Bangladesh
Country Overview
Bangladesh, a South Asian country with a population of approximately 147 million, is a densely populated, extremely poor country which suffers annual floods during the monsoon season. These conditions create social and economic instability in the low lying areas, hampering economic development and poverty alleviation. Bangladesh is also plagued by high rates of infectious diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, diarrheal diseases (including cholera) and several of the most common NTDs. Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs), particularly hookworm, and lymphatic filariasis (LF) are the most common communicable diseases in the country. STHs have a disproportionate impact on young Bangladeshis, with over 80% of children affected. Nearly two-thirds of the population is employed in agriculture; consequently, diseases such as LF, which inhibit productivity through gross disfigurement of limbs, severely impact worker productivity, self-sufficiency, and the ability to contribute to their communities. In addition the high prevalence of hookworm causes anemia in females of child bearing age.
Current Efforts
Of the 64 districts, 32 are endemic for lymphatic filariasis. Nearly 70 million people in the endemic districts are covered by mass drug administration. With support from the UK Department for International Development (DFID), via the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine Centre for Neglected Tropical Diseases (formerly the Lymphatic Filariasis Support Centre), the Government of Japan (JICA) and the non-governmental organization LEPRA, the Ministry of Health together with a local NGO has operated an ongoing campaign for LF elimination since 2001. The campaign involves distributing DEC and albendazole to the eligible population over 2 years old once a year for at least five years. Health systems at the district and national levels have been strengthened to make mass drug administration more effective.
Bangladesh has also taken measures to address the high prevalence and intensity of STHs. Since 2007, more than 20 million children have been treated for intestinal worms with albendazole twice a year. The decentralized health delivery system facilitates the implementation of community-led NTD control efforts, bolstering their sustainability.
Remaining Gap
Additional funding is needed to leverage financial support from the national government, which has committed Health, Nutrition & Population Sector Program support for lymphatic filariasis through 2011, to treat all of those at risk. Funds will also facilitate the integration of LF and STH treatment, enhancing health benefits and improving the cost-effectiveness of control efforts in the country. The country’s good health infrastructure helps bring the cost of addressing NTDs down to approximately US $0.11 per person per year. To help sponsor NTD control efforts in Bangladesh, please click here.
