SPIRESPIRE GASTRO 2023
Project Overview
SPIRE-GASTRO 2023 is dedicated to addressing one of Pakistan’s most pressing child health crises: acute gastroenteritis and dehydration in children under five.
Pakistan has one of the highest rates of infant and child deaths from dehydration and complications of diarrhea. Incorrect clinical practices and misuse of antibiotics often worsen the problem, leading to life-threatening dehydration, shock, and preventable deaths.
SPIRE has compiled a database of 800+ cases of children admitted with acute watery diarrhea requiring drips and medicines. This initiative is the largest study of its kind in Pakistan, and SPIRE is now preparing to publish groundbreaking findings that will guide clinical practice and improve child survival.
Why This Project Matters
Diarrhea remains a leading cause of death in children under five, worldwide
Thousands of Pakistani children die annually due to dehydration-related complications
Over 50% of children with watery diarrhea receive unnecessary antibiotics before reaching hospitals
Poor awareness and dangerous treatments worsen outcomes in already vulnerable populations
Documenting and publishing evidence to shift clinical guidelines and practices
Implementation & Impact
Database
800+ cases of acute watery diarrhea in under-five children compiled
Collaborations
Project completed in partnership with Gandhara University, Peshawar (KP)
Findings
- More than half of children with diarrhea received antibiotics before hospital admission.
- Antibiotic misuse is directly linked to worsening dehydration and increased risks
Publications
- First paper (700 cases) submitted for publication.
- Second manuscript currently being prepared
Future Scope
SPIRE-GASTRO will remain open for new cases through 2024 for collaborating institutions to contribute
Gallery
Real impact, real change — moments from SPIRE-GASTRO field implementation.
Project Updates (2023–2024)
Update 01
First research paper submitted (based on 700 cases)
Update 02
Second manuscript under preparation
Update 03
Case database remains open through 2024 for new institutional collaborators
Collaboration Opportunities
We welcome medical universities, pediatric units, and researchers to collaborate on SPIRE-GASTRO
How to Collaborate?
Review our official SPIRE-GASTRO MOU and register as a partner
Support Options:
Case contributions, technical expertise, or co-authorship in publications
SPIRE GASTRO FAQs
What is SPIRE-GASTRO 2023?
SPIRE-GASTRO 2023 is Pakistan’s largest database study on children with acute watery diarrhea and dehydration, focusing on treatment outcomes and antibiotic misuse
Why is diarrhea a major health concern in Pakistan?
Thousands of children under five die each year from dehydration due to diarrhea. Misuse of antibiotics and poor clinical practices worsen the crisis
What are the key findings of SPIRE-GASTRO 2023?
Over half of children with watery diarrhea received unnecessary antibiotics before hospital admission, leading to worse dehydration and health risks
Which institutions are collaborating on SPIRE-GASTRO?
SPIRE partnered with Gandhara University, Peshawar to complete the largest study on acute watery diarrhea in Pakistani children
How can I collaborate with SPIRE-GASTRO?
You can join as a research or institutional partner by signing the SPIRE-GASTRO MOU and contributing cases, expertise, or co-authorship in publications
Help End Preventable Child Deaths from Diarrhea
By collaborating with SPIRE-GASTRO, you can contribute to life-saving research that reduces child mortality from diarrhea and dehydration