Translating scientific evidence into practice for dengue control

The Dengue Summit 2026, held in Hanoi, served as a platform to translate scientific knowledge into practical dengue control measures in Vietnam. Organised by the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention and several partner organisations, the summit featured over 60 scientific research posters and more than 15 in-depth presentations covering various aspects of dengue, including epidemiology, clinical practice, communication, prevention, digital technology, and health policy.

Vietnam has been facing dengue for over four decades, with the country recording hundreds of thousands of cases and deaths annually. In 2025, Vietnam reported 184,903 cases, surpassing the rates in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. The disease is prevalent year-round and is spreading to new regions, such as northern mountainous provinces.

All four dengue virus serotypes circulate in Vietnam, making outbreaks difficult to predict due to the shifting dominant serotypes, climate change, rapid urbanisation, and insecticide-resistant mosquito populations.

Dr. Hoang Minh Duc, director general of the Vietnam Administration of Disease Prevention, emphasised the need for decisive, proactive, and evidence-based disease prevention strategies, alongside vector control and public awareness. At the plenary session, experts shared evidence on how vaccination programmes have contributed to measurable progress in several countries, including Brazil and Indonesia.

Dr. Rosana Richtmann, director of the Infection Control Committee at Santa Joana Hospital and Maternity in São Paulo, Brazil, revealed that Brazil's dengue vaccination programme, implemented since 2024, has significantly reduced the risk of symptomatic dengue and hospitalisation. Similarly, Indonesia is implementing dengue vaccination alongside health technology solutions to strengthen prevention in high-risk areas.

The draft 2026 National Guidelines for Dengue Diagnosis and Treatment, presented at the summit, emphasises the importance of dengue prevention, particularly in the absence of a specific antiviral treatment. The draft recommends a comprehensive approach combining vaccination, surveillance activities, preventive measures, and vector control interventions.

Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Vietnam, as a scientific partner for the second consecutive year, supports evidence-based prevention solutions and raises awareness about dengue.