US sends 500,000 dengue kits to Bangladesh

The United States has provided Bangladesh with 500,000 dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to support the country’s ongoing efforts to contain the dengue outbreak and strengthen diagnosis and treatment.

The kits were provided through the US government-funded STRIDES programme and formally handed over to Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain by Trishita Mowla, US Chargé d’Affaires in Bangladesh, at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital in Dhaka on Thursday.

The health minister directed authorities to distribute the kits across the country as quickly as possible.

He said the handover ceremony was held at the hospital for convenience, particularly considering traffic congestion and accessibility. However, all the donated kits will first be deposited with the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD).

The kits will then be distributed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to district and upazila hospitals based on demand, the minister said.

Sakhawat Hossain said the government also has adequate stocks of dengue antigen test kits and intravenous (IV) saline.

“With the newly received kits and existing government supplies, the health sector is prepared to ensure necessary testing and treatment even if dengue cases increase in any part of the country.''