Lacking a sufficiently effective vaccine, improved understanding of this disease is a crucial prerequisite fort he development of novel approaches in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The project aims at establishing a new research partnership on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) and on dengue in particular, thereby contributing to the control of these diseases in southern Asia. Components include the improvement of research and diagnostic capacities in Sri Lanka, training of young researchers, professional exchange, and a study on the role of genetic disposition for dengue virus infection and its manifestation.