Critical loss: the effects of VEuPathDB defunding on global health

Critical loss: the effects of VEuPathDB defunding on global healthThe scientific community worldwide is shocked by the recent announcement on the EuPathDB website, which states that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) contract supporting VEuPathDB will expire on Sept 14, 2024.This surprising decision could be catastrophic and seriously hinder scientific advancement, especially in the study of eukaryotic pathogens, as the decision indicates the impending termination of support for one of the most important database resources available to researchers.The gravity of the situation is reflected in the urgent notice imploring researchers to download any essential data, including query strategy results, saved or uploaded DataGalaxy results, and other valuable resources.The ramifications of the funding reduction are extensive and profound, posing a risk to ongoing research projects and delaying the rate of advancement in areas important for global health.The database receives inputs from several basic research initiatives supporting translational science projects that could aid in pioneering discoveries.The scientific community has found EuPathDB, which includes VEuPathDB, to be an invaluable resource (testimonials provided in the panel).This platform incorporates abundant functional proteomic and genomic data from a broad spectrum of eukaryotic pathogens, including those causing some of the most severe diseases in human history. 1,2rypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, malaria, and various fungal infections are caused by eukaryotic pathogens, including fungi, helminths, and protozoa.These pathogens present intrinsic and unique biological features and are often difficult to study because of their complex lifecycles, genetic diversity, and complex host interactions.Research on these pathogens would be severely hampered by the loss of VEuPathDB, slowing the development of novel and critical medications, vaccines, and diagnostic solutions.Malaria (caused by Plasmodium species) is one of the deadliest diseases in the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.Despite decades of research and intervention efforts, this disease claims hundreds of thousands of lives annually, with pregnant women and children being particularly susceptible. 3The understanding of Plasmodium biology, drug-resistance mechanisms, and identification of potential vaccine targets have improved owing to the genomic and functional data made available by We declare no competing interests.