DHAKA — The Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are scaling up a six-month dengue response to support approximately 300,000 people. The operation launched on 24 September 2026 to assist communities in high-risk areas including Dhaka.

Directorate General of Health Services data recorded 201 dengue deaths by 23 September 2026. The same source reported 67,367 dengue hospitalizations by that date, an increase from the 43,173 hospitalizations recorded during the corresponding period in 2025. Dengue deaths rose from 184 in the same 2025 timeframe.

Dengue cases increased sharply following heavy monsoon rains in late August 2026. In the 24 hours preceding 24 September 2026, Bangladesh reported 1,782 new dengue cases and eight dengue deaths. The 2026 dengue outbreak has led to a dual caseload of measles and dengue admissions in hospitals, straining ward capacity and complicating patient triage due to the need for strict isolation of measles patients.

The dengue response is supported by the IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund. This fund has been used in multiple dengue outbreaks in Bangladesh, including in 2023 and 2026, to provide emergency health and WASH assistance to affected populations. In 2023, the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society and IFRC launched a similar dengue response operation under the DREF, allocating CHF 305,871 to assist 500,000 people across Dhaka, Chattogram, and Barisal.

The current operation will focus primarily on Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, and Chattogram. It will provide 100,000 units of IV saline, 50,000 dengue test kits, 3,000 triple blood bags, 100 apheresis kits, and 2,500 mosquito nets. Additionally, 2,500 vulnerable dengue-affected households will receive one-time multipurpose cash assistance of BDT 10,000.

The IFRC contributed 38,000 NS1 dengue test kits to the Directorate General of Health Services and 50 apheresis kits to the BDRCS Dhaka Blood center. The BDRCS Dhaka Blood center received these 50 apheresis kits as part of its dengue response efforts, which were also provided in 2023 as part of the earlier DREF operation.

One thousand Red Crescent volunteers are being mobilized for community awareness and clean-up activities. This effort builds on the 1,000 volunteers the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society mobilized for the Government's nationwide dengue prevention campaign on 12 September 2026. Furthermore, 150 health professionals will be oriented on the updated national dengue treatment guideline.

Md. Habibur Rahman Khan, Secretary General of BDRCS, said the situation requires immediate attention. "This is a rapidly evolving public health situation, and our volunteers and teams are already supporting communities and coordinating closely with health authorities," he said.

He added that the organization is expanding its reach. "With support from the IFRC and partners, we are strengthening these efforts to reach more people in high-risk areas and help families cope with the health and economic impacts of dengue," Khan said.

Seval Guzelkilinc, Head of Delegation, IFRC in Bangladesh, noted the strain on the healthcare system. "Dengue is placing growing pressure on families, communities and health services across Bangladesh," Guzelkilinc said. She emphasized the importance of preventive measures alongside medical care.

"While treatment and healthcare support are essential, preventing infections starts at the community level through awareness, early action and efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites," she said. Guzelkilinc showed the integrated approach of the response. "The strength of this response lies in linking community action with access to timely health services," she said. "Through the Bangladesh Red Crescent's volunteer network and close coordination with health authorities, we can help people protect themselves, access timely support and reduce the impact of dengue on the most vulnerable communities," she said.