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SINGAPORE — In conjunction with ASEAN Dengue Day 2026, regional leaders, policymakers, scientists, public health partners and advocacy groups gathered in Singapore at the Asia Dengue Summit to advance cross-border collaboration on dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases, with contributions from Philippine experts Dr. Rose Capeding and Dr. Lulu Bravo, who highlighted the Philippines Medical Associations leadership in dengue advocacy, research, and scientific exchange.
The meeting brought together scientists, clinicians, dengue experts, local leaders and stakeholders from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and other partner countries to support a regional platform for on-going dialogue, knowledge exchange, and policy coordination. The initiative was designed to connect advocacy groups, public health professionals, researchers, healthcare stakeholders, and funding partners to advance dengue prevention and response across Asia. It also shares best practices, address emerging challenges, and strengthen a united regional voice.
A key milestone of the gathering was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) announcement among the founding regional partners: Asia Dengue Voice G Action Group (ADVA), Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM), Empowering Networks to Defeat Dengue (E.N.D. Dengue Coalition, Philippines), Koalisi Bersama Lawan Dengue (Joint Coalition Against Dengue – KOBAR, Indonesia), the Singapore Dengue Alliance, and the International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ISNTD)1.
The announcement reflects a shared commitment to deepen collaboration across Southeast Asia and build stronger regional cooperation on dengue prevention, control and advocacy.
Speakers emphasized the importance of learning from each country’s strengths and approaches. Program examples included multi-stakeholder communications and engagement in the Philippines involving media, academe, medical societies, and other partners; policy engagement in Malaysia and Indonesia; and technology-enabled awareness campaigns in Singapore. These country experiences underscored the value of regional cooperation in strengthening advocacy, prevention, and response efforts.
Philippine expertise was especially visible throughout the program. Dr. Capeding served as moderator for “Symposium 7: Emerging challenges in dengue management,” guiding discussion on some of the most pressing clinical and scientific issues in dengue care.
Dr. Capeding said the session reflected the urgent need to strengthen collaboration across countries and disciplines to improve dengue outcomes. She added that bringing together clinical, scientific, and public health perspectives was essential to advancing more effective management of dengue in the region.
The symposium, featured presentations by:
· Neelika Malavige — Dengue and obesity, Sri Jayewardenepura University, Sri Lanka
· Nguyen Lam Vuong — Novel biomarkers for severe dengue prediction, OUCRU, Vietnam
· Wee Liang En Ian — Post-acute burden of dengue, SGH, Singapore
· Ho Ǫuang Chanh — Real-time continuous clinical monitoring for dengue, OUCRU, Vietnam
The session highlighted the need for better understanding of dengue severity, patient burden, and real-time clinical monitoring, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across research and healthcare networks in the region.
In another featured program, Dr. Bravo moderated “ADVA Educational Symposium 1: Innovations for Aedes-borne disease control,” supported by Bavarian Nordic and the World Mosquito Program.
The symposium, showcased major advances in vector control and disease prevention, with presentations by:
· Jue Tao Lim — Global evidence base for vector control, NTU, Singapore
· Bekti Andari — Updates from World Mosquito Program
· Tsin Wen Yeo — Updates on Chikungunya, NTU, Singapore
This session emphasized the growing importance of evidence-based vector control strategies, global implementation updates, and continued attention to chikungunya as a major Aedes-borne disease of concern.
Organizers said the platform is intended to support policy dialogue, prevention and control efforts, and coordinated planning among public health, research, healthcare, and funding partners. The event also symbolized the passing of the torch to future host locations, as the collaboration continues to expand globally.
The program concluded with appreciation for all speakers, participants, and supporters who contributed to the successful convening and continued development of this regional effort. (/)