Red Crescent to Support Bangladesh in Combating Dengue, Cholera

The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), through the Stockpile Project funded by the Government of Japan, has officially handed over essential medical supplies to the Government of Bangladesh. These supplies aim to assist the country in combating dengue, cholera, and other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), while also strengthening the national health system.

The project, supported by the Government of Japan and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) and implemented by BDRCS and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), is designed to enhance preparedness for public health emergencies. It provides critical medical equipment and consumables to hospitals across Bangladesh.

A handover ceremony took place in Dhaka, attended by Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS); IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh; Dr Kabir Md Ashraf Alam ndc, Secretary General of BDRCS; and Alexander Matheou, Asia Pacific Regional Director of IFRC, alongside other distinguished guests.

Speaking at the event, IWAMA Kiminori, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, said:
"The current floods will leave a lasting impact on the people. I hope this fund will continue to support the Bangladesh government and the Directorate General of Health Services in preparing for and responding to future disasters and diseases. Japan will continue its longstanding support for the health and well-being of Bangladeshis, as it has done since the 1970s."

Professor Dr Nazmul Hosain, Director General of DGHS, highlighted the significant contribution BDRCS has made in supporting the country’s healthcare services.
"Earlier this year, BDRCS provided 7,500 COVID-19 RT-PCR kits with VTM, along with 10,000 Rapid Antigen Kits, which greatly strengthened our pandemic response. During the recent flash floods in the southeast, they promptly responded to our request by delivering 50,000 bottles of Cholera Saline, with 20,000 already sent to the most affected districts, including Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, and Comilla."

Dr Kabir Md Ashraf Alam, Secretary General of BDRCS, added:
"In collaboration with IFRC, the Stockpile Project has already distributed vital supplies to hospitals nationwide, including 100,000 bottles of Cholera Saline, 60,000 Dengue Combo Testing Kits, and various saline solutions."

The ceremony concluded with an exchange of gratitude between Bangladesh and Japan, reinforcing the significance of international cooperation in addressing Bangladesh's public health challenges.