BSMMU takes initiative to develop dengue vaccine

Staff Reporter  :
The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) authorities have taken an initiative to develop a vaccine to combat dengue infection.
BSMMU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed, conveyed the information to the media during a seminar titled “Want Social Movement against Dengue” organised at BSMMU on Saturday.
He mentioned that BSMMU would take the initiative to conduct research on dengue vaccine development in collaboration with the Virology Department. Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed also directed the department to commence the work promptly.

He emphasised that dengue remains a persistent issue throughout the year in Bangladesh, prompting the need for proactive measures.

“The university is well-equipped to carry out research and provide healthcare services, making it an excellent place to establish a Dengue Research Institute,” he said.
The university’s medical practitioners will collaborate with the Dengue Prevention Committee to combat the disease effectively, he said.
He, however, did not make anything detail regarding the vaccine, but mentioned that the update of it will be informed time to time.
Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed appreciated the social movement’s initiative and stressed the importance of raising awareness among people.
He also mentioned that mosquitoes were mostly active during the day earlier, but they now pose a threat around the clock.
He urged everyone to be vigilant and informed about the changing nature of dengue.

“Dengue larvae were previously found in clean water, but now they can be found even in stagnant water. Everyone should actively participate in the movement and spread awareness about the changing patterns of dengue transmission,” he said.
Urging everyone to be more aware, the Vice-Chancellor stated that they should not allow water to accumulate in homes, rooftops, or flower pots.
“Storing containers should be covered after use. From tomorrow onwards, the Dhaka North City Corporation will begin using BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to eliminate mosquito larvae. This approach has been successful in Singapore, and they hope it will yield positive results in Bangladesh as well,” he said.

In the fight against dengue transmission, BSMMU Dengue Prevention Committee includes Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament, Shahsul Haque Tuku, as the Chief Advisor; Dr. A.B.M. Khurshid Alam, the Director-General of the Health Department, as the Advisor; and Professor Dr. Sharfuddin Ahmed, the Vice-Chancellor of BSMMU, as the Chairman.