Western Pacific regional action plan for dengue prevention and control (2016)

In 2008, the Regional Committee for the Western Pacific endorsed the Dengue Strategic Plan for the Asia Pacific Region 2008–2015 (resolution WPR/RC59.R6), which has served as a road map for dengue prevention and control efforts in the Region. These efforts have been directed towards strengthening national capacities for surveillance, clinical management, early detection, preparedness, outbreak and vector control. The Region has seen significant progress in strengthening regional and country capacities to detect, assess, report and respond to dengue. However, an incomplete understanding of the disease as well as limited tools and resources have contributed to the Region not witnessing the degree of success expected at the time of endorsement of the Dengue Strategic Plan.

The annually reported number of dengue cases in the Region has grown from approximately 213000 cases in 2008 to over 460000 cases in 2014. However, and importantly, improved case management led to a 50% reduction of regional case fatality rates from 0.32% in 2008 to 0.16% in 2014.

Considering the current regional trends in dengue morbidity and mortality, and the current range of available tools, this Western Pacific Regional Action Plan for Dengue Prevention and Control (2016) recommends adjusting the approach to dengue, moving the major focus from attempting to contain outbreaks to one of reducing the impact of the disease on communities. The recent emergence of Zika virus disease and chikungunya in the Region, also transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, necessitates a proactive approach to reducing the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. Thus greater efforts are required to strengthen the response to dengue and these other diseases, and this will require increased collaboration and coordination within and beyond the health sector.

The Regional Action Plan is modelled on the Global Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control 2012–2020 and includes six enabling factors and five technical elements. It aims at building on the success achieved in reducing case fatality rates in the Region to minimize the health impact of dengue on communities and on health services. Actions proposed in the Plan include strengthening diagnostics and case management, surveillance, risk assessments and outbreak preparedness; implementing sustainable vector management; increasing attention to promoting community engagement and risk communication; strengthening implementation research and promoting early adoption of emerging technologies.