National Dengue Review 2026 identifies priorities to strengthen Sri Lanka's dengue preparedness and response

Sri Lanka's health authorities, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), convened the National Dengue Review 2026 from 11 to 13 August to assess the country's dengue situation, review the ongoing outbreak response, identify operational challenges, and define strategic priorities for strengthening dengue prevention and control nationwide. 

The three-day review brought together representatives from the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), provincial and district health authorities, consultant community physicians, entomologists, public health experts, and other stakeholders. The review provided an important platform to analyse the current dengue situation, share field experiences from across the country, identify operational gaps, and strengthen coordination among partners working to reduce the burden of dengue in Sri Lanka.

Dengue in Sri Lanka: A persistent public health challenge

Dengue has been a recognized public health concern in Sri Lanka for more than five decades. Dengue fever was first serologically confirmed in the country in 1962, and by the 1960s and 1970s transmission had been documented in major urban centres across the island. Today, Sri Lanka is home to at least 48 identified Aedes mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, the two principal vectors responsible for dengue transmission.

Since the first major dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) epidemic in 1989, Sri Lanka has experienced recurrent outbreaks of varying magnitude, with transmission reported from all provinces. Over the past two decades, dengue has imposed a substantial public health, social, and economic burden on the country.

The most severe dengue outbreak in Sri Lanka's history occurred in 2017, when 186,101 cases and 440 deaths were reported nationwide, corresponding to an incidence rate of 865.9 cases per 100,000 population. Despite the unprecedented scale of the outbreak and an increase in more severe forms of the disease, the country successfully maintained a relatively low case fatality rate through strengthened clinical management, surveillance, and coordinated public health action

Over the years, Sri Lanka has made significant investments in dengue prevention and control, including strengthening surveillance systems, expanding laboratory diagnostic capacity, improving clinical management, enhancing vector surveillance and control activities, and increasing public awareness and community engagement. These efforts have contributed to a notable reduction in dengue mortality and strengthened the country's capacity to respond to outbreaks.

Nevertheless, dengue continues to pose a major public health challenge. Transmission remains influenced by a complex interaction of climatic conditions, rainfall patterns, urbanization, environmental changes, population movement, and the widespread presence of mosquito breeding sites in domestic and peri-domestic settings. The circulation of different dengue virus serotypes also contributes to fluctuations in disease transmission and severity. As a result, sustained preparedness, evidence-based interventions, strong multisectoral collaboration, and active community participation remain essential to reducing the burden of dengue and preventing future outbreaks in Sri Lanka.

Caption: Data being presented on the age and sex distribution of reported dengue cases in 2026 on day 3 of the National Dengue Review 2026. (Credits – Janaka Saman Kumara / NDCU Sri Lanka)

Current outbreak situation

The current dengue outbreak underscores the continuing public health threat posed by dengue in Sri Lanka. By early August 2026, the country had reported more than 90,000 dengue cases and over 65 dengue-related deaths, making this one of the most significant outbreaks in recent years and placing 2026 on track to become the largest dengue outbreak since the record epidemic of 2017.

Despite substantial progress in strengthening surveillance, laboratory capacity, clinical management, and outbreak response systems, the scale of transmission observed this year highlights the need for sustained vigilance and intensified prevention efforts. The outbreak has demonstrated the importance of timely surveillance, case-based investigations, effective clinical management, evidence-based vector control, and rapid public health action.

Caption: WHO staff engaged in inspection of home premises for mosquito breeding sites, together with National Dengue Control unit, MOH Office Kelaniya officials and PHIs in July 2026. (Credits – Sejani Wilegoda / WHO)

 Throughout the review, provincial and district teams presented epidemiological trends, outbreak response activities, operational challenges, and lessons learned from recent dengue control efforts. Experiences were shared by districts and provinces across the country, providing valuable insights into local transmission patterns and response strategies.

Participants reviewed progress and challenges across several key programmatic areas, including:

• Dengue surveillance and reporting
• Vector surveillance and integrated vector management
• Community engagement and risk communication
• Outbreak preparedness and response
• Data-driven decision-making and forecasting
• Multisectoral coordination and collaboration

Discussions emphasized the need for timely case investigations, strengthened dengue death reviews, effective information sharing across districts, and the use of epidemiological and entomological data to inform evidence-based interventions. The review also served as a platform for provinces and districts to showcase successful approaches, examine operational and resource-related challenges, and identify strategies to address emerging epidemiological threats.

Strengthening surveillance, vector control and evidence-based action

Several operational recommendations emerged from the review. Participants emphasized the need for timely submission of dengue death investigations to facilitate rapid public health action and improve programme learning. It was also noted that when infections are believed to have occurred outside the patient's area of residence, this information should be promptly communicated to relevant health authorities to support appropriate vector control measures and prevent further transmission. 

The review underscored the importance of strengthening the use of entomological surveillance data to guide vector control activities. Participants highlighted the value of analysing vector surveillance data through appropriate analytical tools and visualizations to support evidence-based decision-making and better targeting of interventions.

There was also considerable discussion regarding persistent mosquito breeding sites identified in schools, public institutions, and other premises where disposal of unused or discarded items remains slow. Participants stressed the need for stronger intersectoral collaboration, environmental management, and enforcement measures to address these risks.

The review further highlighted the importance of planning vector control interventions based on local transmission patterns and vector surveillance findings to maximize effectiveness and optimize resource utilization.

Communities remain central to dengue prevention

A key message emerging from the review was that dengue prevention cannot be achieved through health sector interventions alone. Meaningful and sustained community participation remains essential to reducing mosquito breeding and preventing transmission.

Participants emphasized the importance of routine source reduction activities in households, schools, workplaces, construction sites, religious institutions, and public spaces. Strengthening risk communication and fostering behavioural change were identified as critical components of long-term dengue control.

The review also underscored the value of engaging young people and local communities as active partners in dengue prevention efforts and promoting greater ownership of environmental management activities.

Caption: A participant at the National Dengue Review analysing data on dengue surveillance and control activities conducted from Jan to Jul -2026, including insecticide susceptibility and double net trap efficacy. (Credit – Sejani Wilegoda / WHO)

Investing in data, innovation and forecasting

As dengue outbreaks become increasingly influenced by environmental and climatic factors, the use of data and predictive analytics is becoming more important for planning and response. 

Sri Lanka has been strengthening its capacity to utilize epidemiological, entomological, climatic, and laboratory data to guide targeted interventions and improve outbreak preparedness. The National Dengue Review highlighted the value of early warning and forecasting mechanisms to identify high-risk areas and facilitate timely public health action before outbreaks escalate.

Caption: Dr Jagath Amarasekera Consultant Community Physician, National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) presenting the current innovations and approaches being considered for dengue control in Sri Lanka. (Credits – Sejani Wilegoda / WHO)

Priorities for the future

Looking ahead, Sri Lanka's dengue response will require a combination of strengthened public health interventions, sustained political commitment, and greater community ownership.

• Strengthening early warning and forecasting systems.
• Enhancing integrated vector management through risk-based and evidence-driven interventions.
• Improving dengue surveillance, case investigations, and mortality reviews.
• Strengthening laboratory surveillance, including monitoring circulating dengue virus serotypes.
• Expanding community engagement and behavioural change initiatives.
• Increasing youth participation in dengue prevention activities.
• Improving environmental management and solid waste disposal practices.
• Strengthening healthcare worker capacity for early diagnosis and effective clinical management.
• Promoting operational research and innovation.
• Advancing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to dengue prevention and control

These priorities will help guide future planning and investments aimed at reducing dengue-related illness and preventing avoidable deaths.

WHO's continued support

WHO continues to support the Ministry of Health and the National Dengue Control Unit in strengthening dengue surveillance, laboratory systems, outbreak preparedness, vector control, strategic information, risk communication,  clinical management and the use of strategic information for public health decision-making.

The Organization also supports efforts to promote innovation, strengthen partnerships, and enhance preparedness and response capacities across the country. National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) been recognized as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Collaborating Centre for Training and Research on Dengue Case Management, recognizing Sri Lanka's growing technical expertise and contribution to infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response, clinical management, and public health capacity strengthening in the Region. This achievement further reinforces the country's ability to generate evidence, strengthen collaboration, and support regional and global health security efforts.

The WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav noted;" While Sri Lanka has made significant progress in reducing dengue-related deaths, dengue remains a major public health challenge. Sustained success will depend on strong public health systems, empowered communities, evidence-based interventions, effective multisectoral collaboration, and continued investment in preparedness and innovation. Through collective action, Sri Lanka can further reduce the burden of dengue and strengthen resilience against future outbreaks."

Looking ahead

The findings and recommendations emerging from the National Dengue Review 2026 will help shape Sri Lanka's future dengue prevention and control strategies in Sri Lanka.  A consistent message emerged that  reducing the burden of dengue requires strong public health systems, timely data-driven action, effective vector control, community ownership, and sustained collaboration across all sectors. 

The recent designation of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (NIID) as a WHO Collaborating Centre underscores Sri Lanka's commitment to strengthening public health preparedness and advancing technical excellence. Combined with continued investment in surveillance, innovation, and community engagement, this positions the country to further reduce the burden of dengue and build resilience against future outbreaks.