The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), with support from the Government of Japan, handed over approximately 3.5 lakh essential medical items on Wednesday- including dengue and cholera treatment kits and oral saline- to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
According to a press release, a formal handover ceremony took place in the DGHS conference room in Dhaka, jointly organized by BDRCS and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Bangladesh.
Officials said the initiative, backed by the Government of Japan and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), aims to strengthen Bangladesh’s healthcare system and improve its readiness to tackle dengue, COVID-19, and other emerging infectious diseases.
The medical consignment includes 1,20,000 dengue test kits, 68,000 COVID-19 antigen test kits, 25,000 RT-PCR test kits, and 2,20,000 cholera treatment materials along with saline and other essential medical supplies.
In addition, 5 major public hospitals- Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, Barishal Medical College Hospital, Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital (Gazipur), Khulna Medical College Hospital, and Faridpur Medical College Hospital- received hematocrit testing devices and bedside ultrasound machines.
Speakers at the event noted that the support forms part of the stockpile project jointly led by BDRCS and IFRC, designed to enhance preparedness and ensure a rapid response during infectious disease outbreaks through the timely availability of critical medical resources.
Takahashi Naoki, minister (DCM) of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, reaffirmed Japan’s unwavering support for the country’s public health sector. He said, “Our goal is to sustain and expand these initiatives to assist vulnerable communities and countries facing health challenges.”
DGHS Director General Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar extended thanks to the Embassy of Japan, IFRC, BDRCS, and ASEF for their valuable contribution. He said, “This assistance will play a crucial role in our fight against dengue, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. We look forward to continued collaboration.”
BDRCS Secretary General Dr Kabir M Ashraf Alam underscored the critical role played by Red Crescent volunteers and staff in times of crisis. He said, “We act as a strong support system for the government during emergencies. Our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened our commitment to serve communities in need.”
Alberto Bocanegra, head of the IFRC Delegation in Bangladesh, highlighted the long-term benefits of the initiative. He noted, “The stockpile project has significantly enhanced Bangladesh’s capacity to respond to health emergencies.”
Among others, Professor Dr Md Halimur Rashid, Professor Dr Md Farhad Hossain, Dr Shahana Jafar, and Professor Dr Md Abu Hanif, director (Administration) of DGHS, also spoke at the event.
