Health

Dengue Fever: The Global Battle to Save Lives Intensifies

2025-06-15

Author: Sarah

A Global Health Crisis Revealed

Dengue fever is emerging as one of the most pressing threats to global health, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warns that nearly half of the world's population—approximately 3.9 billion people—are at risk of contracting this dangerous virus. With around 500,000 cases requiring hospitalization each year and up to 25,000 lives lost, the urgency for action has never been greater.

Aiming for Zero Deaths by 2030

In response to this alarming trend, the WHO has declared an ambitious goal: to achieve zero dengue-related deaths by 2030. This strategic vision is outlined in the Global Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control, emphasizing essential measures like swift outbreak detection, effective vector control, community involvement, and efficient vaccine distribution.

Experts Gather to Tackle Dengue in Vietnam

A recent talk show hosted by the Health & Life newspaper in partnership with Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceuticals showcased leading experts from epidemiology, treatment, and preventive medicine. These specialists scrutinized Vietnam's current dengue situation, identified emerging challenges, and proposed integrated strategies tailored to the country's unique epidemiological landscape.

Vietnam's Dengue Dilemma

Dengue fever continues to pose a significant burden in Vietnam, where case numbers can soar into the hundreds of thousands annually. The unpredictable nature of this disease, occurring year-round across vast areas, escalates the danger, with potential for severe complications or even fatalities if not treated promptly. As of mid-2025, Vietnam has reported nearly 23,000 dengue cases and five deaths, with risks heightened by overlapping health crises like hand-foot-and-mouth disease and COVID-19.

The Call for Collective Action

Dr. Vo Hai Son, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention, emphasizes the necessity of a unified approach to combat dengue. "No single entity can tackle this issue alone. Coordinated action from government, healthcare providers, businesses, and the community is vital for efficient disease management and early outbreak response," he asserts.

Strategies for Success: An Integrated Approach

Health experts underline the importance of a comprehensive strategy to minimize fatalities and control dengue outbreaks. This includes vector control, robust epidemiological surveillance, early warning systems, and enhancing healthcare capacity. Vaccination also plays a crucial role in reducing disease severity and transmission.

Revolutionizing Control Measures

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Quang Thai highlights the need for Vietnam to transition from reactive detection to a proactive prevention model, keeping pace with the ever-evolving nature of dengue outbreaks. "Investing in active surveillance and data analysis is essential to effectively control dengue throughout the year," he states.

Public Awareness: A Critical Factor

Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Bach Mai Institute of Tropical Medicine, stresses the troubling trend of public underestimating dengue’s severity. Many people only seek medical help when symptoms become severe, potentially leading to dire consequences. He urges early detection and treatment to save lives, emphasizing that vaccination is a vital preventive step.

Takeda's Role in the Fight Against Dengue

Benjamin Ping, General Manager at Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceuticals, advocates for a multi-faceted approach to tackle dengue, involving the government, healthcare sector, and communities. Over the past year, Takeda has hosted 40 conferences to update medical professionals on the latest dengue research, reaching over 8,000 attendees. The WHO has endorsed Takeda’s dengue vaccine for use in high-risk populations, with over 15 million doses already distributed worldwide.

A United Front Against Dengue

As the global fight against dengue fever escalates, a collaborative effort is crucial. By strengthening community awareness, healthcare infrastructure, and ensuring sustainable vaccine supply, the world can hope to overcome this pressing health challenge and secure a healthier future for millions.