The programme, DETECT-Asia (Strengthening Diagnostics for sEvere bacTErial infeCTions in Asia), is a regional initiative which will enhance microbiology testing for severe bacterial infections across Asia, contributing to the global fight against AMR. AMR remains a major health challenge, responsible for an estimated 4.7 million deaths globally in 2021 [1] , with Asia bearing a particularly high burden, driven by challenges such as limited diagnostic infrastructure, gaps in systematic surveillance, and uneven access to quality healthcare. Estimates by the World Economic Forum also indicate that strengthening solutions across the Asia-Pacific region could generate annual healthcare savings of US$10–15 billion while reducing socio-economic loss by US$35–40 billion [2] .
Led by the ADVANCE-ID (ADVANcing Clinical Evidence in Infectious Diseases) team—a clinical research network based at NUS involving over 100 hospitals in Asia, the programme aims to:
Adjunct Assistant Professor Mo Yin, Deputy Director, ADVANCE-ID, NUS, said, “Severe multidrug resistant infections remain a major cause of death and illness across Asia, driving socio-economic inequity. DETECT-Asia marks a crucial step toward better diagnostics and more effective patient care. With the support of the Novo Nordisk Foundation and Temasek Foundation, we are well-positioned to further enhance the regional capacity, data, and collaborations needed to strengthen pandemic resilience and transform infectious disease management in Asia.” Adj Asst Prof Mo Yin is also from the Infectious Diseases Translational Research Programme at NUS Medicine.
Dr Marianne Holm, Vice President, Infectious Diseases, Novo Nordisk Foundation, said, “Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most pressing global health challenges, with disproportionate impact in low- and middle-income countries. Through DETECT-Asia, we are supporting new diagnostic capabilities that will save lives today while also building regional capacity for tomorrow. This programme directly supports our international mission to combat AMR and improve global health outcomes, and we look forward to working with Temasek Foundation, NUS Medicine, and other partners to strengthen infectious disease research and innovation across Asia.”
Dr Lee Fook Kay, Head, Pandemic Preparedness, Temasek Foundation, added, “At Temasek Foundation, we are committed to advancing healthcare innovation and resilience across Asia. With the Novo Nordisk Foundation and NUS Medicine, we seek to build up and link our hospitals to get faster and better data and testing by sharing through DETECT-Asia. This can help save lives, boost preparedness for future outbreaks, and scale innovations from the laboratories into standard care everywhere.”
The initiative advances global priorities in AMR and pandemic preparedness, while strengthening Asia’s leadership in infectious disease diagnostics and research.
[1] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01867-1/fulltext
[2] https://reports.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Targeted_Action_and_Financing_the_Fight_Against_Antimicrobial_Resistance_in_Asia_2025.pdf#:~:text=Investment%20in%20solutions%20to%20fight%20antimicrobial%20resistance,cutting%20annual%20socio%2Deconomic%20costs%20by%20$35%2D40%20billion.