Bangladesh
1 in 6 affected by infertility around the world: WHO report
A large number of people are affected by infertility in their lifetime, according to a new report published today (April 04, 2023) by the World Health Organization (WHO).
Around 17.5% of the adult population – roughly 1 in 6 worldwide – experience infertility, showing the urgent need to increase access to affordable, high-quality fertility care for those in need.
The new estimates show limited variation in the prevalence of infertility between regions.
The rates are comparable for high-, middle- and low-income countries, indicating that this is a major health challenge globally.
Read More: Every 2 minutes a woman dies due to pregnancy or childbirth: UN agencies
Lifetime prevalence was 17.8% in high-income countries and 16.5% in low- and middle-income countries.
“The report reveals an important truth – infertility does not discriminate,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General at WHO.
“The sheer proportion of people affected shows the need to widen access to fertility care and ensure this issue is no longer sidelined in health research and policy, so that safe, effective, and affordable ways to attain parenthood are available for those who seek it,” he said.
Infertility is a condition of the male or female reproductive system, defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
Read More: Unintended pregnancies surge amid Covid-19
It can cause significant distress and stigma, affecting people’s mental and psychosocial well-being.
Despite the magnitude of the issue, solutions for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of infertility – including assisted reproductive technology such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) – remain underfunded and inaccessible to many due to high costs, social stigma and limited availability.
At present, in most countries, fertility treatments are largely funded out of pocket – often resulting in devastating financial costs. People in the poorest countries spend a greater proportion of their income on fertility care compared to people in wealthier countries.
High costs frequently prevent people from accessing infertility treatments or alternatively, can catapult them into poverty as a consequence of seeking care.
Read More: French conservatives protest bill allowing IVF for lesbians
“Millions of people face catastrophic healthcare costs after seeking treatment for infertility, making this a major equity issue and all too often, a medical poverty trap for those affected,” said Dr Pascale Allotey, Director of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research at WHO, including the United Nations’ Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP).
“Better policies and public financing can significantly improve access to treatment and protect poorer households from falling into poverty as a result,” he observed.
While the new report shows convincing evidence of the high global prevalence of infertility, it highlights a persistent lack of data in many countries and some regions.
The WHO report calls for greater availability of national data on infertility disaggregated by age and by cause to help with quantifying infertility, as well as knowing who needs fertility care and how risks can be reduced.
Read More: Ensure reproductive health rights of all: UN chief
12 people injured in Bangabazar fire
At least 12 have been injured in the devastating fire in Dhaka’s Bangabazar.
Mohammad Russel, head of Rapid service of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, a formed for emergency response in the medical college hospital, said, "Till now there is no severe case and most of the injuries was minor. Twelve people came here from Bongobazar for treatment till now. Of them eight people are under observation and four people have been admitted in the wards."
Visiting the Bangabazar area, the correspondent found that the businessmen of nearby City Plaza and other markets are shifting their products to safe zones.
PM Hasina: Bolster regional & global efforts to mitigate climate change damages
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said the global and individual country’s efforts need to be streamlined through responsive policy, planning and governance, to make the actions regarding climate change issue successful.
“Since origins of the climate change are global, their solution and management would also have to be global,” she said.
The prime minister came up with this view while delivering her pre-recorded speech in the two day 5th International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) is the annual conference of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and its partners. It brings together member countries, organizations, institutions and infrastructure actors and stakeholders to strengthen the global discourse on disaster and climate resilient infrastructure.
The programme was held with the theme of ‘Delivering Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure: Pathways for Risk Informed Systems, Practices and Investments’. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke at the programme.
Hasina, however, assured that Bangladesh is ready to join any initiative at the regional and global level dealing with the impacts of climate change.
“I call upon for coordinated global efforts and shared vision for climate adaptation, mitigation and resilient infrastructures,” she said.
She said that commitment and compliance on financing mechanisms are indispensable for addressing the unforeseen crises.
“A greater sense of solidarity among governments, international and regional organisations, private sectors are required to build a sustainable and resilient future for all of us,” she said.
At the same time, she said, "we need to bring changes in our way of thinking in this discourse by incorporating science, technology, innovation, resilient transition."
She reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working with the global community hand in hand to ensure a better world for all.
The International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2023 brings a purposeful focus on demonstrable solutions towards a call for action to realize resilience of infrastructure.
ICDRI 2023 will engage decision-makers, thought leaders, academia and institutions from across the world working on solutions for infrastructure resilience.
PM Hasina said that due to the adverse impacts of climate change, all are facing unpredictable climatic events and disasters, which are damaging establishments and resources in massive scales.
“Strong and resilient physical infrastructure is needed to withstand and adapt to changing conditions, and from shocks and stresses.”
Recently, she said that the world has witnessed a series of catastrophes like massive earthquakes in Turkey, Syria and Afghanistan, hurricanes in the Caribbean, the US and Canada and flood in South Africa.
Last year, she mentioned that Bangladesh, experienced a series of natural disasters, including floods and cyclones, causing huge economic losses.
“It is important that all future infrastructure construction and systems must be resilient to disasters to protect our investments," she stated.
She said that as one of the most climate vulnerable countries, Bangladesh experiences frequent natural calamities like flood, tidal surge, cyclone, storm, drought and thunderbolt.
“IPCC report 2022 predicts, Bangladesh is at the risk of 2 to 9 per cent of GDP losses by the mid and end of the century due to climate change," she noted.
She said that In 2009, her government established the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund with own resources where nearly 800 projects have so far been implemented at a cost of USD 480 million.
During the recent Presidency of the Climate Vulnerable Forum, Bangladesh launched Mujib Climate Prosperity Plan to build a climate resilient prosperous country, she added.
She said that In 2022, the government launched the National Adaptation Plan, with a projected need for USD 230 billion by 2050.
Earlier, it formulated a long-term Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 with the aim of building a resilient and prosperous delta for our future generations.
“My government now attaches importance to science-based infrastructure design and implementation. We recognise the need for involving our local communities to make the infrastructures work for them,” she said.
In this regard, she said that the government has implemented a thousand flood control, drainage and irrigation schemes to cover more than 6 million hectares of land. It has conducted dredging and re-excavation of 1,400 kms of rivers.
“We have built nearly 22,000 km of embankments, alongside 139 coastal polders. These infrastructures are giving protection to more than 20 million flood vulnerable people. We have so far conducted 1,229 km of riverbank protection work.”
For disaster response, she mentioned that Bangladesh has 4,530 cyclone shelters, some of which also serve as schools in regular times.
“We are now constructing 550 Mujib Killas on raised grounds for multiple uses, including sheltering people and livestock during natural calamities.”
Under the flagship Ashrayan project, she said, her government has so far built over 700,000 houses and those were handed over to the landless and homeless people at free of cost.
“These houses are strong enough to endure any natural disaster. We have also built 139 five-storey buildings in Cox’s Bazar to rehabilitate climate-displaced people,"
The PM said that her government is scaling up nature-based solutions like coastal green belts, floating vegetable cultivation and millions of palm tree plantation.
“We are using our local-level trained volunteers as well as digital information and service centres to provide early warning. As a result of our actions, the number of deaths due to natural disasters has decreased significantly in recent years," she said.
The global community also recognised the efforts of Bangladesh and as recognition, the country has been awarded with ‘Champion of the Earth’ and many more accolades, she said.
Let’s ensure an inclusive world for persons with autism: Foreign Secretary at UN
Bangladesh has urged all to work together to come up with innovative solutions to better integrate individuals with disabilities into society and ensure that none is left behind.
“We reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that 75 million people in the world who live with autism can make the most of their talents and participate fully in our societies," said Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen.
He was speaking at a high-level event, titled “World Autism Awareness Day 2023: Inclusion for health through the life course”, which was jointly organized by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh, Qatar, World Health Organization and UNICEF at the United Nations Headquarters on Monday.
Ambassador Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar, and Ambassador Muhammad A Muhith, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, delivered the welcome remarks.
In his keynote speech, Foreign Secretary Momen said that Bangladesh has seen tremendous increase in awareness on autism in the past decade, thanks to Saima Wazed, Chairperson of Bangladesh National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
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He highlighted the various initiatives of the Government of Bangladesh which includes, among others, enactment of Rights and Protection of Persons with Disabilities Act 2013; Neuro-development Trust Act 2013; establishment of more than 100 Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorder centers and introduction of capacity building trainings for caregivers.
“Simultaneously, with our national efforts, we had been advocating the issue at the UN, including through adopting UNGA resolution, and co-hosting the World Autism Awareness Day every year since its launching in 2007. We also made specific commitments in the Second Global Disability Summit 2022 to address the challenges persons with autism face while receiving education and healthcare,” he further added.
In his welcome remarks, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh Muhammad A Muhith referred to various challenges that children with developmental disabilities face in accessing healthcare services, education and opportunities for social participation, and underscored the importance of introduction of early interventions, inclusive education, creative expressions, artificial intelligence enabled personalized assistive technology to better integrate individuals with disabilities into the community and leave no one behind.
Moderated by Werner Obermeyer, Director, WHO, the event was attended by a significant number of permanent representatives, UN high officials, civil society representatives and media personalities.
In addition to that Foreign Secretary Momen had bilateral meetings with Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary A. Dicarlo, Executive Director of the UN Women Sima Sami Bahous, and Mohamed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, Department of Political Affairs.
He also had a bilateral meeting with the Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations Björn Olof Skoog. During these meetings, the Foreign Secretary briefed them about the developments concerning the upcoming general election of Bangladesh, current situations in the Rohingya camps and Bangladesh’s partnership with the UN in various socio-economic sectors.
The Foreign Secretary sought the support of the UN in the early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland Myanmar in a voluntary, safe and dignified manner.
The counterparts assured the Foreign Secretary of their understanding and commitment for continued partnership with Bangladesh.
Dhaka’s air ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’ this morning
Dhaka's air quality is deemed 'unhealthy for sensitive groups' this morning.
With an air quality index (AQI) score of 119 at 8:56 am, the capital of Bangladesh ranked eighth in the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality.
China’s Shenyang, Thailand’s Chiang Mai, and Nepal’s Kathmandu occupied the first three spots, with AQI scores of 216, 207 and 153, respectively.
An AQI between 101 and 200 is considered 'unhealthy', particularly for sensitive groups.
Similarly, an AQI between 201 and 300 is said to be 'poor', while a reading of 301 to 400 is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents.
AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, is used by government agencies to inform people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is, and what associated health effects might be a concern for them.
Also read; Dhaka's air quality again 'unhealthy' this morning
In Bangladesh, the AQI is based on five criteria pollutants -- Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5), NO2, CO, SO2 and Ozone.
Dhaka has long been grappling with air pollution issues. Its air quality usually turns unhealthy in winter and improves during the monsoon.Air pollution consistently ranks among the top risk factors for death and disability worldwide.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, largely as a result of increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer and acute respiratory infections.
Foreign Minister reiterates govt’s commitment to hold free and fair election during meeting with UNRC
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has reiterated the government’s strong commitment to hold a free and fair election.
He also underscored Bangladesh’s continued cooperation with the UN and the international community on human rights issues, including the recent visits of a number of UN Special Procedure mandate holders to Bangladesh.
UN Resident Coordinator (UNRC) in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Minister Momen at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday and discussed the ongoing democratic process in Bangladesh including the next National Election.
They also discussed major upcoming events in the UN, including the SDG Summit.
Also read: No need for UN cooperation in election: Foreign Minister
The UNRC informed that the UN is looking forward to extending further support to Bangladesh in realizing the SDGs, especially in some priority areas to be determined by Bangladesh.
During the meeting, discussion was held, among others, on the Rohingya situation.
The Foreign Minister called upon the UN, specially the UNHCR, to assist Bangladesh in the ongoing efforts for the repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingyas.
Discussion was also held on possible ways and means to raise funds for humanitarian assistance for Rohingyas as per the Joint Response Plan 2023.
Momen also asked for UN’s further engagement in the humanitarian operations at Bhashan Char.
The UNRC informed about the UN Secretary General’s new initiative ensuring early warning for natural disasters, and expressed willingness to work with thd Bangladesh Government in this regard.
Gwyn Lewis also discussed the recently concluded LDC5 Summit in Doha, and expressed hope that the cooperation between Bangladesh and the UN on LDC issues would continue.
Bangabazar market fire under control after 6 hrs
The massive fire that broke out at the Bangabazar market in Dhaka on Tuesday morning has been brought under control after more than six hours of frantic efforts.The blaze was brought under control around 12:36 pm, said Anwarul Islam, warehouse inspector of Fire Service and Civil Defence headquarters.However, black smoke is still coming out from different places and firefighters are still working to fully douse the fire, he said.
Read More: Bangabazar Market fire in Dhaka causes huge traffic jam
Brigadier General Md. Main Uddin, Director General of Fire Service and Civil Defense, said that the fire doused after more than six hours but it will take one hour more to extinguish the blaze.
IP TVs cannot broadcast news: Info Ministry
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Bangladesh has directed Internet Protocol Television (IP TV) to stop broadcasting news.
The Ministry's TV section-2 gave the order by a notice on Monday (April 03, 2023).
Read More: Hasan Mahmud warns of clampdown on IP TVs
The notification also mentioned that legal action will be taken against IP TV which violates this directive.
According to Article 4.3 of the National Online Media Policy-2017, IP TVs cannot broadcast any kind of news. It is observed that some registered/unregistered IP TVs are broadcasting news violating that policy, the notice said.
Read More: Youtube channels, IP TVs won't be allowed to present news: Info Minister
Child dies after apple gets stuck in throat
A 6-month-old boy choked to death after a piece of apple he was eating got stuck in his throat in the capital's Madartek on Monday.
This incident took place during Iftar at 6:30 pm in Dakshingaon area of Madartek.
The deceased was identified as Samir Ahmed Tien, the only son of Sakhawat Hossain Kanon of the area.
Samir's father, Sakhawat Hossain, said we were having Iftar together, and Samir was sitting on a sofa and eating apples. Suddenly, a piece of apple stuck in his throat. We rushed him to the Dhaka Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
As the child's family had no complaint, the body was handed over to his parents, said Inspector Bachchu Mia, in-charge of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital police camp.
UNN- Walton launches NEXG series new phone
Walton launched new smartphone 'NEXG N6' which is featured with 50 megapixel dual AI rear cameras, 8 GB RAM, a large display of HD plus resolution, powerful battery and so many features.
Walton Mobile's Head of Business Intelligence Rezaul Hasan said, the phone is available in two attractive colors- Blurish Green and Sky Grey. Price of the 'NexG N6' model phone excluding VAT is set at Tk. 14,999. The phone can be purchased from all Walton Plaza, mobile brand and retail outlets across the country as well as e-commerce websites Walton E-Plaza (https://eplaza.waltonbd.com) and Walton Digi-Tech (https://waltondigitech.com).
The phone is powered by 1.6 GHz ARM Cortex-A75 octa-core processor. Its internal memory is 128 GB.This new smartphone has a 6.6-inch HD Plus V-notch display. Its touch sampling rate is 180 Hz and refresh rate is 90 Hz.
The phone has an AI dual camera on the back with LED flash, autofocus and PDAF technology. Its main sensor of the rear camera is 50 megapixels. It also has a 2-megapixel macro sensor.
The device has a 5000 mAh high-capacity Li-Polymer battery for great power backup. 18W Type-C PD3.0 fast charging will charge the device in fastest time.
Customers are getting one year after-sales service with special replacement facility of 30 days on this smartphone, which is manufactured in Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited's own factory.