India, July 21 -- India this week approved its first vaccine against dengue, a milestone in the country's decades-long struggle with a mosquito-borne disease that infects thousands and kills hundreds every year.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorisation to Qdenga, the tetravalent dengue vaccine developed by Japanese pharmaceutical company Takeda, its Indian arm announced on Monday.

The clearance allows the vaccine to be used to prevent dengue in individuals aged four to 60, regardless of whether they have been previously exposed to the virus.

Takeda Biopharmaceuticals India said it expects Qdenga to become available in the country in the first half of 2027, initially through private healthcare facili...