The Collective Action on Dengue is pleased to introduce Drs Paula Reges and Kevin Tetteh as the new Co-Chairs, effective January 2026. They take over from Prof. Eng Eong Ooi (Duke-NUS Medical School) and Marianne Comparet (International Society for Neglected Tropical Diseases – INSTD), whose energy and foundational contributions as inaugural co-chairs we warmly acknowledge. 

As Co-Chairs, Paula and Kevin will guide the strategic direction of the Collective Action on Dengue (CAD) and strengthen its role as a global platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. Drawing on their complementary expertise in diagnostics, infectious disease research, capacity strengthening, climate impact, and global health policy, they will work with partners across academia, public health institutions, and international organizations to advance coordinated approaches to dengue research and response.

Under their leadership, CAD will support the development of dengue investment cases, strengthen advocacy to elevate dengue as a global health priority, and foster collaboration across sectors. By promoting evidence-based approaches and connecting stakeholders across the dengue community, CAD will help accelerate progress in prevention, detection, and control as dengue continues to expand in scale and geographic reach.

PAULA REGES is a physician and infectious diseases researcher whose work bridges clinical practice, research, and global health policy. Based at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), she serves as Advisor on Global Health Affairs, contributing to the institution’s international engagement and strategic health initiatives. Trained at Fiocruz, where she earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Research in Infectious Diseases and completed her residency in Infectious Diseases, Paula combines strong academic expertise with frontline clinical experience at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases (INI/Fiocruz). Her commitment to global collaboration is further reflected in her role as Brazil’s National Coordinator for the WHO SOLIDARITY trial, supporting international efforts to evaluate treatments for Covid-19 and as co-coordinator of the WHO’s Collaborative Open Research Consortium (CORC) on Flaviviridae, a scientific framework for epidemic and pandemic research preparedness. Through her work at the Fiocruz Global Health Center, she actively fosters partnerships and contributes to advancing global health cooperation. 

KEVIN TETTEH joined FIND in January 2023 as Director of the Malaria & Fever Programme and also leads the organisations Climate and Health strategy. He previously served as Associate Professor of Infectious Diseases, and on the Board (Council) at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Kevin brings over 20 years of experience across academia, the biotherapeutics industry, and industrial partnerships. He also led the vaccine innovation theme and served on the steering committee of the LSHTM Vaccine Centre. Passionate about health equity and applying innovative and interdisciplinary approaches to global health challenges, Kevin leads efforts to build strategic public and private partnerships to advance equitable diagnostic solutions for malaria and other febrile illnesses, including dengue. Throughout his career, he has spearheaded initiatives to strengthen research capacity across Africa and Southeast Asia, and now LATAM, supporting technology transfer and advancing work in infection biology, disease surveillance, diagnostic innovation, and zoonotic diseases.