Rajshahi: Health experts unanimously stated that hypertension is one of the three major causes of mortality and morbidity in Bangladesh. One in every five adults is seen suffering from hypertension. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy diets are blamed for the alarming rise in these diseases. Some other factors include lack of exercise, the habit of eating fast food, taking soft drinks or various drugs, and drinking alcohol, which are largely responsible for heart ailments.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, medical practitioners and experts discussed these observations during a daylong training workshop for community health service providers. The workshop focused on strengthening referrals for non-communicable disease (NCD) patients and providing lifestyle advice at the community level. The NCD Control Programme of the Ministry of Health and the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) organized the training at Paba Upazila Health Complex, supported by Resolve to Save Life.
Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer Dr. Asaduzzaman, Deputy Director of the Bangladesh Hypertension Control Initiative Programme Dr. Shamim Jobayer, NHFB Divisional Programme Officer Khandeker Ehsanul Amin Emon, and Surveillance Medical Officer Dr. Pritam Saha conducted the training sessions, sharing their expertise on the issue. The health experts called for raising public awareness as a critical means of reducing mortality caused by NCDs, particularly hypertension and diabetes.
The government has established NCD corners at many Upazila Health Complexes, providing healthcare and distributing medicines to patients with hypertension and diabetes free of charge. Emphasis is placed on reaching the targeted population at the grassroots level, with community health service providers and community group members playing a vital role.
Dr. Asaduzzaman highlighted that lifestyle modification, proper control of blood glucose and hypertension, and treatment of lipid disorders can help manage heart attack and stroke risk factors. High blood pressure is often known as “the silent killer” due to its lack of symptoms in many individuals.
Ehsanul Amin explained that they organize events to raise awareness about hypertension and diabetes, including health camps, seminars, and workshops. They also extend their reach to various communities, including rural areas, to provide information and screening services in 25 upazilas of Rajshahi, Pabna, and Sirajganj districts. Free or subsidized blood pressure and blood sugar testing is often provided during awareness campaigns to identify individuals at risk.
Amin emphasized the importance of regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management, and regular health check-ups to control hypertension. The training was attended by around 40 participants, including community health service providers and representatives of NCD corners.