NEWS – World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to address dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Objective:
  • Aim to reduce the burden of disease and deaths from dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.
  • Foster a coordinated global response.
• Key Components of the Plan:
  • Emergency Coordination: Establish leadership for outbreak response.
  • Collaborative Surveillance: Develop tools for early detection, including epidemiological analysis and laboratory diagnostics.
  • Community Protection: Engage local communities in prevention measures and mosquito control.
  • Safe and Scalable Care: Ensure effective clinical management and resilient health services.
  • Access to Countermeasures: Promote research for improved treatments and vaccines.
• Current Situation:
  • Approximately 4 billion people are at risk of arbovirus infections, expected to rise to 5 billion by 2050.
  • Dengue cases have surged, with over 12.3 million cases reported by August 2024, nearly double from 2023.
• Global Impact:
  • Dengue is endemic in over 130 countries, significantly affecting tropical and subtropical regions.
  • The situation in Africa is worsened by conflicts and natural disasters, straining health systems.
• Factors Contributing to Spread: Unplanned urbanization, poor sanitation and hygiene, climate change, and international travel.
• Funding Requirement: The plan will be implemented over one year until September 2025, requiring $55 million for health preparedness and response efforts.
• Call to Action: WHO urges governments, health-care providers, and communities to collaborate in combating dengue through innovative solutions and enhanced vector control strategies.