Speakers during a webinar on Sunday laid emphasis on formulating public health-friendly policies, implementing them properly and creating public awareness to control non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
The seminar styled 'Engaging Parliamentarians in Controlling Non-Communicable Diseases' was co-hosted by the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh and Shastho Surokkha Foundation at a city hotel.
Lawmaker Prof Dr Habibe Millat chaired the programme where Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury joined as the chief guest.
National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute's epidemiology and research department head Prof Sohel Reza Choudhury presented a keynote.
In his speech, Dr Choudhury highlighted the impact of NCDs on public health and the economy.
He said public health-friendly laws and policies can curb the growing risk of non-communicable diseases.
Controlling tobacco use is one of the ways to prevent the risk in Bangladesh. The existing tobacco control law needs to be amended to this effect.
It is also important to formulate policies on air pollution control, setting salt and trans-fat levels in industrial foods, Dr Choudhury cited.
At the same time, in order to prevent these diseases, it is necessary to raise awareness about adhering to healthy lifestyle in one's life, he added.
He said heart disease and cancer were currently responsible for 67 per cent of total deaths in Bangladesh. Tobacco alone is responsible for 19 per cent of all deaths.
Dr Millat said 22 per cent of all deaths in the country are premature and NCDs like heart, cancer and kidney diseases are responsible for this.
Amid the Covid-19 epidemic, he said, patients with NCDs are particularly at risk. Therefore, NCDs must be dealt with seriously.
It is imperative to execute universal health coverage for treating these expensive diseases, Dr Millat mentioned.
In her speech, Speaker Dr Sharmin said utmost importance is required for the prevention of non-communicable diseases. For this, necessary laws and policies should be formulated.
Tobacco use is one of the reasons behind these diseases. Others, including women and children, are also affected by passive smoking, she uttered.
"To protect public health, smoking should be stopped in public transport and public places. Strong tobacco control laws will play a role in reducing tobacco use."
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