Rangpur: As a result of the implementation of various government programmes, the incidence of waterborne diseases in rural areas of Rangpur division has almost come down to zero in recent years.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, experts attribute this achievement to the government’s extensive awareness-raising activities, which have improved health, cleanliness, sanitation, and nutritional status among the rural population. Residents are now using sanitary latrines and drinking safe water, contributing to the elimination of diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, hookworm, and ringworm.
Housewives from different villages in the division, including Jamuna Rani and Joytsna Rani of Gangadas Baraipara, and Sumaiya Begum of Najirdigar, report that waterborne diseases have disappeared since they adopted these improved practices. Similarly, Anufa Begum, Tohuja Begum, and Sufia Begum from Sarkarpara village in Nilphamari’s Ramnagar union recall a time when such diseases were rampant, but now acknowledge the impact of government and NGO efforts in raising awareness and eliminating these health issues.
Dr Syed Shamsuzzaman, Chairman of the North Bengal Institute of Development Studies, highlighted that the success extends to all areas, including the char regions of Rangpur division, due to collaborative efforts in awareness-raising and ensuring access to healthy sanitation and safe drinking water. This progress aligns with Bangladesh’s movement towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, as indicated by improving health and hygiene indicators and reduced infant, child, and maternal mortality rates.
Dr Md Fazlul Haque, a former Community Medicine Specialist at Rangpur Medical College, noted that rural residents are now well-aware of proper hygiene and sanitation practices. He also mentioned that Community Clinics play a critical role in maintaining these standards at the grassroots level, contributing to the near eradication of waterborne disease-related mortalities.
Chairman Mohaimin Islam of Betgari union parishad in Gangachara upazila affirmed that his union is now free from waterborne diseases, crediting the collective efforts of government and NGOs in motivating the rural population towards healthier living with the support of field health workers and community leaders.