The National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU), with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO) Sri Lanka, conducted the National Dengue Review 2026 from 11th to 13th August, bringing together officials from 28 health administrative areas across the country. The three-day review provided an important platform to assess the current dengue situation, review ongoing dengue prevention and control activities, share field-level experiences, and identify operational challenges and areas requiring further improvement.

The review was attended by the Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Provincial and Regional Directors of Health Services, Consultant Community Physicians, Regional Epidemiologists,Medical Officers, Entomologists, Public Health Inspectors, Health Entomology Officers, administrative staff, and other officials involved in dengue prevention and control activities at national, provincial, regional and field levels. Participants reviewed dengue surveillance and reporting, case investigations, vector surveillance and control, outbreak preparedness and response, community engagement, risk communication, environmental management, and the use of epidemiological and entomological data to guide interventions. The NDCU recognized and appreciated the dedicated efforts of health authorities and field teams across the country in responding to and curtailing the current dengue outbreak, while also identifying areas where further improvements are required.

The review reaffirmed the importance of timely surveillance and reporting, effective case and mortality investigations, evidence-based vector control, improved environmental management, stronger community participation, and effective multispectral coordination. The NDCU extends its appreciation to WHO Sri Lanka for its continued technical support and facilitation of the National Dengue Review 2026, as well as its ongoing contribution to strengthening dengue surveillance, outbreak preparedness, vector control, clinical management, strategic information, and innovation. The recommendations arising from the review will support the continued strengthening of dengue prevention and control activities and contribute to reducing dengue-related illness and preventable deaths in Sri Lanka.