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WHO launches global plan to tackle dengue as cases surge over 12.3 million this
An estimated four billion people are at risk of infection from arboviruses around the world, and this number is estimated to increase to 5 billion by 2050
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As dengue cases surge across all six World Health Organization regions, with an estimated four billion people at risk globally, the WHO on Thursday launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses
Aedes is the scientific name of the mosquito that can transmit dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever viruses. Arboviruses—including dengue, Zika, and chikungunya—have similar epidemiologies, transmission cycles, and clinical symptoms at onset, although complications vary substantially.
The number of dengue cases has approximately doubled each year since 2021, with over 12.3 million cases as of the end of August this year – almost double the 6.5 million cases reported in all of 2023.
The WHO plan aims at reducing the burden of disease, suffering and deaths from dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases such as Zika and chikungunya, by fostering a global coordinated response.
The plan outlines priority actions to control transmission and offers recommendations to affected countries across various sectors, including disease surveillance, laboratory activities, vector control, community engagement, clinical management, and research and development, through a whole-of-society and regional approach.
An estimated four billion people are at risk of infection from arboviruses around the world, and this number is estimated to increase to 5 billion by 2050.
Dengue is endemic in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in South-East Asia, the Western Pacific and the Americas. The situation is equally concerning in Africa, where countries are battling multiple diseases amid conflict and natural disasters, placing additional strain on already fragile health systems.
In December 2023, WHO graded the current global dengue upsurge 2023 as grade 3, the highest level of emergency for WHO, to support countries to strengthen their surveillance capacities and implement response activities.
“The rapid spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases in recent years is an alarming trend that demands a coordinated response across sectors and across borders,” Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said.
“From maintaining clean environments to supporting vector control and seeking and providing timely medical care, everyone has a role to play in the fight against dengue. This plan is a roadmap to turn the tide against this disease and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases, protect vulnerable populations and pave the way for a healthier future,” he added.
Factors such as unplanned urbanization and poor water, sanitation and hygiene practices, climate change and international travel, are facilitating the rapid geographical spread of dengue. The disease is now endemic in more than 130 countries.
Similar trends are also observed for other arboviral diseases, such as Zika, chikungunya and more recently the Oropouche virus disease, especially in the Americas. This global escalation underscores the urgent need for a robust strategy to mitigate risks and safeguard populations.
The plan will be implemented over one year until September 2025, and requires US$ 55 million to support health preparedness, readiness and response efforts. It is aligned with the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030, a global strategy to strengthen vector control worldwide, and the Global Arbovirus Initiative, launched in 2022, which focuses on tackling mosquito-borne arboviruses with epidemic potential.
