Waterborne diseases reduce to zero level

Recurrence of waterborne diseases has reduced almost to zero level in rural areas of Rangpur division following successful implementation of various programmes by the government in the last 13 years.

Massive awareness raising and other activities conducted by the government have improved health, hygiene, sanitation and nutrition conditions of rural people who are also using sanitary latrines and drinking pure water to achieve the success.

“As a result of growing public awareness about waterborne diseases, recurrence of diarrhoea, cholera, dysentery, hookworm and ringworm in rural areas has reduced to zero level,” said Acting Divisional Director (Health) Dr Md Habibur Rahman, reports BSS.

At the same time, the infant, child and maternal mortality rates have reduced to the zero level in rural areas, including riverine char areas, of Rangpur division over the past 13 years during the tenure of the Awami League-led government.

“The government and non-government health officials and workers, Community Clinics and Union Health Sub-Centres are playing the key roles along with the efforts and collaboration of other development organisations, NGOs, WHO and UNICEF,” he said.

Dr Fazlul Haque, former community medicine specialist of Rangpur Medical College, said rural people are now much aware of health, hygiene, sanitation, personal hygiene, safe drinking water and they use sanitary latrines everywhere.

Former Assistant Professor of Rangpur Medical College Dr. Hamidul Islam said waterborne disease-related child and maternal mortalities has already touched zero level following vital roles being played by Community Clinics at grassroots levels.