Dengue Kit Crisis Threatens Public Health

With 59 deaths and 18,673 hospital admissions recorded this year, Bangladesh’s dengue outbreak is worsening, raising serious public health concerns. Dhaka division remains the worst-hit area, reporting 7,208 cases and 26 deaths. Experts warn infections could peak between August and October and are urging year-round mosquito control, stronger community coordination and a single national mosquito-management authority. A severe shortage of dengue diagnostic kits, compounded by a legal dispute over procurement, has further complicated the response.

More than 500,000 remaining kits are unavailable after a competing company challenged the procurement process, despite the Central Medical Stores Depot awarding the contract to Sterling Multi Technologies Ltd., the lowest bidder. Health professionals warn that the delay could seriously hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Health Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain Bakul said procurement is proceeding in accordance with court orders. He also announced plans to deploy mobile courts to penalise establishments where mosquito larvae are found. Experts caution that Bangladesh faces a major public health crisis as the monsoon season intensifies. They stress that authorities must resolve the legal dispute and restore adequate diagnostic-kit supplies quickly to prevent further deaths and hospitalisations nationwide.