Experts and stakeholders have suggested taking precise plans to address the post-flood situation, as waterborne diseases have started spreading fast across the affected regions after floodwaters have begun receding.
Waterborne diseases like diarrhoea, skin disease and infection as well as diseases caused by rats and mosquitoes have started spreading in the flood-hit districts, said experts who monitored the unprecedented flood.
These views came at a dialogue - 'Post-Flood Health Challenges: Multi-stakeholder Review of Field Realities and Action Priorities' - held in the capital on Wednesday. It was organised by the UHC Forum, a coalition of multi-skilled professionals dedicated to advancing universal health coverage, together with BRAC.
UHC Forum Convener Hossain Zillur Rahman moderated the event, where a number of stakeholders, district civil surgeons, armed forces officials and doctors shared their first-hand experiences with suggestions to address the post-flood situation.
The dialogue was arranged to review the current situation and collaboratively determine the key priorities for taking actions.
With the immediate crises of hunger and displacement beginning to stabilise, all concerned must address the emerging health concerns, said the participants.
"Crisis of safe water for drinking, use and sanitation has hit the regions hard. Flood water is always contaminated. It's not even safe for external use," said Prof Dr M A Faiz, former DG of DGHS.
He also suggested making people aware on reusing their houses, household furniture and other goods after the flood is over, as those can spread diseases and fungal infection.
He also advocated draining flood water in an effort to ensure safe water, while waste disposal and safe management are crucial to prevent spreading of post-flood diseases in the affected areas.
Meanwhile, at least 471 incidents of snakebites took place in the flood-hit regions from August 20 to September 3.
Dr. Faiz, a snake researcher, also said there is still no diagnosis of snakebites in the country. Furthermore, the upazila hospitals do not have efficient arrangements to deal with the patients of snakebite.
"Therefore, we have to depend only on the history of the patients and observation to determine snakebite injuries," he added.
The experts participating in the discussion also suggested increasing the number of field hospitals to deal with the huge number the flood-affected people.
Dr. Tasmiah Selim, Senior Manager, Communicable Diseases, Brac Health Programme, shared details of the flood situation and actions they took to support victims.
The recent flash floods have severely impacted over 5.8 million people in 11 districts in the country's eastern region, and a total of 71 people have died so far.
More than 1.0 million people have been cut off by the flooding. As of 1 September, 31 upazilas in Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chattogram and Chandpur are inundated. Relief distribution is facing challenges in at least 45 villages due to submersion of rural roads.
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