In a time when the interim government is working with the objective of building a discrimination-free Bangladesh, it is deeply concerning that children with special needs and their caregivers are left in a state of uncertainty. According to recent reports, services at 35 Child Development Centers (CDCs) across the country - including one at Dhaka Medical College Hospital -are being disrupted due to a funding crisis.
Reportedly, the fourth phase of funding for these centres ended in June, and the government is yet to finalise the fifth phase. Consequently, staff members, including doctors and psychologists, have not received salaries for the last three months. Despite these hardships, the staff have continued to provide treatment and counseling services. However, the lack of funds has disrupted essential services like the procurement of biscuits, soaps, toys, and other necessary supplies.
Questions, therefore, arises why the authorities failed to take timely action to prevent this funding crisis, and why a vital service for autistic children should run on project basis rather than on permanent budgetary allocation.
The CDCs provide life-changing, multidisciplinary support for as little as Tk 10, making them accessible to low-income families who would otherwise struggle to afford specialised care. According to a 2023 UNICEF report, although the rate of child mortality has been decreasing in Bangladesh in recent years, the number of children with autism and various types of disabilities is on the rise. It underscores the urgent need for more dedicated treatment centres like CDCs. Without early intervention, children with special needs face limited treatment opportunities at an early stage, leading to higher medical costs and further burdens on families and the healthcare system.
Autism, for instance, is a lifelong condition that affects behaviour and brain function, making early treatment vital. Autism's symptoms, such as a preference for solitude, repetitive behaviours, and an aversion to loud noises, demand specialised care for the child's potential to be realised. Experts estimate autism affects one to two children per thousand globally, and Bangladesh is no exception. Although autism is congenital and incurable, the social behaviour and quality of life for children with this condition can significantly improve through care, structured therapies, and a supportive environment.
Early detection and treatment can help prevent the escalation of autism, disabilities, and mental health issues. Without timely care, the mentally challenfed children's education and quality of life will suffer and medical expenses for families and the state will multiply. Besides, there must be special educational facilities for them as well as general schools can make special arrangements for these children since they are spread all over the country.
That said, the nation cannot afford to leave its most vulnerable children, their parents and dedicated healthcare professionals in a state of limbo by prolonging the funding crisis of CDCs. Ensuring the uninterrupted operation of CDCs is not merely an administrative task but a moral imperative. In a country that aspires toward inclusive development, supporting these centres' vital work should be a priority. A compassionate and proactive approach will give these vulnerable children access to the support they need to prosper in life.
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