NGO News Desk :: Work for a Better Bangladesh (WBB) Trust has organized a day long divisional workshop on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) at BILIA Center Auditorium in the morning om January 26, 2013. Dr. M Mostafa Zaman, National Professional Officer of World Health Organization (WHO) and Dr. Jasim Uddin Khan, Civil Surgeon of Dhaka District discussed in the inaugural session.
Dr. Mostafa Zaman said non-communicable diseases like diabetics, cancer, heart disease, hypertension, heart attack, asthma etc. are increasing in Bangladesh. In fact, unhygienic food habit is responsible for this infection. Soft drinks, packed juice, energy drinks and fast food, junk food consumption, smoking and chewable tobacco (sadapata, gul, zarda etc.) consumption and drugs are causing illness and increasing the risk of NCDs. He also added that smoking and tobacco consumption are main causes of NCDs. So, tobacco control should be strengthened. The law should be amended to remove its flaws.
Dr. Jasim Uddin Khan said NCDs like heart disease, hypertension, and heart attack can be reduced through walking, playing, exercise and cycling. So, walking and cycling facilities should be provided in every city. Besides, allocation of playgrounds, parks should be created for children. He called upon local government ministry and its subordinate City Corporation and Municipality to work for walking and cycling facilities and allocation of playgrounds, parks.
Adv. Syed Mahbubul Alam said diabetics are also traced among children for unhygienic food habit. Harmful foods items like soft drinks, packed juice, energy drinks, chips etc. should be banned for reducing diabetics among children. He called upon NGOs to work united to counter NCDs.
Aminul Islam Sujon, Project Coordinator of WBB Trust presented note on “Non-communicable Diseases; its causes and consequences” and Maruf Rahman, National Advocacy Officer of WBB Trust presented note on Walking and Cycling for NCD prevention. Syeda Anonna Rahman, National Advocacy Officer of the Organization presented note on “Harmful drinks, Fast Food and Exercise”.
50 NGOs from different districts of Dhaka division participated in the workshop. The participants kept one minute silence for mourning the death of National Professor Dr. Nurul Islam and showing respect for his departed soul.
