Published On:2015-12-09 12:00:00

More awareness training on NDCs stressed

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Non-communicable diseases (NDCs) are responsible for half of Bangladesh's annual mortality and account for 61 percent of the country's disease burden. The country has been identified for its low performance in reducing risk factors, conducting research and surveillance, and strengthening health systems in relation to non-communicable diseases. 

Speakers on Tuesday made the remarks while addressing at a two-day scientific conference on health marking the third Public Health Foundation Day. Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh (PHFBD) organized the program at city's icddr,b auditorium. Founder and President of National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute National Professor Dr Abdul Malik was present at the function as the chief guest. He said, "Bangladesh has taken initiatives to combat against non-communicable disease as they have appeared as the major causes of deaths." Many countries including Bangladesh are yet to establish needed actions to reduce deaths and disability from non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. Dr Abdul Malik stressed on the training of physicians, nurses and paramedics on NDCs to fight the diseases.  Moreover, he called for giving more focus on prevention of diseases, rather than their cure. 
"Establishment of hospitals is not the answer, the answer is prevention," he added. Daily Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman highlighted several irregularities in the health education sector and urged all concerned to maintain the quality in the field. Icddr,b Deputy Executive Director Dr Abbas Bhuiya attended the occasion as a special guest while PHFBD Chairman Prof Dr M Muzaherul Huq and CEO Prof Dr Sharmeen Yasmeen and Faith Bangladesh Vice-Chairperson Nilufer Ahmed Karim also spoke at the function. Muzaherul Huq said government allocation for health sector in Bangladesh is very low and even that allocation does not reach to majority of the people. Later, Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh honored Dr Valerie Ann Taylor and Prof Dr Hosne Ara Begum with Public Health Foundation Award. 
Valerie Ann is the Founder and Coordinator of Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed (CRP) while Dr Hosne Ara Begum has been working as the Executive Director of Thengamara Mohila Sajub Sangha (TMSS).