Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 13:00 –14:00 (CET)
Background
Arboviral diseases are caused by viruses that are transmitted by arthropods (such as mosquitoes and ticks) to humans. Due to climate change, urbanization, and other factors, there have been increasing epidemics of arboviral diseases and emergence in historically unaffected regions. Presently, 5.6 billion people globally are estimated to be at risk of infection from arboviruses, and this number is estimated to increase by 2050. Epidemic-prone arboviruses transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes include dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. In addition, Aedes aegypti can transmit urban yellow fever. A global dengue upsurge has occurred in recent years, and since 2024, epidemics of chikungunya are occurring after a hiatus of two decades in the Indian Ocean islands, while yellow fever outbreaks are occurring in the Americas Region.
In alignment with the strategic objectives of the Global Arbovirus Programme, the WHO guidelines for clinical management of arboviral disease focuses on the updated recommendations for clinical management of dengue, chikungunya, Zika and yellow fever for which there are no approved specific treatments, and management of these diseases is mostly symptomatic and supportive. Most cases of arboviral diseases are mild and self-limiting, however, if worsening or severe cases are not recognized and managed appropriately, it can lead to negative patient outcomes, including death. As such, this guideline includes recommendations on the management of patients requiring admission to health care facilities as well as recommendations for patients who can be managed in an outpatient setting.
While the new guidelines provide a robust framework for managing patients effectively, their impact will be limited unless they are supported by policies that improve referral pathways and expand access to like-saving hospital-based care. Promoting good clinical practices is only one part of the solution. To reduce mortality, particularly from severe cases of yellow fever, countries must also strengthen their health systems to ensure timely access to hospital care, including intensive care services. This is especially critical given that most yellow fever cases occur in remote and underserved areas.
Objectives
Objectives of the launch:
- To inform health care providers, health managers, policy makers, and other relevant personnel about the new WHO guidelines for clinical management of arboviral diseases.
- To outline the scope of the new clinical guidelines and briefly highlight the recommendations made.
- To encourage widespread adoption and implementation of clinical guidelines in healthcare settings.
- To demonstrate how to use the guideline for management of suspected or confirmed arboviral disease using the implementation tools) derived from the guideline.
- To advocate to health authorities on the need to continue investments in health infrastructure, referral systems, and critical care capacity.
Agenda and Speakers
Introduction of EPI-WIN, housekeeping and slido: Dr Supriya Bezbaruah, Lead, EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO headquarters
Introduction to the launch: Dr Diana Rojas Alvarez, Global Arbovirus Programme, WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE)
Welcome remarks: Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Director, Epidemic and Pandemic Management (EPM), WHE
Importance of an integrated clinical guideline for arboviruses: Prof Kleber Luz, Pediatrician and Infectious Disease Specialist, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Summary of WHO guideline for clinical management of arboviral diseases and implementation tools:
Dr Jamie Rylance, Clinical Management Expert, Safe and Scalable Care Unit, WHE
Discussion, Q&A: All speakers
Closing remarks: Dr Janet Victoria Diaz, Unit Head, Safe and Scalable Care, WHE
Closing of EPI-WIN: EPI-WIN Science and Knowledge Translation, WHO headquarters
Registration