While current dengue control programmes in many Asia Pacific countries lack adequate resources and have limited response capacities in their health systems. Others have had more favourable experiences, including Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. Although the interventions that are currently available have been relatively effective for more than two decades, there is clearly a need for the development of new and improved diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic tools. Until then, available tools should be used wisely. The cost of not doing so could be very high.