As dengue infections and deaths continue to rise in Bangladesh, discussions are intensifying over the possible use of vaccines to prevent the disease. The government plans to consult experts on whether a new clinical trial is needed before introducing Qdenga, a dengue vaccine developed by Japan’s Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, or whether decisions can be made based on findings from international studies.

State Minister for Health M. A. Muhith said scientific evidence of a vaccine’s safety and efficacy is essential before approval. He said the government would consult clinical trial and virology experts to assess how effective the vaccine could be among Bangladesh’s population.

He stressed that a decision on widespread vaccination should not be made without sufficient scientific evidence. The vaccine’s safety and effectiveness must be evaluated, including its potential side effects. Although the vaccine may not have a significant impact on the current dengue outbreak, it could help prevent infections in the future, he said.

A TIDES study published in The Lancet Global Health in 2024 reported positive findings on Qdenga’s efficacy. The trial involved 20,999 children aged four to 16 across eight countries. According to the report, the vaccine reduced the risk of dengue infection by around 80 per cent and the risk of hospitalisation by approximately 95 per cent.

Vaccine expert Tajul Islam Bari said the process of importing and approving the vaccine for use could move forward if the government makes a prompt decision based on expert advice. He also suggested that private organisations could import the vaccine alongside government initiatives.

However, before a final decision is made on introducing Qdenga in Bangladesh, its safety, efficacy and suitability for the country’s population need to be assessed scientifically.