The International Federation of the Red Cross is urging countries in the Asia Pacific region to take a more proactive approach to dengue, describing the mosquito-borne disease as a silent disaster.
The aid organisation says over the past 50 years, dengue has spread from nine to more than 100 countries, making it the most rapidly spreading vector-borne disease.
Its says the Asia Pacific region is most at risk.
The emergency health controller for Asia Pacific, Jim Catampongan, says the Red Cross is calling for countries to take a more preventative approach.
"What we want to achieve is that there will be more attention accorded to dengue, prevention and control, for governments to strengthen their capacities, and really harness the potential of working together in communities through integrated community health services."
Red Cross Asia Pacific emergency health controller, Jim Catampongan.
