NEW DELHI – India has approved the use of its first dengue vaccine, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat one of the world’s fastest-growing mosquito-borne diseases.
The Indian Ministry of Health announced that it had authorised the use of Qdenga, a dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, following a comprehensive review of its safety, quality and effectiveness.
The approval, granted on July 21 by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), allows the vaccine to be administered to individuals aged 4 to 60 years.
According to health authorities, Qdenga is administered in two doses over a three-month period and provides protection against all four known strains of the dengue virus.
Before receiving regulatory clearance, the vaccine underwent extensive clinical evaluations to assess its safety and efficacy. Officials said the approval is expected to strengthen efforts to reduce severe dengue infections and related complications.
Takeda has partnered with Indian pharmaceutical company Biological E to manufacture and distribute the vaccine in India.
The vaccine has already been approved for use in 42 countries, with more than 24 million doses administered worldwide. Health authorities said no major safety concerns have been reported during its global use.
Dengue fever remains a major public health challenge in India and other South Asian countries, including Pakistan. The mosquito-borne viral disease typically causes high fever, severe headaches, muscle and joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. In severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding, organ failure and death.
According to official figures, India has reported more than one million dengue cases and approximately 1,500 deaths since 2021.
Meanwhile, Indian researchers are also working on developing the world’s first single-dose dengue vaccine, which is currently under development and could further improve disease prevention efforts in the future.
