Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain announced that a pilot project to enhance dengue control using the Wolbachia method is under consideration. A high-level meeting took place at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s conference room, focusing on the potential of the Wolbachia method to reinforce dengue control measures.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the World Mosquito Program (WMP), based at Monash University in Australia, had inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Bangladesh in December 2025. This agreement aims to support the implementation of this evidence-based intervention in the country.
Dr. Claudia Surjadjaja, Director of Advocacy and External Relations at WMP, presented the proposed implementation plan for the Wolbachia intervention, which is set to commence in Dhaka North. The Health Minister expressed optimism about the collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and WMP, stressing the need to expedite preparations as the dengue season nears.
The Minister instructed officials to collaborate closely with WMP in formulating the technical and financial plan necessary for the project’s execution. WMP reiterated its dedication to offering technical assistance and aiding in securing donor support for the initiative’s success in Bangladesh.
This meeting signifies the Government of Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to exploring innovative and evidence-based strategies to diminish the dengue burden and enhance public health readiness.