Child Diarrhea & Dehydration Research

SPIRESPIRE GASTRO 2023

SPIRE-GASTRO


Explore Our Projects

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

Global Burden

Diarrhea remains a leading cause of death in children under five, worldwide

National Crisis

Thousands of Pakistani children die annually due to dehydration-related complications

Antibiotic Misuse

Over 50% of children with watery diarrhea receive unnecessary antibiotics before reaching hospitals

Clinical Practices

Poor awareness and dangerous treatments worsen outcomes in already vulnerable populations

SPIRE’s Role

Documenting and publishing evidence to shift clinical guidelines and practices

Implementation & Impact

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)

September, 2023

Update 02

Second manuscript under preparation

February, 2024

Update 03

Case database remains open through 2024 for new institutional collaborators

2024

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

Download SPIRE-GASTRO MOU


Become a Collaborator


Frequently Asked Questions

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

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Building A Nationwide Database On Antimicrobial Resistance in Pakistan

SPIRESPIRE AMR 2023

About SPIRE


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Project Overview

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is defined as the failure of antibiotics to kill the infecting bacteria in a patient. AMR is now considered one of the greatest threats to global health, putting millions of lives at risk each year.

Resource-poor countries like Pakistan are especially vulnerable, where incorrect use of antibiotics, substandard manufacturing, and lack of regulation accelerate the spread of resistant bacteria and viruses.

SPIRE-AMR 2023 is a nationwide initiative aimed at documenting, tracking, and publishing data on antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan. By creating large-scale databases and collaborating with teaching hospitals, SPIRE is working to build evidence that will shape clinical practice and policy.

Why This Project Matters

Global Crisis

AMR could cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050 if not addressed.

Pakistan’s Challenge

Overuse of antibiotics and lack of regulation worsen the problem.

Substandard Medicines

Poorly manufactured antibiotics contribute significantly to treatment failures.

Research Gap

Limited national-level data exists on AMR trends in Pakistan.

SPIRE’s Solution

Building a nationwide AMR database to guide research and publications.

Implementation & Impact

Gallery

Real impact, real change — moments from SPIRE-AMR field implementation.

Project Updates (2023–2024)

Update 01

Nationwide AMR database compilation ongoing.

September, 2023

Update 02

First research paper on AMR in typhoid bacteria scheduled for Dec 2023.

February, 2024

Update 03

Five AMR-focused papers under preparation through SPIRE–Saidu MC collaboration

2024

Update 04

Database expansion continues with case entries across multiple hospitals

March, 2024

Collaboration Opportunities

We welcome medical colleges, hospitals, researchers, and global health partners to collaborate in tackling antimicrobial resistance.

How to Collaborate?

Review and sign the official SPIRE-AMR MOU

Support Options:

Technical expertise, laboratory support, funding, or contributing data to the national AMR database 

Download SPIRE-AMR MOU


Become a Collaborator


Frequently Asked Questions

SPIRE AMR 2023 FAQs

What is SPIRE-AMR 2023

SPIRE-AMR 2023 is a nationwide initiative by SPIRE to track, document, and publish data on antimicrobial resistance in Pakistan through hospital collaborations.

Why is AMR a major concern in Pakistan

In Pakistan, widespread misuse of antibiotics, poor regulation, and substandard manufacturing contribute to high rates of antimicrobial resistance

Which institutions are collaborating on SPIRE-AMR 2023

Saidu Medical College and its teaching hospitals are leading partners, with 1,000+ cases entered into the SPIRE-AMR database in 2023

What are the expected outcomes of SPIRE-AMR 2023

The project will produce at least five peer-reviewed papers and establish a reliable AMR database to guide treatment, policy, and global health strategies

How can I collaborate with SPIRE-AMR

Interested institutions and researchers can sign the SPIRE-AMR MOU and contribute technical expertise, data, or funding support

Join the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

By contributing data, research, or support, you can help SPIRE combat the AMR crisis and save lives in Pakistan and beyond

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Improving Child Outcomes Through Better ARI Care in Rural Pakistan

SPIRESPIRE ARI 2023

About SPIRE ARI


Explore Our Projects

Project Overview

SPIRE-ARI 2023 is a groundbreaking interventional project conducted for the first time in three hospitals across underserved areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI), including pneumonia, remain one of the leading causes of childhood deaths under age five. Tragically, Pakistan ranks among the highest in global child mortality from ARI, losing thousands of young lives every year.
Through NEAD–SPIRE collaboration, this project provides:

• 
  Medical equipment & medicines for ARI treatment.
• 
  Training of pediatric staff in early recognition and better monitoring.
• 
  Data collection for evidence-based research and publication.

Our mission is to improve clinical outcomes for children suffering from ARI and to generate data that supports sustainable healthcare interventions in low-resource settings.

Why This Project Matters

Child Mortality Crisis

ARI contributes to nearly one-third of all preventable deaths in children under five.

Pakistan’s Burden

With 640,000 annual pneumonia deaths, Pakistan ranks 3rd globally in ARI-related child mortality.

Our Intervention

By equipping rural hospitals, training staff, and implementing Pediatric Early Warning Scoring (PEWS), SPIRE-ARI is improving detection and management of ARI.

Implementation & Impact

Gallery

Real impact, real change — moments from SPIRE-ARI field implementation.

Project Updates (2023–2024)

Update 01

Recruitment of manuscript writers & statistical experts for publication.

September, 2023

Update 02

Two Category-C hospitals enrolled, with case recruitment ongoing through February 2024.

February, 2024

Update 03

10 authorships slots available (work-based, no gift authorships).

2024

Update 04

Manuscript preparation begin in March 2024.

March, 2024

Collaboration Opportunities

We welcome medical institutions, researchers, and international partners to collaborate with us.

How to Collaborate?

Review our official SPIRE-ARI MOU and sign up as a project partner.

Support Options:

Technical expertise, funding, publication support, or field collaboration.

Download SPIRE-ARI MOU


Become a Collaborator


Frequently Asked Questions

SPIRE ARI FAQs

What is SPIRE-ARI 2023?

SPIRE-ARI 2023 is an interventional project in rural KP, Pakistan that provides equipment, medicines, and staff training to reduce child mortality from Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI).

Why is ARI research important in Pakistan?

Pakistan ranks among the highest in global child mortality from pneumonia and other ARIs, with thousands of preventable deaths each year. Research like SPIRE-ARI helps improve outcomes through evidence-based interventions.

Which hospitals are participating in SPIRE-ARI 2023?

Two pediatric units in Karak, KP, are actively participating, with support in equipment, medicines, and Pediatric Early Warning Scoring (PEWS) training.

How is SPIRE-ARI funded?

Each hospital received PKR 100,000 worth of oxygen gauges, nebulizers, medicines, and essential supplies from NEAD–SPIRE to improve ARI care.

How can I collaborate with SPIRE-ARI?

You can join as a research or institutional collaborator by signing the official SPIRE-ARI Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Be a Part of Saving Young Lives

Join us in the SPIRE-ARI initiative and help reduce child mortality from preventable respiratory diseases.

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