United News of Bangladesh

Saima Wazed Putul, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Director for South-East Asia, has been placed on indefinite leave, four months after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Bangladesh filed two cases against her on charges of fraud, forgery and misuse of power, according to the Health Policy Watch. WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the decision in a brief internal email, stating that Wazed would be on leave starting Friday (July 11). He also said WHO Assistant Director-General Dr Catharina Boehme would assume responsibility as Officer-in-Charge of the SEARO office in Wazed’s absence. Boehme is expected to arrive at the SEARO headquarters in New Delhi on Tuesday (July 15). ACC files cases against Saima Wazed, Exim Bank’s ex-chairman Saima Wazed, daughter of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who fled the country last August after protests, took office as Regional Director in January 2024. The charges against Saima Wazed stem from her bid to be appointed regional director. Her campaign was shadowed by claim that her influential mother used her influence to ensure her daughter’s election. According to the formal charges, she is alleged to have provided false information about her academic record during her campaign for regional director, violating Section 468 of the Bangladesh Penal Code (forgery for the purpose of cheating) and Section 471 (forging a document).   The ACC also alleged she misrepresented her qualifications by claiming an honorary role at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, which the university disputes, to secure her WHO position. Saima Wazed is also accused of having misused her power and influence to collect about $2.8 million from various banks for the Shuchona Foundation which she used to head. Saima Wazed calls for accelerating safety measures to reduce road traffic deaths The ACC case did not provide complete details on how the money was then used. Those charges include: allegations of fraud and misuse of power under Sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property); , as well as Section 5(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1947. Since the charges were laid, Wazed has been unable to travel properly in the SEARO region as she faces arrest in Bangladesh, it said.

Global efforts to vaccinate children against preventable diseases have stalled since 2010, leaving millions at risk for illnesses such as tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, and measles, according to a new study published Tuesday in The Lancet. The analysis, conducted by researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington, reveals a significant decline in vaccination rates—particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by AP. The report warns that protection from measles dropped in 100 countries between 2010 and 2019, unraveling decades of progress. This includes setbacks in high-income countries that had previously eradicated the disease. “After clean water, vaccination is the most effective intervention for protecting the health of our children,” said Helen Bedford, a professor of children's health at University College London, who was not connected to the research. She added that recent years have seen “a small but worrying rise in the number of parents skipping vaccination for their children,” citing misinformation as one of the contributing factors. In the UK, this trend has led to the largest number of measles cases since the 1990s and nearly a dozen deaths from whooping cough. The United States is also experiencing a drop in vaccination rates, with exemption levels hitting an all-time high. The global immunization initiative, launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, was credited with inoculating over 4 billion children and saving an estimated 154 million lives. Philippine village offers bounties for mosquitoes-dead or alive Before the pandemic, the coverage of children receiving three doses of the diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough vaccine had nearly doubled from 40% to 81%. Measles vaccination rates increased from 37% to 83%, with similar progress for polio and tuberculosis. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these gains. An estimated 15.6 million children missed doses of both the diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough vaccine and the measles vaccine. Approximately 16 million children missed the polio vaccine, and 9 million did not receive the TB vaccine—most notably in sub-Saharan Africa. The study was funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance. Researchers also identified that over half of the world’s 15.7 million unvaccinated children in 2023 lived in just eight countries: Nigeria, India, Congo, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Indonesia, and Brazil. Experts have voiced concern that political decisions may further hamper immunization efforts. Since former President Donald Trump initiated the withdrawal of the U.S. from the WHO and began dismantling the U.S. Agency for International Development, public health authorities have warned of an increased risk of infectious disease outbreaks. However, the researchers cautioned that it is too early to determine the exact impact of recent funding cuts on global vaccination rates. The WHO has reported alarming increases in measles cases. In the Americas, there has been an 11-fold surge in infections this year compared to 2024. In Europe, measles cases doubled in 2024, while the disease remains prevalent in Africa and Southeast Asia. “It is in everyone's interest that this situation is rectified,” said Dr. David Elliman, a pediatrician who has advised the British government. “While vaccine-preventable infectious diseases occur anywhere in the world, we are all at risk.”

A brutal attack on the only operational hospital in El Fasher, a besieged city in Sudan's Darfur region, has claimed around 70 lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed the death toll in a post on X, describing the assault on the Saudi Teaching Maternal Hospital as "appalling." The attack, which left 19 others injured, occurred as the hospital was crowded with patients, said Ghebreyesus. He also reported another assault on a health facility in Al Malha. Local officials attributed the attack to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group engaged in a civil war with Sudan's military. Israel, Hamas to swap hostages, prisoners amid ceasefire test The RSF has been blamed for numerous atrocities during the conflict, including a siege on El Fasher since May 2024. Civilians in the city, now home to over one million displaced people, have endured months of violence and deprivation. The conflict, which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 28,000 deaths and forced millions to flee their homes. Both sides have been accused of committing war crimes, with reports of ethnic African groups being targeted. Bittersweet feeling for Palestinians freed from Israeli prisons Despite international mediation and sanctions, the fighting continues. WHO and other global organizations have called for an end to violence against healthcare facilities and civilians, emphasizing that Sudan urgently needs peace.

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan confirmed on Monday that a sample from northern Tanzania tested positive for Marburg disease, a highly contagious virus with a fatality rate of up to 88% if untreated. President Hassan made the announcement in the capital, Dodoma, during a joint briefing with World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. The WHO had earlier reported a suspected Marburg outbreak in Tanzania’s Kagera region on January 14, linking it to eight deaths. However, Tanzanian health authorities had initially dismissed the claim, stating that tests conducted on samples yielded negative results. Hassan clarified that while one sample tested positive for the virus, 25 other samples returned negative. Bird flu found in a Georgia commercial flock for the 1st time amid the nationwide outbreak Marburg, which is closely related to Ebola, is transmitted to humans by fruit bats and spreads through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces like soiled bedsheets. Common symptoms of the virus include fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death due to significant blood loss. There is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the disease. This marks the second Marburg outbreak in Kagera since 2023. The latest case comes just a month after neighboring Rwanda declared the end of its own Marburg outbreak. Rwanda reported 66 infections and 15 deaths in its outbreak, which was first detected on September 27. Many of the affected were healthcare workers who attended to the initial cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on January 15 that a suspected outbreak of Marburg disease has resulted in eight fatalities in a remote area of northern Tanzania. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus confirmed that there have been nine cases so far, with eight deaths. He stated, "We anticipate more cases in the coming days as disease surveillance efforts intensify." Who is Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the New Orleans truck attack suspect? Marburg, like Ebola, is caused by a virus that originates in fruit bats and spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated surfaces, such as bedding. The disease has a fatality rate of up to 88% without treatment, with symptoms including fever, muscle pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and in severe cases, death due to significant blood loss. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for Marburg. The WHO assessed the outbreak's risk as high at the national and regional levels, but low on a global scale. Tanzanian health authorities have not yet issued a response. A Marburg outbreak in Rwanda, first reported on September 27, was declared over on December 20, after claiming 15 lives and infecting 66 individuals, primarily healthcare workers who treated the initial cases. Additionally, a 2023 Marburg outbreak in Kagera, near the Rwanda border, resulted in at least five deaths.      

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Egypt as malaria-free, marking a significant public health milestone for a country with more than 100 million inhabitants. The achievement follows a nearly 100-year effort by the Egyptian government and people to end a disease that has been present in the country since ancient times. “Malaria is as old as Egyptian civilization itself, but the disease that plagued pharaohs now belongs to its history and not its future,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General on Sunday. "This certification of Egypt as malaria-free is truly historic, and a testament to the commitment of the people and government of Egypt to rid themselves of this ancient scourge. I congratulate Egypt on this achievement, which is an inspiration to other countries in the region, and shows what’s possible with the right resources and the right tools.” Egypt is the third country to be awarded a malaria-free certification in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region following the United Arab Emirates and Morocco, and the first since 2010. Globally, a total of 44 countries and 1 territory have reached this milestone. “Receiving the malaria elimination certificate today is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new phase. We must now work tirelessly and vigilantly to sustain our achievement through maintaining the highest standards for surveillance, diagnosis and treatment, integrated vector management and sustaining our effective and rapid response to imported cases. Our continued multisectoral efforts will be critical to preserving Egypt's malaria-free status,” said Dr Khaled Abdel Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister of Egypt. "I reaffirm that we will continue with determination and strong will to safeguard the health of all people in Egypt under the wise leadership's guidance and proceed with enhancing our healthcare system, this will remain a cornerstone in protecting the lives of all people living in and visiting Egypt.” Certification of malaria elimination is granted by WHO when a country has proven, beyond reasonable doubt, that the chain of indigenous malaria transmission by Anopheles mosquitoes has been interrupted nationwide for at least the previous three consecutive years. A country must also demonstrate the capacity to prevent the re-establishment of transmission. Egypt’s journey to eliminationMalaria has been traced as far back as 4000 B.C.E. in Egypt, with genetic evidence of the disease found in Tutankhamun and other ancient Egyptian mummies. Early efforts to reduce human-mosquito contact in Egypt began in the 1920s when the country prohibited the cultivation of rice and agricultural crops near homes. With most of Egypt’s population living along the banks of the Nile River and malaria prevalence as high as 40%, the country designated malaria a notifiable disease in 1930 and later opened its first malaria control station focused on diagnosis, treatment and surveillance. “Today, Egypt has proven that with vision, dedication, and unity we can overcome the greatest challenges. This success in eliminating malaria is not just a victory for public health but a sign of hope for the entire world, especially for other endemic countries in our region. This achievement is the result of sustained, robust surveillance investments in a strong, integrated health system, where community engagement and partnerships have enabled progress. Furthermore, collaboration and support to endemic countries, such as Sudan, remain a priority,” said Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. By 1942, malaria cases in Egypt had spiked to more than 3 million as a result of the Second World War population displacement, the disruption of medical supplies and services, and the invasion of Anopheles arabiensis, a highly efficient mosquito vector, among other factors. Egypt succeeded in controlling the malaria outbreak through the establishment of 16 treatment divisions and the recruitment of more than 4000 health workers. The construction of the Aswan Dam, completed in 1969, created a new malaria risk for the country, as standing water produced breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Egypt, in collaboration with Sudan, launched a rigorous vector control and public health surveillance project to rapidly detect and respond to malaria outbreaks. By 2001, malaria was firmly under control and the Ministry of Health and Population set its sights on preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission. Egypt rapidly contained a small outbreak of malaria cases in the Aswan Governorate in 2014 through early case identification, prompt treatment, vector control and public education. Malaria diagnosis and treatment are provided free-of-charge to the entire population in Egypt regardless of legal status, and health professionals are trained nationwide to detect and screen for malaria cases including at borders. Egypt’s strong cross-border partnership with neighbouring countries, including Sudan, has been instrumental for preventing the re-establishment of local malaria transmission, paving the way for the country to be officially certified as malaria-free.

The Seventy Seventh Regional Committee Session of WHO South-East Asia wrapped up with Member States adopting resolutions setting new targets for measles and rubella elimination, expanding the corpus of the regional health emergency fund and committing to adolescent responsive health systems. “While regionally, we have made good progress on elimination of measles and rubella, the COVID-19 pandemic did disrupt this progress. I am pleased the Regional Committee has resolved to revise the elimination target,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director, at the closing of the Regional Committee session held recently in New Delhi. The member countries agreed to extend the target for elimination of measles and rubella by the Region, aspiring to achieve by 2026, according to a message received from the WHO. The resolution also endorsed the “Strategic Plan for measles and rubella elimination and sustenance in the WHO South-East Asia Region 2024–2028” for achieving and sustaining measles and Rubella elimination in the region. Securing adolescent health and well-being is vital for health of future generations: WHO Working against the earlier 2023 target, five countries of the region have achieved Measles and Rubella elimination. At the WHO’s regional annual governing body meeting, the member countries agreed to treble the corpus of South-East Asia Regional Health Emergency Fund (SEARHEF) to US$ 3 million beginning 2026. In addition to supporting lifesaving interventions during emergency response, the SEARHEF will also be strengthened to fill critical gaps in health emergency preparedness and capacities of countries. The Regional Committee also endorsed the Ministerial Declaration on adolescent-responsive health systems that countries adopted at a ministerial round table earlier in the week. The declaration calls for policies, resources and services tailored to the unique needs of this age group for a healthier and more equitable future for all. The declaration emphasises on adolescent-responsive health systems as the crucial strategy to strengthen PHC-oriented health systems and achieve universal health coverage. The committee reviewed the progress being made towards achieving universal health coverage and health-related Sustainable Development Goals as countries shared initiatives and reiterated resolve to accelerate efforts to achieve the global targets. WHO grants first mpox vaccine approval to ramp up response to disease in Africa and beyond The three-day Regional Committee that ended yesterday discussed progress reports on previous resolutions including traditional medicines, strengthening health workforce education and training, and intensifying activities for dengue control and malaria elimination. The resolution on decade of action to end viral hepatitis, HIV and STIs, universal access to people centered health care and services, progress and acceleration plan for non-communicable diseases and advancing health emergency preparedness and response in the Region were also deliberated upon. Reiterating WHO Director-General Dr Tedros key tasks made in his opening address to the Regional Committee, Saima Wazed urged Member States to engage actively in negotiations for the Pandemic Agreement. The Regional Director thanked member states for their generous commitment to WHO Investment Round and reiterated WHO’s continued support to accelerate public health across the Region. “We are one team … with a unified vision - a vision which can benefit every living person on this planet. I am pleased to be among you in this noble calling, and in this noble endeavor of ours,” the Regional Director said. During the Regional Committee, member states were felicitated for achievements and advancements in public health. Bhutan was awarded for achieving interim targets for cervical cancer elimination; India for eliminating trachoma; Timor-Leste for eliminating lymphatic filariasis; Maldives and Sri Lanka for Hepatitis B control in children. Bhutan was also given an award for achieving SDG and global targets for reducing under-five mortality and stillbirth rates. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand were awarded for achieving the SDG and global targets for reduction of under-5 mortality, neonatal mortality and stillbirth rates.  

On August 14, The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Mpox or Monkeypox as a public health emergency of international concern, which is the highest alert the organization can decree. Since its earlier detection in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2022, Mpox has been spreading across continents contaminating and killing thousands of people. Recently, this deadly disease has been detected in Pakistan, sprouting fear in the neighboring South Asian countries. To stay safe, mass awareness should be raised against Mpox. What is Mpox or Monkeypox? Mpox or Monkeypox is a disease caused by the Mpox virus. When infected by this virus, people show symptoms similar to those of smallpox, like rashes, discolored and swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches, fever, and so on. Read more: Health ministry issues mpox alert: Vigilance at entry points; no cases detected in Bangladesh yet Quite rare in humans, the Mpox virus mostly affects rodents, like rats, and mice, and primates, like gorillas, and monkeys. However, for the last two years, a new variation has been alarmingly raising concerns about infecting humans and causing deaths. Mpox Variations Till now, only two variations of the Mpox virus have been found liable for human illness—Clade I and Clade II. According to researchers, the variations liable for the recent outbreak and the outbreak in 2022 are different. The global outbreak of 2022 that infected around 100,000 people was caused by the Clade II variation, whereas, Clade I is liable for the recent situation. The two mutant types share a few differences in terms of their ways of transmission, and symptoms. Read more: How to Keep Your Skin Healthy During Monsoon Clade I Clade I shows a pattern in its process of transmission, taking advantage of a person’s immunodeficiency, making them weak, and slowly pushing them towards death. The mortality rate among the Clade I victims ranges from 1% to 10%. As per reports, the victims have been mostly the inhabitants of Congo. However, the number of victims went up due to the rapid contamination among people in other areas of the world. Clade I is more frequent among children who are infected through contact with animals or other members of their families. Clade II Clade II is responsible for the 2022 outbreak of Mpox. The death rate of Clade II is low, counting only 1% to 4%. The severity of the illness is also more tolerable, causing rashes on a random part of the body mostly around the face and torso instead of the full body. Read more: Congo's humanitarian crisis helped mpox spiral again into a global health emergency How Did the Recent Variation of Mpox Spread? The transmission pathways of Mpox are diverse, including close personal contact, contact with contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals. Clade II, has shown unique patterns of spread, which has raised new concerns and challenges for public health efforts. Here are some common modes of Transmission of Mpox virus. Close Personal Contact The primary mode of Mpox transmission is through close, personal contact with an infected individual. This includes direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s rashes, scabs, or bodily fluids. The virus can also spread through contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. Intimate activities, such as sex, as well as prolonged face-to-face interactions, can facilitate the transmission of the virus. Read more: Pakistan's health ministry confirms a case of mpox but more tests are being done for its variant In the 2022 global outbreak of Clade IIb, the virus predominantly spread through sexual contact. This pattern of transmission underscores the importance of targeted public health messaging and interventions to prevent the further spread of the virus in at-risk populations. Contact with Contaminated Materials Mpox can also spread through contact with objects, fabrics, and surfaces that have been contaminated by an infected person. Items like bedding, towels, clothing can harbor the virus if they are not properly disinfected. This mode of transmission highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices and ensuring that environments, where infected individuals have been, are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Read more: Comprehensive Guide to the Best Home Fitness Equipment in Bangladesh for 2024 Animal-to-Human Transmission Another significant route of Monkeypox transmission is through contact with infected animals. Mpox is endemic in certain wild animals in West and Central Africa, particularly rodents. People can contract the virus by hunting, trapping, or processing these animals, or through bites, scratches, or direct contact with an infected animal’s fluids or waste. While the risk of transmission from pets is low, close contact with an infected pet, such as petting, cuddling, or sharing sleeping spaces, could potentially spread the virus to humans. Recent Developments in Mpox Spread In recent outbreaks, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Clade I variant of the Mpox virus has shown an alarming trend of spreading through sexual contact.  Read more: Circadian Rhythm: How to Reset the Biological Master Clock Moreover, early evidence indicates that Clade I might possess certain properties that enhance its ability to spread from person to person more easily. This has raised concerns about the potential for more widespread outbreaks, particularly in regions with limited surveillance and healthcare infrastructure. Conclusion The recent variations of Mpox, particularly Clade II and Clade I, have shown concerning patterns of transmission.  The virus's ability to spread through close personal contact, contaminated materials, and interaction with infected animals highlights the importance of public awareness and targeted health interventions.  Read more: Cerebral Haemorrhage: Signs, Reasons, Treatment, and Prevention As the situation evolves, understanding the transmission pathways of Mpox or Monkeypox is essential for controlling the spread and protecting vulnerable populations.

Colorectal cancer, or colon cancer as it is commonly known, is a type of cancer that develops at the rectum or colon of the human body. WHO reports that colon cancer is the third leading type of cancer globally with 10% of all reported cases. It is also the third highest reason for cancer-related deaths. Let’s take a detailed look into the fatal disease, what causes it, and how people can potentially save themselves from colon cancer.  How Does Colon Cancer Develop?  The colon or the rectum is the terminal point of the digestive system. It is essentially a sac that houses the bowel and aids in the bowel movement process. The lining of the colon can develop precancerous polyps which can become cancerous over time.  It is important to note that all polyps are not cancerous. However, it is needed to medically treat them at the earliest as there is always the chance of it developing into cancer cells.  The exact cause of polyp development is unknown. However, scientists have often pointed out that genes and age play a crucial role in their development. Other factors like diets, obesity, smoking, and inflammation of the colon lining have been identified as leading causes thus far.  Read more: Measles: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention What are the Symptoms and Causes of Colon Cancer?  Symptoms of colon cancer include:  Change in Bowel Movement  As a precursor to colon cancer, a patient often notices a significant shift in bowel movement. For example, the frequency of diarrhea, constipation, or a change in stool consistency is noticed.  Blood Discharge  A common symptom of colon cancer is the presence of blood in the stool. Patients may not feel any apparent discomfort but dark tarry stools may be noticed during bowel movement.  Pain in the Abdomen  Another common symptom of colon cancer is severe and lasting pain in the abdomen. It generally starts as mild discomfort and gradually moves to severe cramps.  Read more: JN.1: Symptoms, Prevention of and Precautions for the New COVID-19 Variant Anemia  The blood discharge with stool may trigger anemia or loss of red corpuscles in the blood. Anemia also triggers weakness and fatigue which is a secondary symptom of colon cancer.  Unexpected Weight Loss  Another sign of any cancer in general is the unexpected loss of weight. Cancer patients including colon cancer ones tend to rapidly lose weight which may lead to secondary complications.  There are several known causes of colon cancer. These include: Age  Age is one of the commonly identified factors behind colon cancer. Anyone over the age of 50 is at risk of contracting colon cancer though it might occur at any age. Read more: Foods that Help Relieve Nausea and Vomiting Family History  Genetics are also thought to be a reason behind colon cancer. Families with a history of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis or FAP and Lynch Syndrome tend to compound the chances of contracting colon cancer.  Personal Medical History  Colon cancers are often recurring, meaning they can come back even if it is treated completely. A personal medical history of colon cancer or repeated polyp formation may trigger renewed cancer cell generation in the colon linings.  Additionally, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or IBDs like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease increase the risk of contracting colon cancer. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also run the risk of developing colon cancer. Read more: 10 Dengue Myths Debunked: Here are the Facts

Dhaka has topped the list of cities worldwide with the worst air quality with an AQI score of 269 at 8:55 am this morning (January 30, 2024). Dhaka’s air was classified as 'very unhealthy', posing serious health risks to residents, according to the air quality index. Ghana’s Accra, Uganda’s Kampala and India’s Mumbai occupied the second, third and fourth spots on the list, with AQI scores of 209, 189 and 188 respectively. When the AQI value for particle pollution is between 101 and 150, air quality is considered ‘unhealthy for sensitive groups’, between 150 and 200 is ‘unhealthy’, between 201 and 300 is said to be 'very unhealthy', while a reading of 301+ is considered 'hazardous', posing serious health risks to residents. Read more: Environment Ministry announces 100-day programme for 'healthy environment, smart Bangladesh' The AQI, an index for reporting daily air quality, informs people how clean or polluted the air of a certain city is and what associated health effects might be a concern for them. The AQI in Bangladesh is based on five 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. As per World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution kills an estimated seven million people worldwide every year, mainly due to increased mortality from stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, and acute respiratory infections. Read more: Smart technology will be used in all public service delivery: Environment Minister