Vietnam, a nation on the frontline of climate change, is facing an escalating health crisis as rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns fuel the spread of infectious diseases like dengue fever. Amidst this growing challenge, a groundbreaking initiative—the E-Dengue Project—has emerged as a beacon of hope. Spearheaded by Griffith University’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH), this digital early warning system is transforming how Vietnam anticipates and combats outbreaks, offering a potential model for climate-responsive health systems worldwide.
Climate Change: A Looming Health Threat in Vietnam
Vietnam’s vulnerability to climate change is stark. Its long, low-lying coastline and tropical climate make it prone to rising sea levels, storms, and floods. Beyond these visible dangers, however, lies a more insidious threat: the impact of climate change on public health. Warmer temperatures and intensified rainfall are creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes, driving up the incidence of vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, Zika, and chikungunya.
Recent studies paint a grim picture. A mere one-degree Celsius increase in temperature can lead to a rise in child hospitalisations by up to 4.6 percent, while dengue cases could surge by 7 to 11 percent. For older adults, the risk is even more pronounced, with cardiovascular-related hospital admissions potentially increasing by 13 percent. Heat-related illnesses, including strokes, are also expected to become more frequent and severe as global temperatures climb. With climate models predicting record highs—potentially exceeding 2.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels between 2025 and 2030—Vietnam’s health infrastructure faces unprecedented strain. 
For public health authorities, the shifting landscape of risk demands a fundamental change in approach. Reactive crisis management is no longer sufficient; proactive prevention is essential. It is against this backdrop that the E-Dengue Project has emerged, offering a forward-thinking solution to one of Vietnam’s most pressing health challenges.
E-Dengue: A Digital Shield Against Outbreaks
The E-Dengue Project represents a paradigm shift in public health strategy. By harnessing climate, environmental, and epidemiological data, this digital tool can predict dengue outbreaks at the district level up to three months in advance. Available on both web and mobile platforms, it equips health workers with real-time risk maps to identify vulnerable areas, targeted alerts to enhance preparedness, and tailored prevention guidance suited to local conditions.
This ability to anticipate outbreaks—rather than merely respond to them—marks a significant departure from traditional methods. Instead of scrambling to contain a surge in cases, health officials can now deploy preventive measures such as vector control and community education before the situation escalates. Local health workers have hailed the system as transformative, noting that it allows for faster, more effective interventions and optimizes resource allocation in high-risk zones.
The project’s impact is already evident in regions like the Mekong Delta, where it has been integrated into routine surveillance and control programs. By embedding E-Dengue into daily operations, the initiative is fostering long-term sustainability and building capacity within Vietnam’s health sector. Frontline workers report that the tool has drastically reduced the lag between identifying risks and launching community-level prevention campaigns, a critical factor in curbing the spread of dengue.
Leadership and Collaboration Behind the Innovation
Central to the success of the E-Dengue Project is the expertise and leadership of Griffith University’s Centre for Environment and Population Health (CEPH). With over two decades of research on climate, health, and sustainability in Asia, CEPH has played a pivotal role in shaping this initiative. Under the guidance of Professor Cordia Chu, the center adopted a Comprehensive Needs Assessment Framework to ensure the system was co-developed with Vietnamese stakeholders.
This collaborative approach prioritized cultural relevance and usability, aligning the tool with the practical realities of Vietnam’s local health systems. As Professor Chu has emphasized, technology alone is insufficient without trust and integration. “For an innovation to succeed, it must be trusted, usable, and embedded into the day-to-day operations of the health sector. That requires partnership, co-produce, and local ownership” she said on a recent occasion.
CEPH’s commitment to partnership has strengthened ties between government bodies, academic institutions, and international collaborators, laying the groundwork for a more resilient health framework. By working closely with local authorities, the project ensures that its benefits are not fleeting but instead contribute to enduring systemic improvements.
Beyond Dengue: A Scalable Model for Climate-Health Challenges
While the E-Dengue Project currently focuses on dengue fever, its potential applications extend far beyond this single disease. The framework—built on data integration, digital innovation, and stakeholder collaboration—can be adapted to monitor and predict other climate-sensitive illnesses, such as influenza or hand, foot, and mouth disease. This scalability positions E-Dengue as a blueprint for climate-health adaptation not just in Vietnam, but globally.
Professor Chu sees Vietnam’s experience as a dual narrative of threat and opportunity. “Vietnam’s experience shows that climate change is not only a threat but also a catalyst for innovation” and “By combining science, technology, and strong partnerships, we can build health systems that are proactive, resilient, and equitable.”
The project aligns with broader frameworks like One Health and Planetary Health, which address the interconnected drivers of disease, including environmental shifts, population dynamics, and social vulnerabilities. For CEPH, E-Dengue is a stepping stone toward advancing global health security, ensuring that health systems worldwide are better equipped to handle the challenges of a warming planet.
Real-World Impact and Community Benefits
The tangible benefits of the E-Dengue Project are already being felt on the ground. In areas where the system has been implemented, health officials report improved response times and more effective interventions. The ability to visualize risk through real-time maps has empowered communities to take preemptive action, whether through mosquito control measures or public awareness campaigns.
For Vietnam’s most vulnerable populations—children, the elderly, and those in rural or flood-prone areas—this initiative offers a lifeline. By reducing the incidence and severity of outbreaks, E-Dengue helps alleviate the burden on families and health facilities alike. It also serves as a reminder of the power of international collaboration, with academic institutions like Griffith University bridging the gap between research and practical impact.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite its successes, the E-Dengue Project is not without challenges. Scaling the system to cover all of Vietnam’s diverse regions requires sustained funding, technical support, and training for health workers. Additionally, as climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, the data models underpinning E-Dengue must be continuously updated to maintain accuracy.
Integration into national health policies also remains a work in progress. While the project has been embraced in pilot areas, broader adoption will depend on political will and coordination across government agencies. International partners, including donors and research institutions, will play a crucial role in supporting this expansion.
Looking ahead, the vision for E-Dengue extends beyond Vietnam’s borders. If successful on a national scale, the system could be adapted for other Southeast Asian countries facing similar climate-health threats, such as Cambodia, Laos, or Thailand. Its emphasis on localized solutions and data-driven decision-making offers lessons for any nation grappling with the intersection of climate change and public health.
A Beacon of Hope in a Warming World
In an era where climate change is reshaping health risks across the globe, Vietnam’s E-Dengue Project stands as a powerful example of innovation in action. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, it provides a proactive defense against the growing threat of climate-driven diseases. More than a local solution, it offers a glimpse of what climate-responsive health systems could look like—systems that prioritize prevention, equity, and resilience.
As the world braces for hotter temperatures and more extreme weather, initiatives like E-Dengue remind us that adaptation is possible. The question now is whether this model can be scaled and sustained, not just in Vietnam but wherever climate change threatens human health. For now, Vietnam’s journey offers hope—a testament to the potential of science and partnership to protect the most vulnerable before crises strike.
