Apr 24: With the monsoon season approaching and dengue risks set to rise, leading health experts convened in New Delhi to highlight the urgent need to address critical gaps in dengue diagnostics, treatment, and healthcare preparedness across South Asia and South-East Asia.
The dialogue was hosted by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) in collaboration with the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), along with Dengue Alliance partners and the WHO South-East Asia Region. The event brought together representatives from government bodies, scientific institutions, multilateral organizations, and industry stakeholders to accelerate efforts toward effective dengue therapeutics.
Despite an estimated 390 million dengue infections globally each year, experts emphasized that no specific treatment currently exists, underscoring a major gap in care. While progress has been made in vaccine development and vector control, the absence of targeted therapeutics continues to pose significant challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations.
India has taken steps to strengthen its response, including ongoing Phase III trials of an indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine involving over 10,000 participants. However, stakeholders stressed that stronger collaboration, funding, and innovation are required to bridge the treatment gap.
The WHO South-East Asia Region accounts for more than half of the global dengue burden, with approximately 1.3 billion people at risk. Experts highlighted that dengue’s impact extends beyond health systems, affecting livelihoods and disproportionately burdening low-income communities.
With India reporting over 289,000 dengue cases in 2023—and actual numbers likely higher due to underreporting—the urgency for improved diagnostics, accessible treatments, and resilient healthcare systems has intensified.
The convening featured over 30 experts across multiple panels addressing surveillance, vaccines, diagnostics, financing, and community impact. A strong emphasis was placed on protecting high-risk groups such as children, pregnant women, and economically vulnerable populations.
The meeting concluded with a unified call for sustained global and regional collaboration to accelerate research, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and ensure equitable access to effective dengue care solutions.
