Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Together with Kao and Takeda, Join forces with Partners to Launch "ASEAN United: Zero Dengue Death, A Future We Build Together" Driving Proactive Innovation and Prevention to Eliminate Preventable Dengue Deaths

9 June 2025 – The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), Department of Disease Control (DDC) has joined hand with private sector partners Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Takeda (Thailand) Ltd., along with 6 collaborators including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Embassy of Japan in Thailand, Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, Amata Corporation Public Company Ltd., CP All Public Co. Ltd., and members of the Dengue-Zero partnership to host ASEAN Dengue Day 2025. This year, Thailand had the honor to host regional activities under the theme "ASEAN United: Zero Dengue Death, A Future We Build Together", reflecting the nation's commitment to advancing proactive dengue prevention through four key strategies; disease surveillance, mosquito vector control, early diagnosis and risk communication, in which these efforts aim to achieve Thailand's goal of zero dengue deaths. This goal is more than just a number, but a vision to safeguard the future of the ASEAN population and eliminating preventable deaths caused by dengue.

The ongoing shift in climate patterns signals an increased threat from seasonal diseases in the rainy season such as dengue, which poses a heightened risk due to Thailand's earlier-than-usual rainy season this May and above-average rainfall forecasts for 2025. Consequently, seasonal diseases such as dengue fever are becoming more frequent and prolonged risks than ever before. It is essential to emphasize early symptom recognition and preventive measures to reduce risks. If a high fever persists for more than two days, immediate medical care is advised. Additionally, it is strongly recommended to avoid using aspirin and NSAIDs without medical supervision, as it can cause bleeding complications that could be fatal. According to data from the Department of Disease Control, Thailand's dengue situation over the past three years (2565 - 2567) recorded between 45,145 – 158,620 cases annually, with 29 – 181 deaths each year. From January 1 to June 4, 2025, there have been 13,079 reported cases and 15 deaths.

Mr. Somsak Thepsuthin, Minister of Public Health said "Dengue fever remains a significant public health threat across the ASEAN region, including Thailand." To raise awareness, June 15th has been declared as the official "ASEAN Dengue Day" each year. Although Thailand has continuously implemented dengue prevention and control measures, achieving long-term solutions remains a significant challenge that requires strong collaboration among all sectors including government, private sector, and civil society at both community and regional levels to minimize the damage caused by dengue, a disease from which fatalities should be preventable. The Ministry of Public Health has outlined four key strategies for dengue prevention and control including 1. disease and mosquito vector surveillance, 2. rapid response and vector control, 3. early diagnosis and treatment, and 4. risk communication to raise public awareness. Additionally, the application of technology to monitor disease outbreaks will further enhance effective control of the situation.

From the private sector, Mr. Akira Nishimaki, President of Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said
"At Kao, we are committed to our mission to "Protect Future Lives". We place high importance on the prevention of infectious diseases, particularly mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever. For the past four years, we've driven the 'GUARD OUR FUTURE' initiative in partnership with government agencies, industry sector, and academic institutions to prevent and control dengue. We believe dengue is preventable, and innovation is the key, therefore, Kao continues to advance efficient technologies in our mosquito-repellent products, offering an effective, versatile and differentiated product range designed to integrate seamlessly into daily life. Additionally, we consistently supported the Department of Disease Control with our products to ensure widespread protection and reduce national-level risk."

Mr. Peter Streibl, General Manager of Takeda (Thailand) Ltd., added: "Dengue continues to be a public health threat in endemic countries including Thailand and should not be underestimated. The World Health Organization reports more than 400 million global infections annually, a figure that underscores the urgent need for prevention and breaking the cycle of transmission, so that people no longer suffer from a disease that is preventable. Takeda have been working closely together with partners to build a dengue-free society. This year, we are launching the campaign "Secondhand Dengue, Secondary Victims" highlighting the emotional pain experienced not by the patient, but by their loved ones, underscoring the physical, emotional, and mental impact of the disease. These effects are avoidable if we work together to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds. We sincerely thank our partners in both the public and private sectors for their continued dedication to making our communities safer from dengue."

The event also featured a series of knowledge-sharing sessions, promoting regional collaboration and practical innovation in dengue prevention. The goal was to equip healthcare professionals and stakeholders from government, private sectors, and civil society with innovative approaches and effective practices for dengue prevention.Academic sessions covered on dengue vector prevention and control, diagnosis and treatment, vaccines, and medical science related to dengue fever, as well as epidemiology and relevant technologies, along with academic exhibition.

Kao, led by Dr. Aya Namba, Manager of Human Health Care Research Laboratory at Kao Corporation, Japan also participated in a discussion on dengue prevention and control under the topic "Novel technology to prevent mosquito bite", presenting a mosquito repellent product that makes use of Kao's unique and revolutionary technology developed from studying mosquito behavior. The product effectively prevents mosquito bites, stands out among other mosquito repellents, and alsocontains safe ingredients.

In addition, honorary plagues of appreciation were presented to network partners for their outstanding contributions to dengue prevention in Thailand. Kao Industrial (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Takeda (Thailand) Ltd. were among those honored, demonstrating the vital role of the private sector in supporting public health through resources, innovation, and shared commitment. Together, all partners reaffirmed their united goal of achieving a dengue-free ASEAN, turning the vision of "Zero Dengue Deaths" into reality for a safer and more resilient future.