Aleya Begum, a 29-year-old housekeeper in Dhaka, thought her fatigue and body aches were just part of her demanding routine—washing clothes and cleaning homes for a living. But when a high fever and unbearable pain left her unable to move, she realised it was something far worse.
“I work in other’s homes, washing clothes and cleaning houses. Body pain and fatigue are part of my daily life due to work pressure, so I initially dismissed my symptoms as normal,” Aleya said.
Her condition worsened rapidly, and a visit to a government hospital confirmed the diagnosis: dengue. By then, the illness had taken a heavy toll on her body and her livelihood. “The saddest part was losing my jobs. The houses I worked at hired others in my absence, leaving me financially vulnerable,” she said.
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Even three months later, Aleya still struggles with joint pain, a lingering reminder of the disease’s devastating effects.
Her story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by women during Bangladesh’s worst dengue outbreak, which claimed 575 lives in 2024, with women in their prime disproportionately affected.
Why Women Suffer More
Nearly 300 of the total 575 dengue fatalities in 2024 were women, with the highest death toll recorded among those aged 26-40. Biological factors, including hormonal differences, and underlying health issues like anemia and hypertension, make women more vulnerable to severe outcomes, experts say.
“Women in low-income households face systemic barriers that delay medical care, leading to severe complications,” said Dr Sadia Sultana Resma, a pulmonologist at the DNCC Dedicated Hospital.
The situation is further compounded by societal expectations.
Assistant Professor Sadia Islam of the Dhaka School of Economics explained that women often prioritise their families over their health.
“Women in this age group often prioritise family over their health,” she said.
Economic Impact on Women
Women aged 26-40 form about 40% of Bangladesh’s workforce, contributing across formal and informal sectors. Their illness disrupts not only their families but also the broader economy.
For Aleya, the financial impact of dengue was immediate and harsh. Unable to work, she lost her primary source of income. “My eyes and lips were swollen, and I could barely stand,” she shared.
By the time she recovered, her employers had replaced her, leaving her struggling to find new jobs.
Barriers to Timely Care
Aleya’s experience also highlights the systemic challenges women face in accessing healthcare. Long queues in overcrowded hospitals and limited financial resources delay critical medical intervention for many.
“Many rural women don’t even know what a platelet count or CBC test is,” said Prof Sadia, pointing to the lack of awareness and access to diagnostic services.
Road Ahead
Experts emphasise that addressing dengue’s impact on women requires a gender-sensitive approach. Public health campaigns should focus on educating women about preventive measures and symptoms while providing one-stop service booths to streamline care.
“These booths could provide immediate guidance, ensure preventive measures and distribute essential supplies like saline and nutritious food,” suggested Prof Sadia.
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For survivors like Aleya, such measures could make a world of difference. “First, you see the doctor, then go for tests and then return to the doctor again. It becomes a lengthy process. At least for women, it would be helpful if this entire process could be streamlined and brought to one place,” Prof Sadia added.
As Bangladesh reflects on the devastating dengue outbreak of 2024, Aleya’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost and the urgent need for systemic changes to protect women’s lives and livelihoods.