A FULL professor from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City recently joined the 7th Asia Dengue Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Dr. Frances Edillo presented the genetic structure of Aedes aegypti, the primary dengue mosquito vector in the Philippines that might impact vector control strategies amidst global warming.

“The summit included cutting-edge information and topics discussed by several global scientists, experts, clinicians, and some young minds on new advances in vector control, scaling up implementation of Wolbachia-treated mosquito releases for sustainable control of dengue and other arboviral diseases, modeling methods, intricacies of developing new dengue vaccines, and strengthening early detection and appropriate clinical management to reduce the case fatality rates, thus achieving one arm of the goals,” USC said.

Themed Towards Zero Dengue Deaths: Innovation, Collaboration, Action in Asia,” the 7th ADS aims to bring together experts, clinicians, scientists, and public health officials to address dengue challenges and develop innovative strategies for better prevention and control globally.

It featured 13 symposia, 550 speakers and delegates from 20 countries, 74 posters, and 12 booths. These provided scientific presentations, discussions, and renewed hope to eradicate dengue, a top ten global health threat according to the World Health Organization.

The 8th ADS will be in the Philippines. Dr. Maria Rosario Capeding, a pediatrician at the Research Institute of Tropical Medical accepted the responsibility with Prof. Edillo committing to assist her.