Strengthening Health Service Organization and Dengue Case Management

Anabelle Alfaro trabaja con equipos locales para fortalecer la atención del dengue
OPS/OMS/Karina Arteaga
Credit

San Pedro Sula, Cortés, November 2024 (PAHO/WHO) – The Ministry of Health of Honduras, with technical support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), launched a mission of experts to enhance the organization of health services and the management of dengue cases. This mission, part of the "Dengue Response: Saving Lives" project, was financially backed by the European Union.

The team visited the Metropolitan regions of San Pedro Sula, Cortés, and Yoro, as well as the Escuela, Mario Catarino Rivas, Progreso, and Manuel de Jesús Subirana hospitals.

Leading the mission was Amy Tovar, head of the National Program for Vector-Borne Diseases, accompanied by technicians from the health surveillance unit, primary care level, and the Directorate General of Population Risks. PAHO/WHO participants included Dr. Anabelle Alfaro, an international expert in clinical management and health service organization; Aida Soto, International Advisor of CDE; Rosa Elena Mejía, National Officer and Epidemiologist; and Karina Arteaga, national technician in risk communication. Diego Ocampo, a member of the GT/Dengue International team, also joined during the initial phase.

There is an urgent need to bolster the capabilities of first and second-level health services and providers. Ensuring the proper organization of services and effective clinical management of suspected dengue cases is a top priority for the health system. This is crucial to prevent fatalities and control the spread of the current dengue epidemic. Additionally, the start of the cyclone season significantly increases the risk of suspected cases and dengue incidence, which could overwhelm health services and raise the mortality rate from this disease.

The team visited regions with the highest reports of dengue-related deaths, identifying factors contributing to the fatalities and addressing the critical care pathway in first and second-level health services.

Moreover, a working group was established to update the guidelines and protocols for the care and management of dengue patients, in line with current PAHO/WHO directives. This mission represents a collaborative effort to improve dengue response and management in Honduras, saving lives and strengthening the country's health system.