WHO Launches Global Plan to Combat Dengue and Aedes-Borne Arboviruses

"The rapid spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases is alarming and requires a coordinated response," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP), a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing the global burden of dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases, such as Zika and chikungunya. The plan seeks to lower disease transmission, reduce suffering, and prevent deaths through a globally coordinated response, offering a roadmap for affected countries.

The SPRP outlines critical priority actions across various sectors, including disease surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, vector control, community engagement, and clinical management. It emphasizes a whole-of-society approach, encouraging partnerships between governments, health organizations, and local communities to combat these diseases.

"The rapid spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases is alarming and requires a coordinated response," said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. "This plan is a roadmap to turn the tide, protect vulnerable populations, and create a healthier future."

Global Dengue Surge and Increased Risk

The number of dengue cases has surged globally, with over 12.3 million cases reported by August 2024, almost double the 6.5 million cases in 2023. Dengue is now endemic in over 130 countries, particularly in tropical regions of South-East Asia, the Western Pacific, and the Americas. Countries in Africa are also severely impacted, where health systems are already burdened by conflicts and other diseases.

Factors such as unplanned urbanization, climate change, poor water and sanitation practices, and international travel have contributed to the rapid geographical spread of dengue and other arboviral diseases like Zika, chikungunya, and Oropouche virus.

The WHO classified the global dengue outbreak as a grade 3 emergency in December 2023, the highest emergency level, to support countries in strengthening disease surveillance and response efforts.

Key Components of the SPRP

The SPRP emphasizes five core areas for effective outbreak management:

Emergency Coordination: Establishing leadership and coordination at global and regional levels to manage responses.

Collaborative Surveillance: Strengthening early detection systems for Aedes-borne diseases, including epidemiological analysis and field investigations.

Community Protection: Engaging local communities in controlling mosquito populations and adapting prevention measures.

Safe and Scalable Care: Ensuring that health services are equipped to provide adequate care to prevent illness and reduce fatalities.

Access to Countermeasures: Encouraging research for improved treatments and the development of effective vaccines.

The plan, running until September 2025, requires US$ 55 million to support these efforts, which are aligned with WHO’s broader Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 and the Global Arbovirus Initiative, launched in 2022 to combat mosquito-borne diseases with epidemic potential.

A Global Call to Action

The SPRP is a call to action for governments, health agencies, communities, and individuals to collaborate on innovative strategies, implement new technologies, and strengthen vector control measures. The plan is designed to tackle the rising threats of Aedes-borne diseases and reduce their impact on vulnerable populations worldwide.