Photo: Collected
Saying that the introduction of a dengue vaccine in the country is under the government’s consideration, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has said the final decision on the matter will be taken following international guidelines.
He said this at a ceremony for the handover of five lakh dengue NS1 rapid diagnostic test kits provided by the United States at Kurmitola Multicare Specialised Hospital in the capital on Thursday.
Later, a press release from the health ministry said this medical equipment has been given as a grant under the ‘STRIDES’ programme funded by the US government.
At the ceremony, Trishita Mowla, the US charge d’affaires in Bangladesh, handed over the kits to the health minister.
On the vaccine, the health minister said, ‘As the cost of the vaccine is high, it is essential to be certain of its efficacy and safety. Discussions are under way with the World Health Organization (WHO), Unicef and Gavi on the matter. The final decision will be taken following international guidelines.’
The World Health Organization’s current guidance recommends the use of the Qdenga vaccine for children aged 6 to 16 years in high-transmission areas. It also says an interval of at least three months should be kept between the two doses of this vaccine.
The organisation has laid emphasis on mosquito control, proper treatment of patients and increasing public engagement alongside vaccination to control dengue.
The dengue outbreak in the country has already taken a severe form. This year, 81,598 people have been admitted to hospital after contracting this mosquito-borne disease; of them, 249 have died.
The health minister said that alongside the newly received kits, there is also an adequate stock of dengue antigen kits and IV saline in the public sector. As a result, the health department is ready to ensure the necessary tests and medical care even if the number of patients rises in any region of the country.
