In 2023, the Region faced its most severe dengue epidemic, with over 4.4 million cases of dengue reported to PASB. 

Maintaining a case fatality rate (CFR) within the regional target of 0.050% during the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant achievement, made possible through a focused strategy that involved training healthcare professionals on the proper management of dengue to prevent disease progression to severe cases and fatalities. In the 2022–2023 biennium, over 260 000 individuals were trained on critical dengue management strategies in a 20-hour virtual course within PAHO's Virtual Campus for Public Health. 

The indicator measures the impact of the appropriate use of PAHO/WHO dengue clinical management guidelines in reducing preventable deaths due to dengue in the context of co-circulation of other arboviruses. It is determined by dividing the number of total deaths attributable to dengue in a population by the number of total dengue cases in the same population. However, 14 countries have reported only laboratory-confirmed dengue cases to PASB, which may underrepresent the true burden of cases and potentially mask more significant progress in this area. 

Recommendations 

• Strengthen clinical training for dengue management. 

• Strengthen health information systems to report and monitor dengue cases effectively. 

• Evaluate the performance of dengue case management programs. 

• Encourage key clinical staff to complete the virtual course on dengue clinical management.