Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 427 this year. In the recent fatalities, one was reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), one in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), one in Barishal Division (outside of the city corporation) and two in the Khulna Division (outside the city corporation). During the period, 1,034 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 187 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 160 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. A total of 83,154 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.  

One more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 422 this year. In the recent fatalities, 1 were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC). During the period, 1,052 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 242 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 151 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 3,993 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 82,120 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major threat to global health, affecting the effectiveness of life-saving medicines and the management of infectious diseases worldwide. This year, we mark World AMR Awareness Week (WAAW) after the landmark approval of the 2024 Political Declaration on AMR at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) High-Level Meeting on AMR, and the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference, in Jeddah. This significant declaration sets ambitious targets while also establishing sustainable financing for AMR action, including the target of at least 60% of countries implementing funded national action plans by 2030. In our WHO South-East Asia Region, the urgency of addressing AMR is clear. High population density, restricted healthcare access, and the misuse of antimicrobials amplify the risks and impacts of AMR. Recognizing these challenges, SEARO has been proactive in advocating action against AMR at regional and global levels. Noting that developing countries are particularly more vulnerable, SEARO co-hosted a side event on fostering an equitable global response to AMR at the 79th UNGA, with the Pan American Health Organization, the United Nations Foundation, Wellcome Trust, and the governments of Thailand, Timor-Leste, Paraguay and Malta. Together with the Western Pacific Regional Office and the government of Japan, SEARO also cohosted an important side meeting at the 77th World Health Assembly, where a Joint Position Paper on AMR in the human health sector in the Asia-Pacific region was endorsed by health leaders from South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. WAAW’s theme this year, “Educate. Advocate. Act now”, reflects the urgency and commitment needed to combat AMR at every level. It calls on the global community to take immediate and decisive action by educating all stakeholders on AMR, advocating for bold political and financial commitments, and ensuring concrete actions are taken to address AMR. All those political commitments generated from global and regional events must be translated into more specific and measurable outcomes. To achieve this community engagement, private-sector partnerships are critical to assisting governments with turning pledges into real-world results. SEARO is committed to supporting Member States in achieving their AMR targets under the One Health framework, particularly those laid out in the UNGA declaration and the 4th Global High-Level Ministerial Conference. In this effort, I am pleased to count on the support and cooperation of our Quadripartite Partners- the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Organisation for Animal Health, and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Six more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 421 this year. In the recent fatalities, two deaths were reported in Chattogram division, while one death occurred each in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), as well as in the Dhaka and Mymensingh divisions (outside the city corporations). During the period, 1,083 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 244 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 115 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 4,008 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 81,068 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year

Eight more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 415 this year. In the recent fatalities, 7 were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), and one in the Chattogram Division (outside the city corporation). During the period, 1,389 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 209 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 146 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 4,035 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 79,984 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

Eight more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 407 this year. In the recent fatalities, 5 were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 2 in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC), and 1 in the Chattogram Division (outside the city corporation). During the period, 994 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 236 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 148 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 4,173 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 69,922 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

  Dhaka, Nov 14 ( UNB)- Speakers at a seminar on Thursday urged the government to amend the current Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) Act, 2005 (amended in 2013) immediately in line with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)  to protect the nation’s health and mitigate economic losses.   The speakers expressed these views at a seminar titled "The Role of the Media in Amending Tobacco Control Laws and Increasing Tobacco Taxes for Public Health Protection"at a hotel in the capital.   It was jointly organized by the Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh.    The speakers said more than 161,000 people die prematurely each year in Bangladesh due to tobacco-related diseases.   Despite this alarming reality, tobacco companies are hindering efforts to amend tobacco laws solely to protect their profits. These companies claim that such amendments would reduce government revenue, they said.   They also presented that a 2018 study shows that the economic burden of tobacco-related illnesses costs the country around 8 billion BDT more than the revenue collected from the tobacco industry annually.    Professor Choudhury pointed out that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken initiatives to amend the law to safeguard public health.    However, tobacco companies and their affiliates are opposing the amendments, arguing that they would lead to significant revenue losses for the government. Yet, data from the National Board of Revenue shows that following the enactment of the TC law in 2005, cigarette tax revenue increased by 17.97% and 37.52% in the fiscal years 2005-06 and 2006-07, respectively.    Similarly, after the 2013 amendments, cigarette tax revenue grew by 25.51% and 46.52% in the fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15, respectively. Thus, Professor Chowdhury emphasized the urgent need to enact the proposed amendments through an ordinance to prevent these avoidable deaths.   Mostafizur Rahman, Lead Policy Advisor, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids (CTFK), said that the interim government has taken a decision to amend the current TC law for public health reasons. Yet, the business of tobacco companies in Bangladesh continues to grow, primarily due to weak laws.    Six major changes have been proposed to align the amended TC law more closely with the WHO FCTC. These include eliminating designated smoking areas in all public places and public transport, banning the display of tobacco products at sales points, prohibiting corporate social responsibility activities by tobacco companies, banning the import, production, use, and marketing of e-cigarettes, ending the retail sale of tobacco products, and increasing the size of graphic health warnings on packaging from 50% to 90%.   The seminar was presided over by Professor Khondaker Abdul Awal Rizvi, President of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh, and moderated by Rashed Rabbi, President of the Bangladesh Health Reporters’ Forum. Professor Sohel Reza Choudhury, Head of Epidemiology and Research at the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute, presented the keynote.      

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 372 this year. In the recent fatalities, 3 were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 1 in the Dhaka Division (outside the city corporation) and 1 in the Chattogram Division (outside the city corporation). During the period, 1221 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 213 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 171 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 4,095 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 69,922 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.

BRAC, in collaboration with the BRAC Institiute of Educational Development (BIED) and 'Neeramoy', a digital healthcare platform, has introduced a mental health hotline called 'Moner Jotno'. This initiative provides free, confidential tele-counselling for individuals -- particularly young people and adolescents -- experiencing anxiety, panic, or emotional distress. The hotline offers immediate support, creating a safe and welcoming space for callers to share their emotions and experiences, so they no longer have to suffer in silence. The launch comes at a critical time, as mental health challenges in Bangladesh are on the rise, particularly among young people. A recent study revealed that 73.5 per cent of school-going adolescents in Bangladesh experience symptoms of stress to varying degrees. According to The Lancet Psychiatry, there is also a severe shortage of mental health professionals in Bangladesh, with fewer than one psychologist available per million people. The 'Moner Jotno' hotline is available every day from 12 pm to 2 am, including holidays, and can be accessed by calling 09643262626 or through the Neeramoy Patient app on both Android and iOS platforms. Over 70 trained psychologists and psychosocial counsellors from BRAC are providing the service, ensuring that callers receive professional, empathetic support, said a press release. Each session lasts around 20 minutes, with the option of a 10-minute extension if the caller's distress is severe. The service offers a single session per call, focusing on immediate emotional relief without follow-up obligations, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout.

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 350 this year. In the recent fatalities, 2 were reported in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), 2 in the Dhaka North City Corporation (DSCC), 1 in the Dhaka Division (outside the city corporation). During the period, 1337 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 257 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 172 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 4,396 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 69,922 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record. The DGHS recorded 321,179 dengue cases and 3, 18,749 recoveries last year.