China extends aid to tackle dengue surge
Staff Reporter :
China has expressed strong confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to overcome the ongoing dengue epidemic through coordinated efforts involving the government, civil society, and international partners.
At a handover ceremony held on Thursday at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in Dhaka, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh, Dr Liu Yuyin, announced the donation of over 19,700 Dengue Rapid Test Kits, valued at Tk 5 million.
The donation followed an urgent request from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and reflects the deep-rooted friendship and growing strategic partnership between the two countries.
“This support is not only a demonstration of humanitarian solidarity but also a vivid example of our comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the field of public health,” said Dr Liu.
The event was attended by Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Health, and Professor Dr Md Abu Jafor, Director General of DGHS.
Dr Liu praised Bangladesh’s ongoing efforts in vector control,
enhanced surveillance, and raising public awareness to contain the spread of dengue.
He noted that dengue fever has become a global public health challenge and that Bangladesh, given its high population density, faces significant hurdles in both prevention and treatment.
China reiterated its commitment to continued cooperation in the healthcare sector. Future assistance is expected to include mobile medical vehicles, robotic physiotherapy devices, ventilators, and COVID-19 diagnostic kits – amounting to over USD 3 million in total aid.
Dr Liu also referenced the recent high-level engagements between the two nations, including Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’s visit to Beijing and participation in the Boao Forum for Asia.
These interactions, he said, have further strengthened bilateral trust and resulted in the launch of more than ten new health cooperation initiatives.
“As President Xi Jinping stated, the health of the people is the foundation of social progress,” Dr Liu remarked. “China will continue to stand beside Bangladesh as a reliable partner in both health emergencies and broader development efforts.”
He further noted that China had extended medical support during the aftermath of the July uprising last year, sending a medical team to Dhaka in response to a request from the interim government.
Beyond emergency assistance, China has also opened its hospitals to Bangladeshi patients, offering treatment options at relatively affordable costs.
Many Bangladeshi nationals are currently travelling to China for medical care, and discussions are ongoing regarding the potential establishment of a major hospital in Bangladesh, supported by China.