As public and private funding for disease research becomes less reliable, experts say philanthropic organisations must step up to support research and development (R&D) for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.
Speaking at the Philanthropy Asia Summit 2025, held on May 5, experts highlighted the urgent need for more sustainable funding in the face of rising dengue cases. Global dengue infections hit a record 13 million in 2024—double the 2023 figure. In Singapore alone, cases rose by 36% to over 13,600 in 2024.
Sir Peter Horby, director of Oxford University’s Pandemic Sciences Institute, noted that dengue vaccine development has spanned a century, but recent setbacks—such as the U.S. cutting funding for antiviral R&D—have made progress more difficult. He emphasized that vaccine and drug development is a long-term investment.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who spoke earlier at the summit, stressed the importance of continued innovation. His foundation has supported companies like Sanofi and Takeda in developing dengue vaccines, though he acknowledged that more advanced vaccines are still needed.
As climate change and urbanization increase the risk of dengue in Southeast Asia, especially in countries like the Philippines, more people will become vulnerable by 2080, Sir Peter added.
Other experts echoed the need for innovation and collaboration. Malaysian professor Rose Nani Mudin called for new solutions like longer-lasting larvicides. Professor Teo Yik Ying from the National University of Singapore stressed the need for governments to set the right policy priorities and leverage blended financing—combining public, private, and philanthropic funds—for long-term health security.
Dr Alan Dangour of the Wellcome Trust argued that philanthropic groups are uniquely positioned to take the funding risks others cannot. He urged greater collaboration among such organisations to drive forward medical innovations.
Dr Lee Fook Kay from the Temasek Foundation pointed to a dengue antiviral drug trial that was halted after Johnson & Johnson withdrew support. He said this highlights where philanthropists can fill critical funding gaps.
The WHO has also responded by launching a global strategic plan in October 2024 to combat diseases spread by Aedes mosquitoes, including Zika and chikungunya.
