Published : 01 Oct 2026, 06:04 PM
Updated : 01 Oct 2026, 06:04 PM
The United States is stepping up support for Bangladesh’s dengue response with 500,000 rapid test kits, seeking to strengthen early detection as the outbreak takes a deadly toll.
The country has recorded 245 dengue deaths this year, with September alone accounting for more than 60 percent of the fatalities.
The American-made Dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic kits were supplied under the US government-funded STRIDES Activity as part of the America First Global Health Strategy, the US Embassy in Dhaka said in a media statement on Thursday.
US Chargé d’Affaires Trishita Maula formally handed over the kits to Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain at Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital in Dhaka.
The US delegation later visited the hospital’s emergency room, dengue isolation ward and diagnostic laboratory, observing healthcare workers treating patients and reviewing US-supported diagnostic equipment in use.
The shipment comes as dengue cases climb across both urban and rural areas, putting further pressure on Bangladesh’s health system.
According to health directorate data released on Wednesday, 245 people died from dengue this year. September alone accounted for 148 deaths, making it the deadliest month of 2026.
Hospital admissions reached 79,620 by the end of September, with nearly 2,000 new patients being admitted each day across Dhaka and divisional hospitals.
Health officials say rapid NS1 antigen testing is particularly important during the first three to five days after fever begins.
Early detection can help prevent severe complications such as plasma leakage and haemorrhagic shock, which account for most dengue deaths.
