The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to combat the rising incidence of dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases such as Zika and chikungunya. This comprehensive plan seeks to address the alarming surge in dengue cases worldwide and mitigate the impact of these debilitating diseases.
Global Threat of Dengue and Aedes-borne Diseases
Dengue, Zika, and chikungunya pose a significant threat to global health, affecting millions of people annually. These mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, impacting communities and straining healthcare systems.
Objective of the SPRP
The SPRP aims to reduce the burden of disease, suffering, and deaths caused by dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases. It focuses on fostering a global coordinated response to effectively combat these diseases.
Alarming Surge in Dengue Cases
Dengue cases have witnessed a dramatic increase worldwide, prompting the WHO to take decisive action.
Global Impact
An estimated 4 billion people are currently at risk of infection from arboviruses globally. This number is projected to rise to 5 billion by 2050, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention and control measures.
Dengue cases have surged across all six WHO regions, with over 12.3 million cases reported as of August 2024. This figure is nearly double the 6.5 million cases reported in 2023, indicating the rapid spread and increasing incidence of the disease.
Endemic Areas and Vulnerable Populations
Dengue is endemic in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in:
- South-East Asia
- The Western Pacific
- The Americas
The situation is particularly concerning in Africa, where countries face multiple disease outbreaks, conflict, and natural disasters, further burdening already fragile health systems.
WHO Declares Grade 3 Emergency
Recognizing the severity of the global dengue upsurge, the WHO declared a grade 3 emergency in December 2023.
Emergency Level
This highest level of emergency for WHO aims to support countries in strengthening their disease surveillance capacities and implementing effective response activities to curb the spread of dengue.
Key Components of the SPRP
The SPRP outlines a comprehensive approach to combat dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases through five key components:
1. Emergency Coordination
Establishing strong leadership and coordination mechanisms at global, regional, and national levels to ensure a unified and efficient response. This includes:
- Establishing clear lines of communication and collaboration among stakeholders.
- Developing and implementing coordinated response plans.
- Mobilizing resources and expertise to support affected countries.
2. Collaborative Surveillance
Developing and utilizing advanced tools for the early detection and control of dengue and other Aedes-borne outbreaks. This involves:
- Strengthening indicator and event-based surveillance systems.
- Enhancing epidemiological analysis and data sharing.
- Improving laboratory diagnostics and confirmation of cases.
- Conducting timely field investigations to identify outbreak sources and transmission patterns.
3. Community Protection
Engaging communities as active partners in prevention and response efforts through:
- Active dialogue and awareness campaigns to educate the public about dengue, its transmission, and prevention measures.
- Local adaptation of prevention and response strategies to suit specific community needs and contexts.
- Promoting and implementing effective mosquito population control measures, such as the elimination of breeding sites and the use of insecticides.
4. Safe and Scalable Care
Ensuring access to effective clinical management and resilient health services for those infected with dengue. This includes:
- Developing and disseminating clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of dengue cases.
- Training healthcare professionals on the latest treatment protocols.
- Strengthening healthcare infrastructure to handle a surge in dengue cases.
- Ensuring the availability of essential medicines and supplies.
5. Access to Countermeasures
Promoting research and innovation to develop improved treatments, effective vaccines, and innovative vector control tools. This involves:
- Supporting research and development efforts for new dengue vaccines and antiviral drugs.
- Evaluating and implementing new technologies for mosquito control, such as gene editing and biological control methods.
- Ensuring equitable access to affordable and effective countermeasures for all affected populations.
Implementation and Funding
The SPRP will be implemented over one year, until September 2025.
Funding Requirement
The plan requires $55 million to support critical health preparedness, readiness, and response efforts.
Alignment with Global Initiatives
The SPRP is aligned with the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030 and the Global Arbovirus Initiative launched in 2022, demonstrating a cohesive global strategy to address vector-borne diseases.
Call to Action: A Collective Effort to Combat Dengue
The SPRP is a call to action for all stakeholders to join forces in the fight against dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses. It emphasizes the need for:
- Increased investment in research and development of new tools and strategies.
- Strengthening health systems and surveillance capacities.
- Implementing effective vector control measures.
- Raising community awareness and promoting individual protective behaviors.
Collaboration is Key
Government agencies, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals must work together to combat these diseases effectively. By combining resources, expertise, and innovation, we can mitigate the impact of dengue and protect global health.
FAQs about Dengue and the SPRP
What is dengue fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. It is transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
Symptoms of dengue usually appear 4–10 days after infection and include:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
Is there a vaccine for dengue?
There are dengue vaccines available, but their use is limited to certain populations and requires careful consideration based on individual risk factors and previous exposure to dengue.
How can I protect myself from dengue?
Protect yourself by:
- Using mosquito repellents.
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Using mosquito nets while sleeping.
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites around your home by removing standing water.
What should I do if I suspect I have dengue?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dengue symptoms, especially if you have recently traveled to a dengue-endemic area.
Conclusion
The WHO’s Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) represents a crucial step in combating the escalating threat of dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviral diseases. By fostering global collaboration, strengthening surveillance systems, and promoting community engagement, the plan aims to reduce the burden of these diseases and protect global health. It is a call to action for all stakeholders to unite and invest in innovative solutions to combat these debilitating diseases.
Source: World Health Organization