The United States has donated 500,000 rapid dengue test kits to help Bangladesh detect cases quickly and care for patients during its ongoing dengue outbreak.
US Embassy in Bangladesh Chargé d’Affaires Trishita Maula officially handed over the NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital in the capital on Thursday.
The supplies were provided through the US government-funded STRIDES programme.
Following the handover, Sakhawat ordered the immediate nationwide distribution of the testing kits.
He explained that Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital was chosen as the event venue to avoid traffic congestion and ensure convenience.
However, all donated kits will first be deposited into the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) before being dispatched to district and upazila hospitals across the country by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) based on local demand.
Addressing the ceremony, Sakhawat assured that in addition to the newly received supply, public sector reserves of dengue antigen kits and intravenous (IV) saline remain sufficient.
Consequently, the health authorities are fully prepared to deliver necessary testing and treatment should dengue cases rise in any region.
Regarding the potential introduction of a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh, the health minister noted that the government is considering the move.
He stressed that because the vaccine is costly, confirming its safety and efficacy is essential.
Discussions are currently ongoing with the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and Gavi, with a final decision to be made in line with international guidelines.
The event was attended by Health Services Division Additional Secretary Md Rafiqul Islam, DGHS Additional Director General Dr Md Zahid Raihan, Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Saidur Rahman, and senior officials from the US Embassy and health ministry.
Following the formal proceedings, the delegation inspected the hospital’s dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.
