THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 18, 2026

Dengue is no longer a seasonal illness but an evolving public health challenge demanding year-round preparedness. Experts noted that shifting epidemiological trends, rapid urbanisation, climate variability, international travel and enhanced vector adaptability are significantly expanding dengue transmission zones worldwide. India remains highly vulnerable due to its climatic conditions and population density, underscoring the need for robust surveillance systems, early outbreak detection and stronger public health interventions.

In observance of National Dengue Day 2026, the Department of General Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar organised the National CME on “Dengue Update 2026: Clinical Insight & Public Health Perspectives,” bringing together leading clinicians, epidemiologists, public health experts and academicians for in-depth scientific discussions on dengue prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control strategies.

The CME aligned with the National Dengue Day 2026 theme, emphasising community participation in dengue control through the message: “Check, Clean and Cover.”

The programme was held under the patronage of Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Biswas, Executive Director and CEO, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, a distinguished academician and clinician. Prof. Biswas stressed the urgent need for integrated approaches involving clinicians, epidemiologists, researchers, administrators and the community to address the rising dengue burden in India.

 “Dengue continues to pose a major public health challenge due to the absence of definitive antiviral therapy and the unpredictability of severe disease progression,” said Dr. Biswas. He highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis, standardised treatment protocols and capacity building among healthcare professionals. “Institutions like AIIMS Bhubaneswar have a critical role in integrating clinical excellence with public health awareness and translational research,” he added.

The event was guided by Co-Patrons Dr. Dillip Kumar Parida, Dean (Academics), and Dr. Prabhas Ranjan Tripathy, Medical Superintendent, AIIMS Bhubaneswar.

The CME was spearheaded by Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Mohanty, Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, who served as Organizing Chairperson. Dr. Mohanty emphasised that continuous medical education is vital for clinicians to stay updated on evolving diagnostic and management protocols in dengue care.

Programme coordination and scientific execution were efficiently managed by Dr. Debananda Sahoo, Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, who served as Organizing Secretary.

The inauguration was graced by Dr. A. P. Dash, former Regional Advisor to the World Health Organization. A globally respected epidemiologist and vector-borne disease expert, Dr. Dash delivered a detailed address on the global dengue scenario, highlighting changing epidemiology, emerging severe disease patterns and growing international concern over arboviral infections.

Dr. Sanghamitra Pati, Director, RMRC Bhubaneswar and ADG, ICMR, delivered an insightful address on strengthening surveillance systems, translational research and community-focused healthcare strategies to combat vector-borne diseases like dengue. She emphasised evidence-based policymaking, interdisciplinary collaboration and public health preparedness.

Dr. Shubhashisha Mohanty, Additional Director of Health Services and State Programme Officer, NVBDCP, presented detailed insights into the changing epidemiology and burden of dengue in India, with special focus on Odisha and eastern India.

The CME also featured an engaging panel discussion on practical challenges in dengue management, outbreak preparedness, differential diagnosis, community interventions and strengthening hospital response systems. Experts highlighted the importance of climate-sensitive surveillance, stronger primary healthcare systems, enhanced laboratory capacity and interdisciplinary research collaboration.

An important component of the observance was a public awareness programme held at the OPD foyer of AIIMS Bhubaneswar. Faculty members, resident doctors, nursing officers and healthcare workers interacted with patients and attendants to educate them on dengue symptoms, warning signs requiring hospital care and preventive measures against mosquito breeding.

The campaign stressed environmental sanitation, safe water storage and community-level vector control. Educational leaflets were distributed to raise awareness on Aedes mosquito breeding habits, personal protection and early healthcare-seeking behaviour.

Throughout the sessions, speakers reiterated that inappropriate self-medication, delayed diagnosis and lack of awareness continue to drive severe dengue outcomes. Experts emphasised evidence-based treatment, adherence to national guidelines and stronger referral systems for critically ill patients.

The deliberations further underscored the importance of research on emerging dengue serotypes, immune responses, vaccine development and vector ecology. Speakers also highlighted the growing role of digital surveillance systems, predictive modelling and integrated vector management in preventing outbreaks.