Health System Resilience for a Concurrent Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Dengue: A Response from Bangladesh
Summary: Bangladesh has experienced periodic dengue outbreaks since 2000, with the largest occurring last year, resulting in over 100,000 cases and 120 deaths. These outbreaks, peaking during the monsoon season and lasting until December, heavily burden the country's limited-budget health care system by increasing bed occupancy, consultations, and workload for health service providers. Diagnostic kit shortages are also common. The presence of noncritical patients in hospitals often disrupts the timely management of critical cases. This year, until November 11, 2020, 792 dengue cases were reported, with expectations of a rise. Concurrently, Bangladesh faces a significant COVID-19 burden with 393,000 confirmed