The Urgent Need for Dengue Vaccination: Combating an Escalating Public Health Crisis in Pakistan
Somia Iqtadar, Javed Akram, Amjad Khan
Abstract
Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant global health threat, with a dramatic increase in cases driven by climate change, urbanization, and mosquito resistance. In Pakistan, a country with a population of 240 million, the world's fifth largest, dengue has emerged as an escalating public health crisis, with seasonal outbreaks severely straining the healthcare system. Despite decades of vector control efforts, there has not been much success, necessitating the introduction of dengue vaccination to boost population immunity. Recent advancements in vaccine development demonstrate promising efficacy and safety profiles, even in dengue-naive individuals. Implementing a dengue vaccination program in Pakistan could significantly reduce the disease burden, lower healthcare costs, and prevent future outbreaks. Integrating vaccination with existing public health initiatives can achieve high coverage and improve overall public health outcomes.