In News:

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose:
  • Tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses (e.g., Zika, chikungunya).
  • Reduce disease burden, suffering, and deaths globally.
• Background:
  • Rapid geographical spread of dengue due to:
    • Unplanned urbanization.
    • Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
    • Climate change.
    • Increased international travel.
  • An estimated 4 billion people at risk, projected to increase to 5 billion by 2050.
  • Significant increase in dengue cases; 12.3 million reported by August 2023, nearly double the total from 2022.
• Global Impact:
  • Dengue endemic in over 130 countries, particularly affecting:
    • South-East Asia.
    • Western Pacific.
    • Americas.
    • Africa facing compounded health crises due to conflicts and disasters.
• Emergency Grade: WHO has graded the global dengue situation as grade 3, the highest emergency level.
• Key Components of SPRP:
  • Emergency Coordination: Leadership and coordination activities for outbreak response.
  • Collaborative Surveillance: Tools for early detection and control, including strengthened surveillance and epidemiological analysis.
  • Community Protection: Engaging communities in local prevention and response measures.
  • Safe and Scalable Care: Ensuring resilient health services for adequate patient care.
  • Access to Countermeasures: Promoting research for better treatments and vaccines.
• Implementation Timeline: Over one year until September 2025, requiring US$ 55 million for health preparedness and response efforts.
• Alignment with Other Initiatives:
  • Supports the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030.
  • Linked to the Global Arbovirus Initiative (2022) targeting mosquito-borne diseases.
• Call to Action:
  • Encourages collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities.
  • Emphasizes the need for innovation and improved vector control strategies.

This plan aims to mobilize a coordinated response to the escalating threat of dengue and related diseases, emphasizing the role of all stakeholders in public health.