Experts call for unified action to tackle health issues in flood-affected areas

The recent floods in Comilla, Feni, Noakhali, Sylhet, and northern Chittagong have triggered an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh.

Despite commendable relief efforts from the interim government and the community, new challenges have emerged, particularly in the health sector.

Experts have said that as the immediate crises of hunger and displacement stabilize, it is crucial to turn the focus to addressing the growing health concerns.

Brac and the UHC Forum, a coalition of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) organized "Post-Flood Health Challenges: Multi-Stakeholder Review of Field Realities and Action Priorities" on Wednesday.

The dialogue, chaired by convenor of UHC Forum and Chairperson of Brac, Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman, aimed to discuss the multidimensional health crises precipitated by the floods and to identify key action priorities to address the urgent needs on the ground.

Brac Executive Director Asif Saleh was also present at the dialogue.

During the discussions, civil surgeons from the affected regions reported a sharp increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and skin infections. Acute incidents like drowning, electrocution, and snakebites are also on the rise.

The event gathered over 130 participants, including civil surgeons from flood-affected districts, the Bangladesh Army GOC of Comilla, the former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, student volunteers, and representatives from private and NGO initiatives in Fatikchhari, Khagrachhari, and Maijdee.

A diverse group of health professionals, media, and officials from various development organizations also took part, attending both in person and virtually.

Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman called for a united approach, emphasizing that a strategic and multi-sectoral response is essential to overcoming the health challenges posed by the floods.

“This is a difficult time for our nation due to the political situation and the ongoing flood crisis. We must all come together to effectively address the health challenges that have arisen and ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

The Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Dr Mohammad Robed Amin said: "We must also prioritize investigating the key causes of death during this flood, including drowning, electrocution, snake bites, and unidentified bites."

Senior Director of Btac Health Program (BHP), Dr Md Akramul Islam said: “Ensuring facility readiness is vital to meet the increased demand for essential medicines and medical equipment, particularly in managing patient overflow. In parallel, we must prioritize the management, coordination, and dissemination of information across all field-level groups. We must not overlook the management of chronic, communicable, and non-communicable diseases as well as prepare to tackle vector-borne disease outbreaks.”

Jahangir Harun, a retired major general in the Bangladesh Army and former GOC of 33rd Infantry Division and Area Commander, Comilla highlighted the specific challenges faced in evacuating vulnerable populations during the floods and said: “Evacuating pregnant women, children, and the elderly is a significant challenge during floods. A dedicated database for pregnant women and a ready-to-deploy evacuation team are essential.”

Dr Aminul Hasan, former director (hospitals and clinics) of the DGHS, representing the UHC forum, proposed 10 action points to address post-flood health challenges and combat this crisis. Despite efforts from local volunteers, NGOs, and the army, significant challenges remain in coordination, the provision of medical supplies, and access to mental health services.

Dr MA Faiz, former director general of DGHS said: “The assumption is that all floodwaters are contaminated, and everyone needs to be made aware of this. Ensuring a safe water supply, proper waste disposal, and decontamination of health facilities is crucial to mitigating further outbreaks.”

Former mayor of Sylhet City Corporation, Ariful Haque Chowdhury said: “Available data often does not reflect the true situation, causing the concerns of local people to go unheard. It is time to break this cycle and make sure our response strategies are guided by local realities."

The outcomes of this dialogue will lay the groundwork for coordinated health responses in flood-affected areas, focusing on enhancing infrastructure, mental health services, and public health education to reduce the risks of future disasters.

The death toll from the recent catastrophic flood in 11 districts has risen to 71 with four more deaths reported on Tuesday, according to the report of Disaster Management and Relief Ministry.

The fresh deaths were reported from worst-hit Feni and Comilla districts.

Besides, 582, 155 families have been stranded in 68 upazilas of 11 flood-hit districts--Feni, Comilla, Chittagong, Khagrachhari, Noakhali, Moulvibazar, Habiganj, Brahmanbaria, Sylhet, Lakshmipur and Cox’s Bazar.

Moreover, 5,024, 202 people have been affected in 504 municipalities or unions.