WHO launches global plan to tackle dengue, other arboviruses
By Sola Ogundipe
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a global initiative to combat the rising threat of dengue and other arboviral diseases, which have affected millions globally and put billions more at risk.
At the plan’s launch on Thursday, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of addressing the global surge in arboviral diseases. He highlighted the need for a coordinated, comprehensive strategy to protect vulnerable populations and ensure a healthier future.
“Dengue has emerged as the most pressing arbovirus disease,” Dr. Tedros stated. The number of dengue cases has nearly doubled yearly since 2021, with over 12.3 million cases recorded by the end of August 2024, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths.
He called on everyone to play a role in the fight against dengue, from maintaining clean environments to supporting vector control efforts and seeking timely medical care. “The rapid spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases is an alarming trend that demands a coordinated response across sectors and borders,” he said.
Arboviruses are transmitted to humans through mosquitoes, ticks, and other arthropods. Diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and the more recent Oropouche virus are also spreading at a concerning rate, particularly in the Americas.
Dr. Raman Velayudhan, head of WHO’s Global Programme on Neglected Tropical Diseases, pointed out that factors such as unplanned urbanization, poor sanitation, climate change, and international travel are driving the rapid spread of dengue. “The disease is now endemic in more than 130 countries,” he said.
The WHO’s latest data shows that although the majority of dengue cases this year occurred in the Americas, Africa is also increasingly affected, with over 15,000 cases reported across 13 countries. Both dengue and chikungunya, spread by mosquitoes, can cause severe illness, with severe dengue cases proving fatal in some instances. Chikungunya, reported in 118 countries, is particularly rampant in Brazil.
Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, WHO’s team lead on arboviruses, epidemic, and pandemic preparedness, highlighted that newborns, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions are at greater risk of poor outcomes. She also warned that diseases like Zika and Oropouche exhibit symptoms similar to dengue, posing diagnostic challenges in areas where multiple arboviruses circulate.
To address this, Dr. Alvarez stressed the importance of improving detection, surveillance, and testing systems, along with raising public awareness on preventive measures to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.
The WHO is urging governments to take decisive action in five key areas:
Strengthening emergency response mechanisms.
Enhancing disease detection and surveillance systems.
Implementing preventive measures to reduce exposure to disease vectors like mosquitoes.
Ensuring access to scalable healthcare.
Promoting research and development for improved treatments and vaccines.
To execute this global plan, the WHO estimates that $55 million will be needed over the next year. By acting swiftly and collaboratively, the international community can significantly reduce the escalating threat of arboviral diseases.