Experts, policymakers, scientists, and global health organisations have called for urgent action to strengthen dengue diagnostics. They emphasised that the absence of specific therapeutics continues to leave millions at risk, especially as South Asia and South-East Asia prepare for a monsoon-driven surge in infections.
High-Level Dialogue Highlights Critical Gaps
The call emerged during a day-long dialogue hosted by Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative in collaboration with Translational Health Science and Technology Institute and WHO South-East Asia Region, along with partners from the Dengue Alliance.
Importantly, the meeting took place just ahead of the monsoon season, a period that typically sees a rise in Aedes aegypti populations and dengue transmission across the region. In India alone, more than 2.89 lakh dengue cases were reported in 2023. However, experts cautioned that the actual burden is likely much higher due to underreporting and surveillance gaps.
India’s Progress and Persistent Treatment Gap
Taruna Madan Gupta highlighted that dengue remains a national health priority for India. She noted that the country has taken a systematic and increasingly comprehensive approach, strengthening public health systems and fostering public-private partnerships.
Furthermore, India is advancing Phase III trials of an indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine involving over 10,000 participants, alongside regulatory progress on global vaccines. However, she underscored a critical unmet need—the absence of an effective therapeutic for dengue. She added that ongoing collaborations aim to bridge this gap and deliver impactful solutions in the near future.
Advancing Translational Science for Accessible Care
G Karthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, stressed the importance of translational science in addressing both diagnostics and therapeutics. He noted that partnerships with DNDi and the Dengue Alliance aim to develop accessible, affordable interventions aligned with global health equity goals.
Regional Burden and Socio-Economic Impact
Catharina Boehme pointed out that the WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for more than half of the global dengue burden. Approximately 1.3 billion people across 10 endemic countries remain at risk.
Moreover, she highlighted that dengue imposes costs beyond healthcare systems. Lost productivity, reduced wages, and long-term socio-economic consequences disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Therefore, she called for closing gaps in diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, and overall health system resilience.
Need for an Integrated Approach to Dengue Care
Nor Fariza Ngah emphasised that dengue, as a climate-sensitive disease, requires a comprehensive and multi-pronged strategy. While vaccines and vector control measures exist, she stressed that addressing the treatment gap remains essential to ensure accessible and effective care.
Strengthening Collaboration and Research Efforts
Sanjay Sarin highlighted that despite advances in surveillance and scientific understanding, patients still lack access to targeted treatments. He noted that addressing this gap demands sustained commitment from governments, funders, and global partners.
Additionally, he pointed out that the Dengue Alliance plays a key role in accelerating progress by aligning stakeholders, advancing research, and supporting the development of safe, affordable therapeutics.
Focus on Vulnerable Populations and System Resilience
The dialogue featured over 30 experts across four panel discussions covering surveillance, vaccines, diagnostics, financing, community impact, and health system resilience. Participants paid particular attention to vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children, and low-income communities, who face higher risks of severe dengue and limited access to care.
A Global Coalition Driving Change
As reported by The Print, the meeting brought together representatives from governments, research institutions, regulatory bodies, industry, and civil society. Together, they focused on strengthening diagnostics, accelerating therapeutic development, and improving preparedness.
The Dengue Alliance includes key institutions such as the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Siriraj Hospital and Mahidol University in Thailand, as well as Brazil’s Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and the Federal University of Minas Gerais. Through such collaborations, stakeholders aim to build a more coordinated and effective response to dengue globally.