8th Asia Dengue Summit calls for unified action amid record global cases
The summit, themed 'Toward Zero Dengue Deaths: Science, Strategy, and Solidarity,' runs from June 15 to 18 at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, bringing together more than 600 participants. Organized by the group Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA), the event underscored the pressing need for regional collaboration, policy innovation, and strong community engagement to tackle the growing dengue crisis, particularly in Asia, which now bears 70% of the global dengue burden.
'This summit delivers a unifying message: dengue is preventable. With scientific innovation, the right strategies, and strong partnerships, achieving zero dengue deaths is possible,' said Dr. Ma. Rosario Z. Capeding, organizing chair of the summit, in her opening remarks. She also presented an overview of the dengue situation in the Philippines.
Co-chair Dr. Fatima I. Gimenez emphasized the country's potential to contribute to the regional fight. 'We can share our own achievements in this battle against dengue and be considered strong partners and powerful allies,' she said.
ADVA, through its Asia Dengue Policy Working Group, also launched a new white paper, 'Unlocking Progress: Dengue Policies and Opportunities in Asia.' The document urges countries to adopt more coordinated and accountable systems to better manage outbreaks and protect vulnerable populations.
For the Philippines, the paper recommends scaling up prevention strategies, including vaccination, and improving access to quality, guideline-based care, especially in underserved communities. It also highlights the need to counter misinformation and vaccine hesitancy through targeted communication and global cooperation.
'Government can't do this alone,' stressed Gimenez. 'The health workers, advocates, the public, and media—we are all in this together.'
One of the summit's highlights is the return of the Dengue Slayers Challenge, a regional youth innovation competition co-organized by ADVA and Junior Achievement. Now in its second year, the program challenged over 1,800 students from the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand to develop technological solutions for mosquito control and health monitoring.
From 492 teams, the best will present their ideas at the Asia Pacific Grand Finals in Manila on June 17. The competition promotes digital innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration, empowering students to take an active role in shaping future dengue responses.
The summit also spotlighted DengCast, ADVA's official podcast platform dedicated to deepening public engagement and raising awareness on dengue through expert interviews and community-driven stories. Produced by ADVA:NexGen, DengCast shares insights from public health champions across Asia and invites new voices to join the conversation.
'This is more than a podcast. It's a growing movement to educate, engage, and empower people to act,' ADVA said in a statement.
As the dengue crisis escalates, the Asia Dengue Summit serves as a clarion call for action. With renewed commitment, innovative solutions, and inclusive partnerships, ADVA and its allies hope to turn the tide on one of Asia's most persistent public health threats—and move closer to a future where no one dies from dengue. — BM, GMA Integrated News
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