted the lives of people in Pakistan and beyond. Our achievements demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary and community-engaged research in combating global health challenges.