News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 22, 2025 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society (BDRCS), with the support of the Government of Japan, today handed over around 3.5 lakh essential medical items, including dengue and cholera kits and oral saline, to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
BDRCS and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Bangladesh jointly handed over the medical supplies through a ceremony held at the DGHS conference room in the capital this morning, said a press release.
Officials said the initiative, supported by the Government of Japan and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), is aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's healthcare system and enhancing its capacity to respond to dengue, COVID-19, and other emerging infectious diseases.
The donated items include 120,000 dengue test kits, 68,000 COVID-19 antigen test kits, 25,000 RT-PCR test kits, and 220,000 cholera treatment items along with saline solutions and other medical materials.
In addition, five major government hospitals -- Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital, Barishal Medical College and Hospital, Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College (Gazipur), Khulna Medical College and Hospital, and Faridpur Medical College and Hospital -- received hematocrit testing devices and bedside ultrasound machines.
At the event, it was revealed that the support is part of the stockpile project led by BDRCS and IFRC, which aims to strengthen preparedness and rapid response capacities for infectious disease outbreaks, ensuring timely access to essential medical supplies.
Speaking on the occasion, Takahashi Naoki, Minister (DCM) of the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, reaffirmed Japan's continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people of Bangladesh.
"Our goal is to sustain and expand these initiatives to assist vulnerable communities and countries facing health challenges," he said.
DGHS Director General Professor Dr Md Abu Zafar expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Japan, IFRC, BDRCS, and ASEF for their timely medical support.
"This assistance will play a crucial role in our fight against dengue, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases. We look forward to continued collaboration," he said.
BDRCS Secretary General Dr Kabir Md Ashraf Alam highlighted the vital role of BDRCS volunteers and staff in emergency healthcare delivery. "We act as a strong support system for the government during emergencies. Our experience during the COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened our commitment to serve communities in need," he said.
Head of the IFRC Delegation in Bangladesh Alberto Bocanegra emphasized how the joint initiative is building long-term resilience. "The stockpile project has significantly enhanced Bangladesh's capacity to respond to health emergencies," he noted.
Professor Dr Md Halimur Rashid, Professor Dr Md Farhad Hossain, Dr Shahana Jafar, and Professor Dr Md Abu Hanif, Director (Administration) of DGHS also spoke at the event.
