US provides 500,000 dengue NS1 test kits to Bangladesh

The United States has provided 500,000 US-made Dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits to Bangladesh’s Health Ministry to support dengue detection and case management amid the country’s ongoing surge in infections.

The kits were provided through the US government-funded STRIDES Activity as part of the US’s America First Global Health Strategy and its support for Bangladesh’s dengue response.

US Chargé d’Affaires Trishita Maula formally handed over the test kits to Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at a ceremony at Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital (KMSH).

US Mission Spokesperson Poornima Rai announced the handover on Thursday.

The ceremony was attended by Health Services Division Secretary Dr ANM Bazlur Rashid, Director General of Health Services Dr Pravath Chandra Biswas and KMSH Director Brigadier General Md Saydur Rahman.

The US delegation also toured KMSH’s emergency room, dengue ward and diagnostic laboratory.
During the visit, the delegation observed frontline health workers treating dengue patients and US-supported equipment being used to strengthen the hospital’s diagnostic capacity.

The latest assistance is intended to support Bangladesh’s efforts to improve the detection and management of dengue cases as the country continues to face a surge in infections.