US provides 500,000 dengue test kits to Bangladesh

The United States (US) has provided 500,000 dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Bangladesh to support the country's ongoing efforts to detect dengue patients and treatment management.

The kits were provided through the STRIDES programme, funded by the US government, said a press release.

US Chargé d'Affaires to Bangladesh Trishita Maula formally handed over the kits to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday morning.

Speaking on the occasion, the health minister directed the authorities concerned to distribute the dengue testing kits across the country promptly.

He said the handover ceremony has been organised at the Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital considering traffic congestion and transportation convenience.

"However, all the handed-over kits will be deposited directly with the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD). Subsequently, the kits will be sent to district and upazila hospitals across the country through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), based on demand," Sakhawat said.

He said, alongside the newly received kits, the government currently has adequate stocks of dengue antigen test kits and intravenous saline.

"As a result, the health sector is prepared to ensure necessary testing and treatment even if the number of dengue cases increases in any part of the country," the health minister said.

Noting that the government was considering introducing a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh, he said, "Since the vaccine is costly, it is important to ensure its efficacy and safety."

Discussions are underway with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and Gavi on the issue, Sakhawat said, adding that a final decision would be taken following international guidelines in this regard.

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Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division Md Rafiqul Islam, Additional Director General of the DGHS Prof Dr Md Zahid Raihan, Director of Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman, and senior officials of the US Embassy and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare attended the programme.

Later, the minister visited the hospital's dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.