Background
On Wednesday, 4th September 2024, a critical multi-stakeholder dialogue was held at the BRAC Centre Auditorium, Mohakhali, Dhaka, to address the emerging health challenges following the devastating floods in Cumilla, Feni, Noakhali, Sylhet, and the northern areas of Chattogram. These floods created an unprecedented human crisis, and as the immediate issues of hunger and displacement are gradually being managed, health concerns have emerged as the next major challenge. The dialogue aimed to review the field realities and collaboratively determine key priorities for action.
Participants
The dialogue brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including civil surgeons from the affected districts, former local government leaders, field volunteers, representatives from private and NGO relief initiatives, health professionals, journalists, officials from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), development partners, and representatives from the army.
Structure of the Dialogue
The dialogue was structured into three main segments:
1. Voices from the Field
- Speakers:
- Civil Surgeons:
- Dr. Nasima Akter (Cumilla)
- Dr. Md. Shihab Uddin (Feni)
- Dr. Ahammad Kabir (Lakshmipur)
- Dr. Md. Saber (Khagrachari)
- Dr. Md. Elias Chowdhury (Chattogram)
- Others:
- Ariful Haque Chowdhury, Former Mayor, Sylhet City Corporation
- Dr. Mohsin Zillur Karim, Private Relief Efforts, Fatikchari, Chattogram
- Nurul Alam Masud, PRAAN (NGO), Maijdee, Noakhali
- Field Volunteer from a Student Group
The first segment highlighted the real-time challenges faced by the affected communities as shared by civil surgeons and local leaders. Key concerns included the spread of waterborne diseases, mental health issues due to displacement, and the urgent need for medical supplies and healthcare personnel in the most affected areas.
2. Open Discussion: Emerging Health Concerns
- Trigger Presentations:
- Professor Dr. M.A. Faiz, Former DG, DGHS
- Dr. Tasmiah Selim, Senior Manager, Communicable Diseases, BRAC Health Program
Following the field reports, an open discussion was initiated with trigger presentations that provided insights into the broader health implications of the flood crisis. The discussion involved contributions from health professionals, NGOs, health journalists, and officials, who emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts, robust health information systems, and community engagement in addressing the unfolding health crisis.
3. Action Priorities
- Speakers:
- Dr. Md. Akramul Islam, Senior Director, BRAC Health Program & HCMP
- Dr. Aminul Hasan, CEO, Quality Care Concern & Former Director, Hospitals
- Representative, Boishommo Birodhi Chatra Andolon
- DG, DGHS
- GOC , Cumilla cant
The final segment focused on setting immediate action priorities. The speakers outlined the critical steps required to strengthen the health response, including the mobilization of resources, enhancing the capacity of healthcare facilities, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and establishing a clear coordination mechanism among all stakeholders.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The dialogue was moderated by Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Chairperson of BRAC and Convenor of the UHC Forum, who summed up the key takeaways and emphasized the need for continued collaboration and effective action. Participants agreed on the urgency of implementing the identified action priorities and the importance of maintaining momentum in the ongoing relief efforts.
The event concluded with a call for all stakeholders to remain engaged and committed to addressing the health challenges in the flood-affected regions. Refreshments were served at 1:40 pm, marking the end of the dialogue.