’42pc drop possible as faith joins diabetes fight’
State Minister for Health Dr MA Muhit has called for a combined effort involving science, religious values and social partnerships to prevent diabetes, saying healthcare services alone cannot address the growing burden of the disease.
He made the remarks on Thursday while addressing a conference at Hotel InterContinental in Dhaka as the chief guest.
Dr Muhit said preventing diabetes requires broader community involvement beyond hospitals and medical treatment.
“Diabetes cannot be prevented solely through hospitals or medical treatment. We need to harness science, religious values and social partnerships to address this challenge,” he said.
The state minister said religious leaders could play an important role in influencing people’s lifestyles and social behaviour.
“If the imams, priests, monks, purohits and other religious leaders encourage healthy living, behavioral change and regular primary health check-ups, it will be possible to build a healthier Bangladesh,” he said.
He noted that the present government has been providing honorariums and allowances to religious leaders since assuming office, but their involvement should extend beyond financial assistance and be used to promote public health awareness.
Referring to research findings, Dr Muhit said diabetes prevention programmes incorporating religious values had reduced the incidence of Type 2 diabetes among high-risk individuals by approximately 42 to 43 percent.
“This is an extraordinary example of the integration of science and religious faith,” he added.
The state minister expressed hope that the implementation of the “Dhaka Declaration”, adopted at the conference with participation from Muslim, Hindu, Christian and Buddhist communities, would highlight Bangladesh’s religious harmony and inclusive society globally.
The conference brought together national and international health experts, policymakers and religious representatives.
Among those who addressed the event were Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services Prof Dr Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Head of the Dhaka Regional Hub of the Islamic Development Bank Ali M. Khan, Executive Director of the Global Metabolic Health Alliance Dr Amit Gupta, President of the Diabetes in Asia Study Group Prof Abdul Basit, Chair of IDF South-East Asia Dr Banshi Saboo, JICA Chief Representative Takahashi Junko, OIC Assistant Secretary General Md Aftab Ahmed Khokher, WHO Bangladesh Deputy Representative Dr Rajesh Narwal, World Diabetes Foundation Board Member Sabia Akram and International Diabetes Federation President Prof Peter Schwarz.
Religious leaders participating in the conference included Director General of the Islamic Foundation Hafez Mawlana Mufti Muhammad Mahibbullahil Baqi Nadvi, Trustee of the Buddhist Welfare Trust under the Ministry of Religious Affairs Prof Dr Sukomal Barua, Director of Saint John Vianney Hospital Father Dr Lintu Francis Costa and President of Sri Sri Gita Sangha Bangladesh Nityananda Chakraborty.
The conference focused on strengthening cooperation among health professionals, religious communities and social organisations to address diabetes prevention and promote healthier lifestyles.
