US Donates 500k Dengue Test Kits

To strengthen epidemiological surveillance and diagnostic technology amid Bangladesh's surge in vector-borne diseases, the United States provided 500,000 U.S.-manufactured Dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Bangladesh. Funded through the USG-funded STRIDES Activity advancing the America First Global Health Strategy, U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires Trishita Maula formally presented the kits at Kurmitola Multicare Specialized Hospital (KMSH) on 1 October, Thursday.

Minister of Health Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain received the kits alongside Health Services Division Secretary Dr. A.N.M. Bazlur Rashid, Director General of Health Services Dr. Pravath Chandra Biswas, and KMSH Director Brigadier General Md. Saydur Rahman. Additional Secretary Md. Rafiqul Islam, DGHS Additional Director General Prof. Dr. Md. Zahid Raihan, and embassy officials joined the delegation to tour KMSH’s emergency room, dengue ward, and diagnostic laboratory to observe medical equipment in operation.

Addressing questions regarding dengue immunization, Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain stated that due to high vaccine costs, safety and efficacy must be verified. Technical discussions are ongoing with WHO, UNICEF, and Gavi under global guidelines. Current WHO guidance recommends the two-dose Qdenga vaccine (administered 3 months apart) for children aged 6–16 in high-transmission areas, coupled with vector control and patient management.

Epidemiological data shows 81,598 hospital admissions and 249 fatalities nationwide this year. Assuring sufficient state reserves of antigen kits and IV saline, the minister instructed that all newly donated test kits be deposited directly at the Central Medical Stores Depot (CMSD) for immediate nationwide distribution across district and upazila hospitals.

 //DBTech/ISR/BV/PC//