New Cochrane gap map highlights big gaps in dengue prevention research
A new Cochrane evidence and gap map (EGM) has mapped the global research landscape on dengue prevention, finding plenty of research but not enough of it synthesized in ways policymakers can use.
A new Cochrane evidence and gap map has revealed significant gaps in dengue prevention research, despite the abundance of existing studies. Dengue is a rapidly spreading infectious disease transmitted by infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, with Brazil reporting some of the highest case numbers. While hundreds of studies exist on various prevention strategies, including community education, vector control, vaccines, and environmental interventions, only a small fraction have been synthesized into reliable, high-quality systematic reviews.
Experts from the Federal University of Piauí, Brazil, say that community education, which focuses on practical steps like clearing standing water and involving local leaders, is well-documented but lacks evidence on its impact on disease spread. Other gaps identified include outdated adult vector control reviews, limited evidence on vaccine implementation, and insufficient systematic evaluations of adverse effects beyond vaccines.
The Cochrane evidence and gap map aims to equip policymakers with tailored gap maps to identify critical knowledge gaps and inform future research. The authors stress the need for updated reviews prioritizing adverse effects, epidemiological outcomes, and scalable interventions that are appropriate to local contexts.
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