Dhaka:Dr Zubaida Rahman, Vice-President of Ziaur Rahman Foundation and spouse of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, has called for a nationwide coordinated program to treat osteoporosis sufferers and increase public awareness of the disease. Speaking as the chief guest at a scientific seminar at Bangladesh Medical University, she highlighted osteoporosis as a 'silent' disease that weakens bones, raising fracture risks.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr Zubaida Rahman emphasized the need for effective measures to combat osteoporosis, which affects an estimated 60 lakh people in Bangladesh, with a higher prevalence among women. She cited research indicating significant rates of osteoporosis and osteopenia among women in Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for further research and regular screening to understand the disease's true impact.
Dr Zubaida Rahman proposed forming an 'Osteoporosis Society' to coordinate awareness programs across Bangladesh's 64 districts. She suggested involving the doctors' community and the country's 100,000 health workers in educational efforts. Additionally, she recommended observing an 'Osteoporosis Awareness Month' and stressed the importance of seminars for physicians to introduce modern diagnostic methods.
Highlighting nutritional factors such as Vitamin D deficiency and calcium intake, Dr Zubaida Rahman called for community-based screening opportunities and the use of the 'Fracture Risk Assessment Tool' (FRAX) to evaluate fracture risks. The seminar was chaired by DAP President Professor Dr Harun Al Rashid and included participation from several notable figures. The event featured a Q and A session, panel discussion, and quiz, aligning with the objectives of World Osteoporosis Day, observed annually on October 20.