Urgent Action Needed to Strengthen Dengue Diagnostics and Treatment Ahead of Monsoon Season

Health experts, policymakers, and global health organisations have issued an urgent call to strengthen dengue diagnostics and address critical treatment gaps ahead of the monsoon season in South and Southeast Asia. The appeal, made during a day-long dialogue hosted by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) in collaboration with the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), WHO South-East Asia Region, and partners of the Dengue Alliance, underscores the heightened risk of dengue transmission as Aedes aegypti mosquito populations surge with seasonal rains.

In India alone, more than 2.89 lakh dengue cases were reported in 2023, though experts caution that the actual burden is likely significantly higher due to widespread underreporting and surveillance limitations. Taruna Madan Gupta, Scientist G and Head of the Development Research Division at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), emphasized that dengue remains a national health priority for India, noting the country’s comprehensive response through strengthened public health systems, expanded public-private partnerships, and ongoing Phase III trials of an indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine involving over 10,000 participants.

Despite progress in vaccine development and diagnostics, Gupta highlighted a persistent and critical gap: the absence of any specific therapeutic treatment for dengue. “Through collaborations with global and national partners, we are actively working to bridge this gap and remain committed to delivering impactful solutions in the near future,” she stated. Dr G Karthikeyan, Executive Director of THSTI, echoed this concern, affirming the institute’s commitment to working with DNDi and Dengue Alliance partners to advance both diagnostics and therapeutics for dengue.

The timing of the appeal is particularly significant as the region prepares for the monsoon, a period historically associated with increased mosquito breeding and dengue transmission. Experts warn that without urgent improvements in diagnostic capacity and the development of effective treatments, millions remain vulnerable to severe outcomes, especially in areas with limited healthcare access.

While vaccine candidates are advancing through clinical trials and regulatory review, the lack of antivirals or other specific therapeutics continues to hinder efforts to reduce dengue-related morbidity and mortality. The dialogue participants stressed that strengthening diagnostic tools is essential not only for early detection and case management but also for improving surveillance accuracy and informing public health responses.

As climate change contributes to expanding habitats for Aedes mosquitoes and prolonging transmission seasons, health authorities are calling for sustained investment in research, manufacturing capacity, and equitable access to both preventive and therapeutic tools. The consensus among experts is that closing the current gaps in dengue treatment will require coordinated action across governments, research institutions, pharmaceutical partners, and global health agencies.