A Dengue Vaccine Could Be on the Horizon, But challenges Remain
Table of Contents
- 1. A Dengue Vaccine Could Be on the Horizon, But challenges Remain
- 2. The Search for a Viable Vaccine Solution
- 3. Preparing for Vaccine Rollout
- 4. A Multi-Faceted Approach to Dengue Prevention
- 5. Looking ahead: Collaboration and Innovation
- 6. Harnessing AI for Malaria Elimination: Researchers Explore New Frontiers
- 7. Deep Learning for Diagnosis and Drug Revelation
- 8. Predicting outbreaks and Guiding Interventions
- 9. The Future of Malaria Elimination
- 10. What are the challenges in securing enough doses of Qdenga for your country?
Despite a recent dip in case numbers, dengue fever remains a serious public health concern, especially for children in the most vulnerable age groups.
“They are the ones most frequently enough hospitalized for severe dengue fever, as it’s often their first exposure to the most prevalent serotypes circulating in the country,” explains Dr. Cousirat, director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)’s National Directorate of Epidemiology. Thankfully,there’s hope on the horizon: dengue vaccines.
The Search for a Viable Vaccine Solution
Currently, two vaccines are authorized – Dengvaxia from Sanofi Pasteur and Qdenga from Takeda Laboratory. However, Dengvaxia, targeted at individuals aged 9 to 45 who have previously had dengue, is no longer imported due to low demand and specific management requirements.
Qdenga, approved for use in those 4 years and older, is more widely accessible in terms of its requirements. But, its availability is limited by production constraints and high global demand. “We are eagerly awaiting increased production of the Japanese Qdenga vaccine,” says Dr. Cousirat, “and are closely following the progress of a third vaccine, originating in Brazil from the Butantan Institute. This Brazilian option holds grate promise as a more accessible solution for our region.”
The Butantan Institute’s vaccine is currently in the registration phase and could be a game-changer as it woudl be produced locally and in critically important quantities.
last year, the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare (MSPBS) requested Qdenga doses but faced the same global supply issues. “It’s a regional problem,” Dr. Cousirat clarifies, “Countries like Brazil and Argentina also have a high need for doses, further complicating access.”
Preparing for Vaccine Rollout
While the cost per dose is still under discussion, preliminary figures from the PAHO estimate it at US$19.2.If available, the vaccines would be integrated into the national immunization program, prioritizing children between 5 and 14 years old.
More than 1,400 vaccination centers are ready to distribute the vaccine nationwide, mirroring the accomplished model used for yellow fever vaccination.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Dengue Prevention
Dr. Cousirat emphasizes that vaccination is just one part of a complete strategy. “eliminating mosquito breeding sites remains essential,” he stresses. “The Aedes Aegypti mosquito transmits not only dengue but also chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika.
While 2025 has seen a decrease in dengue and chikungunya cases, an atypical trend compared to previous years, Dr. Cousirat urges caution. “Constant rains and high temperatures create the perfect habitat for mosquito eggs, wich can survive for up to a year, to hatch and restart the transmission cycle,” he warns.
Looking ahead: Collaboration and Innovation
Vaccine development for other mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, is underway but faces similar challenges: limited production and high demand. “Our local vaccine production capacity is lacking,forcing us to rely on imports,” Dr. Cousirat reveals.
He advocates for strengthened regional collaboration, especially with neighbors like Brazil and Argentina, who have expertise in biological production.“Public health must be a shared priority,” he concludes.
Meanwhile, prevention and community education remain fundamental pillars in the fight against dengue and other vector-borne diseases.
Harnessing AI for Malaria Elimination: Researchers Explore New Frontiers
The battle against malaria, a devastating disease that claims hundreds of thousands of lives each year, is entering a new era. Researchers are increasingly turning to the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to develop innovative tools and strategies for malaria elimination.
Deep Learning for Diagnosis and Drug Revelation
one promising area of research involves using deep learning algorithms to analyze microscopic images of blood samples. DeepSeek, an AI-powered platform, has shown notable accuracy in identifying malaria parasites, potentially revolutionizing diagnostics in resource-limited settings.
“Deep learning algorithms can analyze images with a level of precision that surpasses human capability,” explains a leading researcher in the field. “This has the potential to substantially improve the speed and accuracy of malaria diagnosis, leading to more timely treatment and better patient outcomes.”
Beyond diagnostics, AI is also being leveraged to accelerate the development of new antimalarial drugs. Machine learning algorithms can analyze vast datasets of chemical compounds, identifying promising candidates for further testing.This approach has the potential to dramatically shorten the drug discovery process.
Predicting outbreaks and Guiding Interventions
AI can play a crucial role in predicting malaria outbreaks and guiding targeted interventions. By analyzing data on weather patterns, mosquito population density, and human movement, AI models can identify areas at high risk of outbreaks. this information can help health authorities allocate resources effectively and implement prevention measures.
“Predictive modeling can empower us to act proactively rather than reactively,” says a public health expert. “by anticipating outbreaks, we can deploy interventions in a timely manner and minimize the impact of malaria on vulnerable communities.”
The Future of Malaria Elimination
The integration of AI into malaria control efforts holds immense promise. As these technologies continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications emerge.
While AI is not a silver bullet, it represents a powerful tool in our arsenal against malaria. By harnessing the power of data and computation, we can move closer to achieving our goal of a malaria-free world.
What are the challenges in securing enough doses of Qdenga for your country?
Interview with Dr. Maria Cousirat: The Fight Against Dengue and the Promise of Vaccines
By Archyde News Team
Archyde: dr. Cousirat, thank you for joining us today. Dengue fever remains a significant public health challenge, especially for children. Can you explain why this age group is especially vulnerable?
Dr. Cousirat: thank you for having me. Children are especially vulnerable because they often experience their first dengue infection during their early years. This first exposure can lead to severe dengue, as their immune systems are not yet equipped to handle the virus effectively. In many cases, this results in hospitalization and, unluckily, even fatalities. the most prevalent serotypes circulating in our region exacerbate this issue, making it a critical public health priority.
Archyde: There’s been a lot of talk about dengue vaccines. Can you give us an overview of the current options?
Dr. Cousirat: Certainly. Currently, there are two authorized vaccines: Dengvaxia from Sanofi Pasteur and Qdenga from Takeda Laboratory.Dengvaxia is targeted at individuals aged 9 to 45 who have previously had dengue, but it’s no longer imported due to low demand and specific management requirements. Qdenga, conversely, is approved for those aged 4 and older and is more accessible in terms of it’s requirements. However, its availability is limited by production constraints and high global demand.
We’re also closely monitoring the progress of a third vaccine being developed by Brazil’s Butantan Institute. This vaccine is currently in the registration phase and holds great promise as a locally produced solution, which could significantly improve accessibility in our region.
Archyde: What are the challenges in securing enough doses of Qdenga for your country?
Dr. Cousirat: The challenges are primarily related to global supply and demand. Last year, our Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare requested Qdenga doses but faced the same issues as other countries in the region. Countries like Brazil and argentina also have a high need for doses, which complicates access. It’s a regional problem that requires coordinated efforts and increased production capacity.
Archyde: How is your country preparing for the potential rollout of dengue vaccines?
Dr. Cousirat: We’re taking a proactive approach. Preliminary estimates from PAHO suggest the cost per dose could be around US$19.2, though this is still under discussion. If the vaccines become available, they will be integrated into our national immunization program, with priority given to children aged 5 to 14.
we’ve also prepared over 1,400 vaccination centers nationwide to distribute the vaccine efficiently. This model mirrors the successful rollout of the yellow fever vaccine, which gives us confidence in our ability to manage a large-scale vaccination campaign.
Archyde: Vaccination is just one part of the strategy to combat dengue. What other measures are essential?
Dr.Cousirat: Absolutely.Vaccination is a critical tool, but it’s not a standalone solution. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites remains essential. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which transmits dengue, also spreads chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. We must continue public education campaigns, improve sanitation, and encourage communities to take proactive measures to reduce mosquito habitats.
Even though we’ve seen a decrease in dengue and chikungunya cases this year, we must remain vigilant. Constant rains and high temperatures create ideal conditions for mosquito eggs to hatch, restarting the transmission cycle.
Archyde: Looking ahead, what role do you see for collaboration and innovation in addressing mosquito-borne diseases?
Dr. Cousirat: Collaboration and innovation are key. Vaccine progress for other mosquito-borne diseases, such as chikungunya, is underway, but it faces similar challenges: limited production capacity and high demand. Our local vaccine production capacity is currently insufficient, forcing us to rely on imports.
To address this, we need to invest in local research and production capabilities. Regional collaboration through organizations like PAHO is also crucial to ensure equitable access to vaccines and other resources. By working together, we can develop more effective strategies and tools to combat these diseases and protect public health.
Archyde: Thank you,Dr. Cousirat, for your insights and for your dedication to this critical issue.
Dr. Cousirat: Thank you. It’s a collective effort,and I’m hopeful that with continued collaboration and innovation,we can make significant progress in the fight against dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases.
End of Interview
For more updates on public health initiatives and vaccine developments, stay tuned to Archyde.
