By Tracy Liverpool
The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) is sounding the alarm over the escalating dengue cases in South America, with concerns growing as the numbers continue to rise.
Last year alone, approximately four million cases of dengue were reported, and this year, the trend shows no signs of abating.
Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of PAHO, attributes the surge in dengue infections to the prevailing El Niño phenomenon and climate change, with countries like Brazil and Paraguay bearing the brunt of the impact.
PAHO is spearheading efforts to address this public health crisis by providing crucial technical guidance and training to health workers across the region.
Dr. Barbosa emphasizes the importance of collaborative action, stressing that working together with communities and national authorities can significantly reduce the number of dengue cases and prevent related fatalities.
PAHO is actively collaborating with Ministries of Health in Latin America and the Caribbean to bolster vector control measures and enhance the capacity of healthcare workers in managing dengue cases.
While the availability of a vaccine offers hope in the fight against dengue, Dr. Barbosa cautions that it is not an immediate solution to the ongoing outbreak.
He notes that the vaccine is accessible through PAHO’s Revolving Fund for Vaccines, with Brazil already utilizing it.
However, the limited quantity underscores the need for countries to establish robust surveillance systems to gather crucial data on its safety and effectiveness against the four serotypes of the dengue virus.
As the battle against dengue intensifies, PAHO remains committed to supporting countries in the region in their efforts to curb the spread of this debilitating disease.