In light of ASEAN Dengue Day on June 15, a panel discussion took place on June 14 in Hanoi to address collective efforts in disease prevention to achieve zero dengue deaths.

The event aimed to foster cross-sectoral dialogue and raise public awareness, especially as the World Health Organization (WHO) has identified dengue as a major global health threat, with nearly half of the world's population at risk of infection.

Annually, around 500,000 cases necessitate hospitalization, leading to up to 25,000 deaths worldwide due to this disease.

Global Dengue Prevention Goals

The WHO has set a target of zero dengue deaths by 2030, detailed in the Global Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control. This roadmap highlights key actions such as early outbreak detection, sustainable vector control, community engagement, and efficient vaccine deployment.

Organized by Health & Life newspaper in partnership with Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceuticals, the discussion featured leading experts in epidemiology, treatment, and preventive medicine. They evaluated the current dengue situation in Vietnam, identified emerging challenges, and proposed tailored integrated strategies.

Challenges in Dengue Prevention in Vietnam

Dengue fever poses a significant burden in Vietnam as it fluctuates with hundreds of thousands of cases annually, becoming more unpredictable. The disease is prevalent year-round across broad regions, carrying risks of severe complications and fatalities if not promptly detected and treated.

As of mid-2025, Vietnam has reported 22,974 dengue cases and five deaths, with fatalities in several provinces. The country faces ongoing risks, especially with overlapping outbreaks like dengue, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and COVID-19 in some areas.

Collaborative Approach for Effective Prevention

Dr. Vo Hai Son from the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention emphasized the need for a coordinated effort involving government agencies, communities, enterprises, and the media. Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in disease detection, treatment, prevention, and communication to ensure an effective epidemic control strategy.

Experts stress the importance of a comprehensive strategy encompassing vector control, surveillance, early warning systems, behavior change communication, and healthcare system capacity building. Vaccination, endorsed by the WHO, is a key element in proactive prevention and reducing disease severity.

Addressing Public Underestimation and Misconceptions

Despite climate variations and urbanization, public underestimation of dengue remains a concern. Dr. Do Duy Cuong from Bach Mai Institute of Tropical Medicine highlighted the misconception that dengue is only dangerous with high fever or visible bleeding, leading to delayed medical care.

Early detection and treatment are crucial to saving lives, with vaccination offering a new approach to tackling dengue's complexities. Benjamin Ping, GM of Takeda Vietnam Pharmaceuticals, emphasized the necessity of a multi-sectoral approach for effective control, involving the government, healthcare sector, businesses, and communities.

Role of Vaccines in Dengue Prevention

Takeda Vietnam has collaborated with medical associations to organize scientific events on dengue, updating healthcare professionals on the latest advancements. The WHO recommends Takeda's dengue vaccine for specific populations in high-transmission countries, with over 15 million doses distributed globally.

Conclusion

Integrated solutions and collaborative efforts are vital in combating dengue fever globally. A comprehensive strategy involving various stakeholders, proactive prevention measures, and vaccination are key in achieving the goal of zero dengue deaths by 2030.