ASEAN Dengue Day (ADD) is observed annually on June 15 as a regional advocacy initiative to raise awareness and strengthen efforts against dengue.
- The day emphasizes preventive measures, scientific advancements, and community participation to combat this deadly disease.
Theme:
i.The theme of ADD 2025 is“Towards Zero Dengue Deaths: Science, Strategy, and Solidarity”,
ii.The theme highlights the significance of community participation and coordinated efforts in eliminating dengue-related deaths through scientific innovation and strategic action.
Background:
i.The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) endorsed the observance of ADD during the 10th ASEAN Health Ministers Meeting in 2010.
ii.The first official ADD was held on June 15, 2011, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
iii.Since 2012, the World Health Organization (WHO) has partnered with ASEAN to mark this day.
- The WHO has set an ambitious target of eliminating all dengue deaths by 2030 as part of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2021-2030.
Note: National Dengue Day is observed on May 16 every year in India.
8th Asia Dengue Summit:
i.The 8th Asia Dengue Summit is being held in Manila, Philippines, from June 15-18, 2025, bringing together global experts, policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
ii.The summit aims to foster innovative strategies to combat dengue outbreaks effectively.
iii.Key discussion areas include:
- Policy and disease burden
- Vector control advancements
- Vaccine development
- Clinical management of dengue
- Surveillance and diagnostics
- Public communication and advocacy
About Dengue:
i.Dengue, also known as break-bone fever, is a vector-borne disease transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito.
ii.The dengue virus (DENV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family (genus Flavivirus).
iii.It is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, causing severe flu-like symptoms and, in extreme cases, hemorrhagic fever or death.
Prevention & Global Efforts:
- Eliminating mosquito breeding sites (stagnant water).
- Using mosquito repellents and nets.
- Community awareness programs.
- Vaccination drives in high-risk areas.
Global Burden:
i.With half of the global population at risk, dengue causes an estimated 100–400 million infections annually, including severe cases that can lead to death. The disease is endemic in over 130 countries, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions.
ii.As of June 2025, global dengue cases have surged, with over 6 million reported cases and 7,552 deaths this year alone. This reflects a sustained upward trend observed in recent years, with the Americas, Southeast Asia, and Africa bearing the highest disease burden.
About Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
Secretary-General- Dr. Kao Kim Hourn (Cambodia)
Headquarters– Jakarta, Indonesia
Established –1967
