Protect everyone’s health every day
Prof Dr Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder :
Environmental health is one of the broadest fields within public health because of the myriad of ways external forces can impact on how people eat, live and grow.
These forces can be about addressing our natural environment as in the case for clean water or sanitation, but they can also be the consequence of human beings’ actions.
September 26 is observed as World Environmental Health Day annually since the day it was initiated back in 2011, by the International Federation of Environmental Health (IFEH).
It had started to emphasize the significance of being considerate of the significance of environmental health.
World Environmental Health Day is a global awareness day that focuses on promoting and raising awareness about environmental health issues all around the world.
This occasion serves as an opportunity to highlight the importance of a clean and safe environment in maintaining and improving human health.
This year, the theme was “Global environmental public health: Standing up to protect everyone’s health every day”.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) (2022), global environmental issues account for more than 12.6 million deaths each year.
Along with the issues mentioned, including soil pollution, ultraviolet radiation, and biodiversity loss.
According to data, more than 100 illnesses and injuries can be directly linked to environmental health concerns.
Often, these issues have the greatest impact on communities that are poor and already have significant health care vulnerabilities.
At least 155 countries, including Bangladesh recognize their citizens have the right to live in a healthy environment, either through national legislation or international accords.
Despite the protection, the WHO estimates that 23 per cent of all deaths are linked to “environmental risks” like land and air pollution, water contamination and chemical exposure.
Exposure to pollutants can also affect the brain, causing developmental delays, behavioral problems, and lower IQ in children.
In older people, pollutants are associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
In Bangladesh, public health has improved substantially over the past two to three decades.
This has led to a reduction in neonatal, infant and child mortality, maternal deaths.
The prevalence of stunting, under-weight and wasting have declined while life expectancy at birth increased.
According to the World Bank, life expectancy at birth has increased from 59 years in 1990 to 73 years in 2020.
Infant mortality has decreased from 95 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 24 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020.
Maternal mortality has also decreased from 573 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 173 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020.
Despite these improvements, Bangladesh, with its burgeoning population and limited resources, faces numerous public health challenges as well.
Some of the major concerns include communicable diseases, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poor sanitation and hygiene practices, malnutrition, poor air quality and high maternal and child mortality rates.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health burden in Bangladesh, with an estimated 71 per cent of deaths attributed to NCDs.
Cardiovascular diseases; cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the country.
The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets, is also high.
In addition, malnutrition remains a significant health challenge in Bangladesh.
According to the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017-18, 31 per cent of children under five are stunted, 9 per cent are wasted, and 22 per cent are underweight.
Stunting is a condition in which a child’s height is significantly below the average for their age, indicating chronic malnutrition.
Wasting is a condition in which a child’s weight is significantly below the average for their height, indicating acute malnutrition.
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been on the rise in Bangladesh.
These include cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, attributed to shifting lifestyles, dietary changes, and an expanding elderly population.
Diabetes has become increasingly prevalent, contributing to the nation’s growing NCD burden.
Furthermore, the incidence of cancer, especially in urban areas, has been steadily increasing.
Maternal and child health issues persist in Bangladesh, with high maternal mortality rates stemming from complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Despite improvements, child mortality rates, particularly in rural areas, remain a matter of concern, underscoring the need for continued efforts to enhance healthcare access and quality.
Access to healthcare services varies significantly between urban and rural areas, with rural regions often facing limited healthcare infrastructure and workforce shortages.
Access to sanitation remains a challenge, with a considerable portion of the population lacking access to improved sanitation facilities, leading to hygiene-related health issues.
Mental health issues are often stigmatized and under-addressed, with limited access to mental healthcare services and awareness campaigns.
The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with international organizations and non-governmental groups, has initiated various programs and campaigns to address these public health issues.
These initiatives include vaccination campaigns, maternal and child health programs, sanitation efforts, and healthcare system strengthening.
However, sustained commitment and resources are essential to make lasting progress in improving public health in Bangladesh.
And a primary activity of any public health strategy is information sharing.
Public health education will play a vital role in improving the health and well-being of individuals and communities in Bangladesh.
By understanding what the risks are, Environmental Health Professionals can better deploy resources to protect everyone’s health every day.
(The writer is Dean, Faculty of Science, Chairman, Dept. of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh).
