Panelist at the online talk show, entitled “Towards zero dengue deaths: Collective disease prevention with integrated solutions,” on June 14. — Photo the organiser

HÀ NỘI — Health experts have called for coordinated disease prevention efforts and integrated solutions to achieve zero dengue-related deaths in Việt Nam, during an online talk show held on June 14.

The event was jointly organised by Sức khỏe & Đời sống (Health & Life) newspaper under the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Takeda Việt Nam, in celebration of ASEAN Dengue Day (June 15).

With the theme “Towards Zero Dengue Deaths: Collective Disease Prevention with Integrated Solutions”, the event aimed to foster multi-sectoral dialogue and raise public awareness—particularly in light of the World Health Organization (WHO) identifying dengue as one of the top ten global health threats.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly half of the world’s population — around 3.9 billion people — is at risk of dengue virus infection. Each year, approximately 500,000 cases require hospitalisation, and up to 25,000 people die from the disease globally.

In response, WHO has set a global target of achieving zero dengue deaths by 2030, as outlined in the Global Strategy for Dengue Prevention and Control 2021–2030. This strategic roadmap highlights key actions including early outbreak detection and response, sustainable vector control, community engagement, and efficient vaccine deployment.

During the discussion, speakers analysed the current state of dengue in Việt Nam, highlighted emerging challenges, and proposed integrated strategies tailored to the country’s evolving epidemiological landscape.

Experts noted that dengue fever continues to impose a significant burden on public health in Việt Nam. The number of cases fluctuates in the hundreds of thousands annually, and the disease is becoming increasingly unpredictable—occurring year-round, across wide geographical areas, and carrying risks of severe complications or death if not detected and treated promptly.

According to the Ministry of Health, as of mid-2025, Việt Nam had reported 22,974 dengue cases and five deaths, with fatalities recorded in HCM City, Bình Dương, Bình Thuận, Khánh Hòa, and Ninh Thuận provinces. These figures underscore the continued threat posed by dengue, particularly amid overlapping outbreaks such as hand-foot-and-mouth disease and COVID-19, which are resurging in several localities.

HCM City records 7,131 cases of dengue fever as of early May.  — Photo laodong.vn

From a regulatory standpoint, Dr. Võ Hải Sơn, Deputy Director of the Việt Nam Administration of Disease Prevention under the Ministry of Health, emphasised: “In the fight against dengue fever, no single force can tackle the issue alone. A synchronised and collaborative approach is essential.”

“Government agencies play the role of coordinators and policymakers; the community is the frontline in actively detecting and treating the disease early, and tackling small outbreaks through vector control measures at the household level, particularly in high-risk areas. Enterprises contribute by offering medical solutions, communication support, and training, while the media serves as a crucial bridge to deliver accurate and timely information to every citizen.”

“Only when all these stakeholders act proactively, in unity and with persistence, can the epidemic control strategy be truly effective and sustainable. These combined efforts align with the goal set by the WHO: zero dengue deaths by 2030,” Dr. Võ Hải Sơn said.

To reduce fatalities and effectively control outbreaks, experts highlighted the need for a comprehensive strategy. This includes vector control, epidemiological surveillance, early warning systems, behaviour change communication, and strengthening the capacity of the healthcare system. Among these, vaccination—a new solution validated by the World Health Organization—is considered an integral component, supporting proactive prevention and reducing the risk of severe illness.

Associate Professor Dr. Phạm Quang Thái, Deputy Head of the Infectious Diseases Control Department at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said: “In addition to the traditional ‘detection–response’ approach, Việt Nam needs to shift towards a ‘forecast–prevention’ model to keep pace with changes in epidemic cycles and geographic spread. Dengue is no longer seasonal and can occur year-round. Therefore, investing in active surveillance systems, data analysis, and early warning mechanisms is essential for sustainable outbreak control. This calls for a holistic prevention strategy, including mosquito control, reduced community transmission, vector management, and boosting immunity through vaccination.”

Beyond the challenges of extreme weather and rapid urbanisation, public underestimation of dengue fever remains a critical concern.

Associate Professor Dr. Đỗ Duy Cường, Director of the Bạch Mai Institute of Tropical Medicine, stressed: “Many people still underestimate dengue, thinking it is only dangerous when accompanied by high fever or visible bleeding. As a result, they delay seeking medical attention. Early detection and timely treatment save lives. As both a doctor and a survivor of dengue fever, I fully understand the burden and complications this disease can cause. Today, vaccination is a key preventive measure, offering a new and effective approach to tackling the complex nature of dengue.”

Benjamin Ping,  General Manager of Takeda Viet Nam, said:" We believe that effective control requires a multi-sectoral approach - bringing together by the government, the healthcare sector, businesses, and communities - under a comprehensive strategy. This includes strengthening healthcare capacity, raising public awareness about the dangers of dengue through collaborative community programs with relevant ministries and agencies, and ensuring a sustainable vaccine supply for the people of Việt Nam."

The talk show also underscored the important role of community communication, not only as a means of raising awareness but also as a powerful tool for behaviour change. When people understand the disease correctly and act early, it significantly reduces the number of severe cases, late hospitalisations, and deaths. — VNS