New Initiative 'United Against Dengue' Launched to Combat Rising Cases in Asia

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, June 12, 2025 — A new regional collaboration titled "United Against Dengue" (UAD) was unveiled today to enhance education, advocacy, and support in the fight against dengue fever across Asia. Spearheaded by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and Takeda Pharmaceuticals, this initiative aims to address the escalating dengue threat exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, and rising populations.

The launch coincides with ASEAN Dengue Day and reflects a commitment to support the World Health Organization (WHO) and ASEAN's objective of eliminating preventable dengue deaths by 2030. According to Dr. Deepa Gamage, Public Health Specialist at the WHO, "Dengue continues to pose a significant public health threat across Asia and beyond, requiring coordinated, multi-sectoral action at both regional and national levels."

Dengue fever, endemic in over 100 countries, disproportionately affects Asia, which bears approximately 70% of the global disease burden. In Malaysia alone, the Ministry of Health reported 14,310 dengue cases as of March 24, 2025, resulting in 16 fatalities. The need for a comprehensive response has never been more urgent.

The UAD initiative is structured around three strategic pillars: Educate, Advocate, and Support. The education component focuses on building resilience through community awareness campaigns and training programs utilizing the Epidemic Control for Volunteers (ECV) toolkit. These efforts aim to enhance disease literacy and improve community preparedness.

"Through UAD, we aim to empower communities across Asia to take charge of their health and unite against dengue," stated Juja Kim, Deputy Regional Director for Asia Pacific at IFRC. The advocacy pillar seeks to integrate dengue prevention strategies into national policies by engaging with policymakers and community organizations. This alignment across public health stakeholders is vital for long-term health system resilience.

Support for affected individuals and communities is another critical aspect of the UAD initiative. The program's initial focus includes providing care and assistance to those impacted by dengue, with plans for additional efforts as the initiative evolves.

A unique feature of UAD is its collaboration with the comic platform, The Woke Salaryman, to develop educational content that highlights the impact of urbanization on community health. The comic series, which will be translated into multiple languages, is designed to raise awareness about dengue and underscore the importance of community engagement in prevention efforts.

"Everyone has a role to play in the fight against dengue. UAD exemplifies the power of collaboration and community engagement in tackling this significant public health challenge," remarked Prof. Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Chairman of Asia Dengue Voice and Action (ADVA). The collaboration aims to not only address immediate health concerns but also foster a sustainable approach to dengue management through enhanced community engagement and education.

The UAD initiative represents a proactive step towards combating dengue's complex challenges and achieving the goal of zero preventable deaths by 2030. As communities across Asia prepare to implement these strategies, the potential for a significant impact on public health is promising. For more information on the UAD collaboration, visit [IFRC's official page](https://www.ifrc.org/article/ifrc-and-takeda-initiate-united-against-dengue-alliance-combat-escalating-threat-mosquito).