DPAM launches anti-dengue campaign; offers 4 simple life-saving actions
Achieving zero preventable dengue deaths is no longer an idealistic goal but a realistic one. By taking four simple actions — eliminating mosquito breeding sites, avoiding mosquito bites, getting vaccinated, and seeking early treatment at the first signs of illness — Malaysians can protect themselves and their families from this deadly disease.
This was the central message at the launch of the “End Dengue Deaths (ENDD)” campaign, spearheaded by Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) in partnership with Immunise4Life (IFL). The event was officiated by Dr. Ismuni Bohari, Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health), on behalf of Deputy Health Minister Dato’ Lukanisman Bin Awang Sauni.
Collective action for zero dengue deaths
Dengue remains a major public health issue in Malaysia. In 2023, it ranked third among communicable diseases, following COVID-19 and Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD). In 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 122,323 dengue cases and 117 deaths — a slight drop in cases but a 17% increase in deaths compared to the previous year. This led to a rise in the case-fatality rate, reinforcing the need to sustain and improve prevention and management efforts.
Over the years, the MoH has employed various strategies to combat dengue, including advanced technologies, community involvement, and strict enforcement. The iDengue portal, launched in 2012, continues to provide vital updates on case numbers, hotspot locations, and mosquito control operations. In high-risk areas, Pest Control Operators (PCOs) conduct larviciding and space spraying. A more recent measure — releasing Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes — has successfully reduced dengue cases by 50–80% in ten localities.
Professor Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Chairman of both DPAM and IFL, acknowledged the MoH’s ongoing efforts but stressed the importance of support from civil society and the private sector. He said every dengue death is preventable and that with collective commitment, Malaysia can achieve the WHO’s goal of zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030.
Prevention, control and management
Dr. Zulkifli said DPAM aims to align stakeholders’ efforts to help the MoH meet national and global dengue targets by strengthening prevention, control, and case management. He explained that the group promotes a comprehensive approach that covers epidemiology, vector management, environmental control, clinical care, diagnostics, and vaccination.
He noted DPAM’s initiatives include educating healthcare professionals through workshops and policy engagement through efforts such as the DPAM Resolution Paper and a joint policy recommendation with the Selangor Public Health Advisory Council (SELPHAC). With the launch of the ENDD campaign, he said the focus is now on empowering the public to take action.
Scale of danger dengue brings to community
At the launch, attendees heard accounts from dengue survivors and their families. One recurring theme: dengue often affects multiple family members at once.
A woman named Julaikha, who contracted dengue at age six, had to stay with her aunt while both her parents were hospitalized — her mother critically ill in the ICU. She recalled being too young to grasp the danger but deeply affected by the separation.
Another speaker, Jovita, was hospitalized with elevated liver enzymes due to dengue, while her mother was in the ICU with multi-organ failure. Although both survived, she described the experience as physically and emotionally exhausting.
Firdaus shared the most devastating story, recounting how he lost both parents to dengue within days. He warned that dengue is not just a fever — it can destroy families.
These stories served as stark reminders that dengue is a serious, potentially fatal disease that should not be underestimated.
Being safe from dengue
Dr. Benedict Sim, an infectious disease consultant representing the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), said dengue can affect anyone and remains difficult to treat in its severe form. He noted that even with the best medical care, outcomes can be fatal — making prevention critical.
He also addressed common misconceptions, explaining that prior infection does not offer full protection due to the existence of multiple dengue virus serotypes. In fact, reinfection can increase the risk of severe illness. Contrary to belief, he added, young and healthy adults are not immune — nearly 45% of dengue deaths in 2023 occurred in individuals aged 20 to 49.
Dr. Koh Kar Chai, ENDD Campaign Chairman, reiterated the four simple steps every Malaysian should take: eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, prevent bites, get vaccinated, and seek early treatment when symptoms arise. He said these actions, combined with government policies and vector control, can break the transmission cycle.
Protection through vaccination
Professor Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, Chair of the Dengue Vaccine Position Paper, described vaccination as a vital tool against severe dengue. He said the TAK-003 vaccine, available in private clinics and hospitals, has shown over 80% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic infection and more than 95% effectiveness in preventing hospitalisation during the first year after vaccination. The vaccine, supported by 4.5 years of clinical data, has a strong safety record.
Common side effects are mild, such as pain or redness at the injection site, while serious reactions like anaphylaxis are rare. Recipients are advised to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes post-vaccination for monitoring.
Dr. Zamberi also shared that TAK-003 is already in use in dengue-endemic countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, over 8,800 schoolchildren were vaccinated by October 2024. In Vietnam, one centre recorded 150,000 doses administered within three months nationwide.
He urged all Malaysians aged four and above to consider vaccination, noting that it not only reduces symptomatic cases but also keeps people out of hospitals.
DPAM is urging the media, civil society, and the public to help amplify the ENDD campaign and drive collective action to save lives.
Category: MJN enews
