Imagine losing your parents within days to a mosquito bite. For Firdaus, that was his painful reality. Dengue is not just “a fever”, it’s a deadly disease that can devastate families in a matter of days. Despite ongoing efforts, dengue continues to claim live across Malaysia. In 2024 alone, over 122,000 cases were reported, with 117 tragic deaths, this is a rise of 17% compared to the previous year.
But here’s the truth: Every dengue death is preventable. Thats why Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM), together with Immunise4Life (IFL), has launched the END Dengue Deaths (ENDD) campaign which is an urgent call to action to save lives.
Four Simple Steps Can Save Thousands of Lives
Dengue doesn’t discriminate. It strikes children, adults, and even entire families at once. The stories of survivors are haunting, but they all share one message: prevention is critical. The ENDD campaign encourages every Malaysian to take four powerful steps to protect themselves and their loved ones:
- Destroy mosquito Breeding Grounds
Stagnant water in flowerpots, containers, or clogged drains can quickly become mosquito nurseries. By clearing these spaces regularly, you cut off the mosquito life cycle before it begins. This simple habit reduces your household’s exposure significantly.
- Prevent Mosquito Bites
Use insect repellents, install window screens, and wear-long-sleeved clothing, especially during peak mosquito hours (early morning and evening). These precautions are especially important in dengue hotspots, which you can track via the iDengue Portal.
- Get Vaccinated
TAK-003, a proven dengue vaccine, is now available in private clinics across Malaysia. It offers over 80% protection against symptomatic dengue and reduces hospitalization risk by 95% within the first year. It’s already being used widely in Indonesia and Vietnam, protecting thousands, so why wait?
- Seek Early Treatment
Don’t ignore symptoms like fever, rashes, muscle pain, or vomiting. Early diagnosis and treatment save lives. Even if you’ve had dengue before, reinfection can be more severe. Always consult a doctor at the first sign of illness.
Malaysia Can Achieve Zero Dengue Deaths by 2030
The Ministry of Health has worked tirelessly with strategies like releasing Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes and deploying PCOs for larviciding. These innovations have reduced dengue by 50-80% in some areas. Yet, statistics reveal a harsh reality, efforts at the top are not enough without action on the ground.
That’s why DPAM has shifted its focus to public education. Through the ENDD campaign, they aim to spread awareness on social media and provide resources in both Bahasa Malaysia and English at enddenguedeaths.denguepreventionadvocacy.my. With the support of Takeda Malaysia, the campaign brings together health professionals, civil society, and everyday Malaysians to fight dengue on all fronts.
The campaign is also backed by a strong coalition including the Malaysia Paediatric Association, MyICID, MSIDC, PPPKAM, MMA, and more. It’s a unified push across medical, governmental, and community sectors to make zero dengue deaths a reality.
Join the Fight to End Dengue Deaths Now
Dengue has already taken too many lives. But you have the power to stop it. Share the ENDD campaign message. Protect your home, your family, and your community. Encourage others to learn the symptoms, get vaccinated, and clean their surroundings regularly.
- Visit enddenguedeaths.dpam.org.my for videos, prevention tips, and more.
- Speak to your doctor about the TAK-003 dengue vaccine.
- Follow and support local campaigns on social media, every share saves lives.
Together, we can achieve the goal set by the World Health Organization: Zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030.
Because every life is precious. And because no one should lose their loved ones to a mosquito bite.
Want to help spread awareness?
Reach our DPAM at [email protected] and be part of the change.
