Pantho Rahaman
Dhaka, June 12, 2024
Vector-borne diseases have increased in Bangladesh’s coastal areas, threatening the entire health system of the country.
Bangladesh, a nation highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, is facing an alarming increase in disease outbreaks as rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events create favorable conditions for the spread of various illnesses. Health experts and environmentalists warn that without immediate intervention, the situation could escalate, posing severe public health risks.
In recent years, Bangladesh has experienced a notable surge in vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. The country recorded over 100,000 dengue cases in 2023 alone — a significant increase from previous years. Dr. Nazrul Islam, a public health expert in Dhaka, attributes this rise to the prolonged monsoon season and higher average temperatures, which create ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes mosquito, the primary vector for dengue and chikungunya.
“Climate change is altering the habitat and lifecycle of vectors, leading to more widespread and prolonged transmission periods,” Dr. Islam explained.
“We are seeing dengue cases well beyond the traditional monsoon season, indicating that mosquitoes are now able to breed year-round,” he added.
Flooding, another consequence of climate change, has exacerbated the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever. The southern coastal regions of Bangladesh — particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise and cyclones — have reported frequent outbreaks following major flood events. Contaminated water supplies and inadequate sanitation facilities during floods create ideal conditions for these diseases to thrive.
In addition to vector-borne and waterborne diseases, Bangladesh is witnessing an increase in respiratory illnesses. The combination of rising temperatures and air pollution — often from agricultural burning and industrial emissions — has led to higher incidences of asthma and other chronic respiratory conditions.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk, with hospitals in urban areas like Dhaka, Chittagong, and other metropolitan cities reporting a steady rise in cases.
The government of Bangladesh, in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, has initiated several programs to mitigate these health impacts.
Efforts include enhancing disease surveillance systems, improving public health infrastructure, and promoting community awareness of preventive measures. However, challenges remain due to limited resources and the scale of the climate crisis.
Dr. Ayesha Akhtar, a senior official at the Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for a multi-faceted approach to address the health impacts of climate change.
“We must integrate climate resilience into our health policies and invest in sustainable practices to reduce vulnerability,” she said.
“This includes strengthening early warning systems, investing in research, and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.”
As Bangladesh grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and public health, experts stress the importance of global cooperation.
“Climate change is a global issue that requires collective action,” said Dr. Akhtar.
“We need support from the international community to build a resilient health system capable of withstanding future challenges.”
The situation in Bangladesh serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of environmental and health issues, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to protect vulnerable populations from the multifaceted threats posed by climate change.
Source: Ministry of Health, Department of Environment, Open Data, Media Reports, and Personal Sources.
