WHO Launches Global Plan to Combat Dengue and Arboviral Diseases
On October 3, the World Health Organization (WHO) unveiled a global initiative to address the rising threat of dengue and other arboviral diseases, which have impacted millions worldwide, VOA reported yesterday.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated response, citing alarming trends in the rapid spread of these diseases.
Dengue has become the most concerning arbovirus, with cases nearly doubling annually since 2021. As of August 2024, over 12.3 million cases were reported, leading to more than 6,000 deaths. The WHO aims to “turn the tide” against these diseases, advocating for community involvement in maintaining clean environments and supporting vector control.
Key factors driving the spread include unplanned urbanization, poor sanitation, climate change, and international travel. Dengue is now endemic in over 130 countries, with significant outbreaks in the Americas and Africa, where 15,000 cases have been recorded this year.
To combat this crisis, the WHO’s strategic plan includes emergency coordination, enhanced surveillance, community prevention measures, and improved access to treatments and vaccines. An estimated $55 million is required to implement these initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for global collaboration to protect vulnerable populations.
