US gives Bangladesh 500,000 dengue test kits; minister orders nationwide distribution
The kits will be stored at the Central Medical Stores Depot before being distributed to district and upazila hospitals based on demand
The United States has provided Bangladesh with 500,000 dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to support the detection and treatment of dengue amid the ongoing outbreak.
The kits were provided through the US government-funded STRIDES programme.
US Chargé d'Affaires in Bangladesh Trishita Maula handed over the kits to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital in Dhaka today (1 October).
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The minister instructed authorities to distribute the dengue testing kits across the country as quickly as possible.
He said the handover ceremony was held at Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital considering traffic congestion and ease of travel.
However, all the kits will first be deposited at the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD), after which they will be distributed to district and upazila hospitals nationwide through the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), based on demand.
Sakhawat said the government currently has adequate stocks of dengue antigen kits and intravenous (IV) saline in addition to the newly received supplies.
He said the health sector was prepared to ensure necessary testing and treatment services even if the number of dengue cases rises in any part of the country.
The minister also said the government is considering introducing a dengue vaccine in Bangladesh.
He said the vaccine's high cost makes it important to ensure its efficacy and safety before introducing it.
"Discussions are underway with WHO, Unicef and Gavi on the matter. A final decision will be made following international guidelines," he said.
Additional Secretary of the Health Services Division Md Rafiqul Islam, DGHS Additional Director General Professor Dr Md Zahid Raihan, Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital Director Brigadier General Md Saidur Rahman, and senior officials from the US Embassy and Ministry of Health attended the event.
Later, the officials visited the hospital's dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.
