Health
WHO urges greater efforts to stamp out dengue
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Oct 4, 2008 - 9:57:09 AM

MANILA, Oct. 5 (PNA) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a spreading threat of dengue outbreaks in the Asia Pacific Region unless a more comprehensive approach to control is urgently taken.

The WHO in a statement, urged countries to ensure high level political commitment so that adequate human and financial resources are made available for dengue prevention and outbreak response, including exploring possible opportunities to piggy-back on existing public health initiatives.

The health body said aedes aegypti mosquito, the principal vector for dengue fever, is expanding to new geographical areas that were previously unaffected. Of an estimated 2.5 billion people at risk globally, about 1.8 billion or more than 70 percent reside in Asia Pacific countries.

The WHO Western Pacific Region has endorsed the Dengue Strategic Plan for the Asia Pacific Region 2008–2015. The move is considered a critical step towards securing political commitment and the allocation of resources by Member States to address the increasing threat from dengue.

The dengue plan calls for concrete action to reduce case fatality rates; guidance on environmental management of urban development and vector-control measures and educating people on recognition of dengue fever and the need for prompt medical care.