The Seventy Seventh Regional Committee Session of WHO South-East Asia wrapped up with Member States adopting resolutions setting new targets for measles and rubella elimination, expanding the corpus of the regional health emergency fund and committing to adolescent responsive health systems. “While regionally, we have made good progress on elimination of measles and rubella, the COVID-19 pandemic did disrupt this progress. I am pleased the Regional Committee has resolved to revise the elimination target,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, at the closing of the Regional Committee session held recently in New Delhi. The member countries agreed to extend the target for elimination of measles and rubella by the Region, aspiring to achieve by 2026, according to a message received from the WHO. The resolution also endorsed the “Strategic Plan for measles and rubella elimination and sustenance in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2024–2028” for achieving and sustaining measles and Rubella elimination in the region. Securing adolescent health and well-being is vital for health of future generations: WHO Working against the earlier 2023 target, five countries of the region have achieved Measles and Rubella elimination. At the WHO’s regional annual governing body meeting, the member countries agreed to treble the corpus of South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to US$ 3 million beginning 2026. In addition to supporting lifesaving interventions during emergency response, the SEARHEF will also be strengthened to fill critical gaps in health emergency preparedness and capacities of countries. The Regional Committee also endorsed the Ministerial Declaration on adolescent-responsive health systems that countries adopted at a ministerial round table earlier in the week. The declaration calls for policies, resources and services tailored to the unique needs of this age group for a healthier and more equitable future for all. The declaration emphasises on adolescent-responsive health systems as the crucial strategy to strengthen PHC-oriented health systems and achieve universal health coverage. The committee reviewed the progress being made towards achieving universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals as countries shared initiatives and reiterated resolve to accelerate efforts to achieve the global targets. WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa and beyond The three-day Regional Committee that ended yesterday discussed progress reports on previous resolutions including traditional medicines, strengthening health workforce education and training, and intensifying activities for dengue control and malaria elimination. The resolution on decade of action to end viral hepatitis, HIV and STIs, universal access to people centered health care and services, progress and acceleration plan for non-communicable diseases and advancing health emergency preparedness and response in the Region were also deliberated upon. Reiterating WHO Director-General Dr Tedros key tasks made in his opening address to the Regional Committee, Saima Wazed urged Member States to engage actively in negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement. The Regional Director thanked member states for their generous commitment to WHO Investment Round and reiterated WHO’s continued support to accelerate public health across the Region. “We are one team … with a unified vision - a vision which can benefit every living person on this planet. I am pleased to be among you in this noble calling, and in this noble endeavor of ours,” the Regional Director said. During the Regional Committee, member states were felicitated for achievements and advancements in public health. Bhutan was awarded for achieving interim targets for cervical cancer elimination; India for eliminating trachoma; Timor-Leste for eliminating lymphatic filariasis; Maldives and Sri Lanka for Hepatitis B control in children. Bhutan was also given an award for achieving SDG and global targets for reducing under-five mortality and stillbirth rates. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand were awarded for achieving the SDG and global targets for reduction of under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates.  

Bangladesh reported 47 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Friday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,047,4487, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 33 more cases in 24hrs The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,483 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate stood at 5.64 per cent as 833 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Bangladesh reports one more Covid-19 death, 34 cases in 24hrs The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.40 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively. COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 25 more cases in 24hrs

The past two years have been a rollercoaster ride of uncertainty, and just when the world thought the situation of Coronavirus pandemic was under control, a new variant, JN.1, has surfaced. This article aims to dissect the symptoms, causes, and implications of JN.1, the new strain of COVID-19. What is JN.1? How Does it Affect People? JN.1, an Omicron subvariant, surfaced in September last year amid declining temperatures, showing heightened transmission rates. Stemming from BA.2.86 (also known as Pirola), JN.1 possesses an additional spike protein mutation crucial for SARS-CoV-2 cell interaction.  The World Health Organization (WHO) categorises JN.1 as a Variant of Interest (VOI), distinct from its precursor BA.2.86, due to its rapid spread. Recently identified in the United States, close monitoring is essential to comprehend and address the dynamics of this evolving COVID-19 variant. The rise in JN.1 cases aligns with a general surge in COVID-19 infections. Symptoms of JN.1 infection closely resemble those of earlier Omicron variants, with no apparent increase in severity. While there are hints of potential increased diarrhoea cases, concrete data supporting this observation is currently lacking. Continuous monitoring is essential to better understand the characteristics of this variant.  Read more: Bangladesh reports 53 more Covid-19 cases in 24hrs Is JN.1 More Transmissible? JN.1, a descendant in the Omicron lineage, appears to be more transmissible than its precursor, BA.2.86. The observed surge in case numbers indicates increased transmissibility. Several newer variants, including JN.1, exhibit mutations affecting the spike protein's binding strength to respiratory cells, potentially enhancing replication and immune evasion.  While it remains early to precisely gauge JN.1's transmissibility and immune escape compared to other Omicron variants, experts assert its notable virulence. Dr. Joseph Khabbaza from the Cleveland Clinic notes that the current strain seems to deliver a more potent impact than its predecessors.  Who is at High Risk of Infection?  Certain groups face a higher risk of contracting the easily transmissible virus. These include: - People aged 65 and above- Diabetic people- People with neurological disorders- People who have pre-existing health conditions like COPD, heart diseases, chronic kidney diseases, cystic fibrosis, and individuals suffering from liver ailments- Pregnant women- Smokers- People with a compromised or weak immune system- Healthcare workers- People who are not vaccinated or have not taken booster shots. Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 35 more cases in 24hrs What are the Symptoms and Causes of the JN.1 COVID-19 Variant? JN.1's increasing prevalence implies heightened contagiousness or improved evasion of immune defences, as per the CDC. Currently, there is no evidence indicating it induces more severe disease than other strains, despite potential transmission spikes. Symptoms associated with JN.1 seem comparable to those induced by other strains, encompassing a range such as  - Sore throat- Congestion- Runny nose- Cough- Fatigue- Headache- Muscle aches- Fever or chills- Loss of sense of taste or smell- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing- Nausea or vomiting- Diarrhoea The nature and intensity of symptoms typically rely more on an individual's overall health and immune condition rather than the specific variant causing the infection.  Read more: COVID-19: Bangladesh reports 28 more cases in 24hrs

Bangladesh reported 35 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Sunday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total COVID-19 caseload rose to 2,046,998, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). 25 more dengue patients hospitalised in 24hrs The official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,481 as no new fatalities were reported during this period. The daily case test positivity rate stood at 8.06 per cent as 434 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Temperature drops to season’s lowest 5 degree Celsius in Panchagarh’s Tetulia The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.41 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively.

Bangladesh reported one more COVID-19-linked death and 30 fresh cases in 24 hours till Monday (January 22, 2024) morning. With the new numbers, the country's total fatalities rose to 29,481 and caseload to 2,046,788, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The daily case test positivity rate stood at 5.14 per cent as 584 samples were tested, said the DGHS. Read more: COVID-19: New variant 'JN.1' detected in Bangladesh The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.41 per cent and 1.44 per cent, respectively. Earlier on Thursday, Professor Tahmina Shireen, director of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), said they found a new variant of the coronavirus, 'JN.1' in test samples of five patients. Read more: Bangladesh among 5 countries selected for project to strengthen preparedness to COVID-19, other infectious diseases

The new variant of the coronavirus, 'JN.1', which has spread panic in India, has also been detected in the country. China's population dropped for a second straight year as deaths jumped after COVID lockdowns ended Professor Tahmina Shireen, director of the Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), confirmed the matter on Thursday. She said that the new sub-variant JN.1 has been found in test samples of five coronavirus patients inside and outside Dhaka. COVID in Bangladesh: 20 more cases reported in 24hrs However, none of them have any history of coming from outside the country. They are all doing well now and there is nothing to worry about, Professor Tahmina Shireen said. Beyond breathing: How COVID-19 affects your heart, brain and other organs

Bangladesh has been selected for a two-year collaborative project aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). As part of the Stockpile Project, the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF) nominates the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as the project implementing agency for a two-year collaborative project worth USD 10 million aimed at strengthening preparedness and response to COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in five partner countries, namely Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and the Philippines. BNP’s 24-hour blockade underway with arson attacks In selecting these five countries, the IFRC has prioritized countries at risk of disasters caused by natural hazards, the effects of which have been made worse by climate change, resulting in high risk of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The USD 10 million is part of the Government of Japan's contribution to the Stockpile Project for COVID-19 and other emerging infectious diseases in Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) countries. Utilising this fund, the IFRC and national societies will implement the Stockpile Project in close connection with the public authorities through a structured set of activities. Dhaka's air 6th worst in the world this morning On November 28, an agreement signing ceremony was held at Malaysian Red Crescent National Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Chairperson of Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Di Raja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Binti Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah, Tunku Temenggong Kedah made a welcome address. Among others, the ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, Takahashi Katsuhiko; ASEF Executive Director, Ambassador Toru MORIKAW; and Regional Director of IFRC, Alexander Matheou, spoke at the event. During the signing of the agreement by ASEF and IFRC, the Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia  Mohammad Khorshed Alam Khastagir and Counsellor (Political) Pranab Kumar Bhattacharjee were also present. 24-hour blockade: 428 RAB patrol teams deployed The Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia expressed satisfaction on the signing of this important agreement and remarked that this project would play an effective role in improving the healthcare landscape, response mechanisms, and access to health services in Bangladesh.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) is providing BRAC Bank Limited a $50 million loan to aid small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  This investment is set to contribute to the preservation of jobs and bring foreign exchange liquidity into BRAC Bank to help support the working capital and trade finance requirements of the bank’s SME importer and exporter clients. Also Read: New program by Australia, IFC to mobilise $50 million to support post-COVID inclusive growth in Bangladesh This investment, along with a similar loan to Prime Bank in February, will also send a positive signal to the market and contribute towards attracting additional international investors to support the foreign exchange financing needs of local banks and SMEs, IFC said. The financing package is part of IFC's $8 billion global COVID-19 fast-track financing facility to support companies during the ongoing public health crisis. This new investment comes under the Working Capital Solutions (WCS) program of the COVID-19 response envelope, which is providing $2 billion globally to emerging-market banks, enabling them to support struggling firms.  This project will also be supported by the International Development Association's Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility, which is also rendering aid to IFC's WCS program. BRAC Bank is Bangladesh’s third-largest private bank and the only SME-focused bank in the country. Also Read: First project under IFC’s Global Food Security Platform to tackle food insecurity in Bangladesh "Our SME and corporate clients continue to confront challenges arising from the disruptive effects of COVID-19. The insufficient availability of foreign exchange has additionally impeded their regular trading operations," said Selim R. F. Hussain, the Managing Director and CEO of BRAC Bank. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a global economic slowdown, influenced by a series of factors, including geo-political events. “IFC has been supporting the banking sector in export-driven economies like Bangladesh, which have been facing declines in foreign exchange reserves due to various macroeconomic and geopolitical headwinds,” said Joon Young Park, IFC’s Portfolio Manager for South Asia.  Also Read: Prime Bank receives $50m from IFC to support trade, forex liquidity needs in Bangladesh "IFC plans to continue providing its steadfast support to key banking partners in Bangladesh who have significant SME portfolios, such as BRAC, with whom IFC has had equity and debt commitments over the past 19 years.” IFC has invested more than $3.6 billion to promote the growth of the private sector in Bangladesh since 2010, thereby creating job opportunities for the country's citizens. And since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, IFC has provided over $360 million in working capital solutions and liquidity support to banks and companies in Bangladesh. Also Read: IFC giving $32.5 million to ensure food security in Bangladesh "After three long years of grappling with the impact of the pandemic, businesses in Bangladesh continue to face challenging market conditions,” said Martin Holtmann, IFC Country Manager for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. “By supporting BRAC Bank, we are continuing our efforts to help Bangladesh recover and foster a resilient post-pandemic economic landscape.” Also Read: Implement Teesta Project to save people from manmade disasters: IFC  

Bangladesh reported 159 more COVID-19 cases in 24 hours till Monday morning as the cases keep rising in the country. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,039,130, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,446 as no new fatalities were reported. Meanwhile, the daily case test positivity dropped to 5.13 percent from Sunday’s 5.50 percent as 3,099 samples were tested. The recovery rate stands at 98.39 percent. However, the death rate remained unchanged at 1.44 percent. Also read: Covid-19: Bangladesh logs 9 more cases Bangladesh registered its highest daily caseload of 16,230 on July 28 in 2021 and highest number of fatalities of 264 on August 10 the same year.    

Bangladesh recorded 24 more Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours till Sunday morning. With the new numbers, the country's total caseload rose to 2,038,430 according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, the official death toll from the disease remained unchanged at 29,446 as no new fatalities were reported. The daily case test positivity dropped to 1.24 percent from Saturday ’s 1.64 percent as 1933 samples were tested. Also read: Bangladesh reports 18 more Covid-19 cases The recovery and death rates remained unchanged at 98.40 percent and 1.44 percent, respectively.