Mental health support plays a critical role in helping cancer patients cope with the emotional burden of the disease, according to cancer experts and survivors. They came up with the demand at a seminar organised by Centre for Cancer Care Foundation (CCCF) in Dhaka on Monday on the occasion of World Mental Health Day. The seminar emphasised the urgent need to integrate mental health services into cancer treatment in Bangladesh, where the availability of care remains alarmingly low. A number of cancer survivors shared their shocking personal stories at the event. Mohammad Pratik, a cancer survivor, shared how his diagnosis deeply affected him emotionally. "When the doctor informed me of my condition, it felt like the world was collapsing around me," he recalled, emphasising that psychological support during these critical moments can offer much-needed courage and inspiration for patients grappling with their diagnosis. Nasrin Banu, a breast cancer survivor who has battled the disease for 15 years, also highlighted the significance of comprehensive care. "In our country, cancer treatment should cover all angles – prevention, early diagnosis, and ongoing care. But beyond treatment, counseling is extremely important. We need to look at mental health as part of the whole process," she added. At the seminar, CCCF president and cancer survivor Roksana Afroz highlighted the dire state of cancer care facilities in Bangladesh. With only 14 of the 36 government hospitals offering cancer treatment services, the system is overwhelmed by the rising number of cases. Roksana pointed out, “Around 1.5 million people in the country are currently battling cancer, and around 150,000 new cases emerge each year. Sadly, more than 100,000 die annually.” She went on to say that a lack of doctors, nurses, and modern equipment has compounded the challenges. “Many cancer patients are diagnosed too late, reducing their chances of survival. Early detection is key, but low public awareness about warning signs and a shortage of facilities delay diagnosis and treatment," she told her audience.  As cancer treatment advances, patients and doctors push back against drugs' harsh side effects Although Bangladesh has only 20 cancer hospitals – far below the 170 required by World Health Organization standards – there is some hope for progress. The government is constructing comprehensive cancer hospitals in eight divisional cities and private institutions like the Ahsanullah Mission Cancer Hospital and Prashashthya Hospital are expanding services. A Call for Mental Health Services The CCCF proposed a series of recommendations to improve mental health services in cancer care, starting with the integration of counseling into every stage of treatment. Mental health services should be available not only to patients but also to their families, who often bear the emotional strain alongside their loved ones. The CCCF also suggested that volunteer teams be trained to provide community-based mental health support. "We need to engage local youth and provide them with proper training. These teams could serve as an essential bridge between the community and formal care providers,” Roksana said. The foundation also called for hospitals treating cancer patients to employ professional counselors and establish dedicated departments for mental health services. "We also need to invest in training programs for students so that they can offer initial mental health support," added Roksana. Certification could be given to students who serve for a year, helping build a sustainable support system. Addressing the Gaps Non-profit organisations can play a pivotal role in bridging the mental health care gap, but they need institutional support to develop their services. Roksana urged partnerships with organisations like the National Mental Health Institute and the University of Dhaka’s Psychology Department to offer training for counselors. Other suggestions included the development of mental health apps for cancer patients and the creation of a national cancer fund to alleviate the financial burden of prolonged treatments. Hope for the Future While the road ahead is long, the CCCF remains optimistic about the future of cancer care in Bangladesh. The organisation is advocating for the formation of a national forum dedicated to mental health services for cancer patients and pushing for collaboration with international experts. As more cancer hospitals are constructed and mental health services are integrated into care plans, survivors like Pratik, Nasrin, and Roksana hope that future patients will have access to the support they need to fight both the physical and emotional tolls of cancer.

One more death was reported from dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 215 this year. During the period, 1,186 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Dengue: Sharp spike in September sees this year's deaths double in a month Of them, 288 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 209 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. The recent fatality was reported within the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) area. Some 3,717 patients are currently being treated in various hospitals nationwide. Dengue outbreak in Meherpur: Over 400 cases in 6 weeks A total of 42,470 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

Four more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 214 this year. During the period, 660 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 207 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 121 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Among the recent fatalities, two were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), while one occurred in each of the DNCC and Khulna division. Some 3,610 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 42,470 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

Nine more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Saturday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 210 this year. It's only the second time that more than 200 people have died from dengue in a single year in Bangladesh, although the total still trails some way behind last year's 1705. Rise in dengue cases: Ctg declares seven areas “Red Zones” Also reported on Saturday, 915 more patients were hospitalised with the viral fever in the preceding 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of them, 175 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 156 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. The rest, 584, were outside the capital.  Some 3,651 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. Dengue situation turning alarming; Dhaka sees half of nationwide cases A total of 41,810 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

This year’s death toll from the mosquito-borne disease dengue surged past 200 on Friday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Friday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the disease in Bangladesh to 201 this year. During the period, 490 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, said DGHS. Of them, 121 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 104 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 3,522 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 40,895 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Thursday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 199 this year. During the period, 583 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health Adviser emphasizes urgent need to reform healthcare sector Of them, 130 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 116 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 3,495 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. A total of 40,405 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Access to medicine at grassroots level key for tackling hypertension, say experts Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

Three more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 196 this year. During the period, 1,033 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Dengue: Sharp spike in September sees this year's deaths double in a month Of them, 263 dengue patients were admitted in hospital under Dhaka North City Corporation while 164 were hospitalized in Dhaka South City Corporation. Some 3,475 patients are receiving treatment in different hospitals across the country. Sharp rise in dengue cases puts strains on country’s fragile healthcare system A total of 39,822 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.  

 Newspapers have played a crucial role in shaping public perception and awareness of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bangladesh, according to an icddr,b study. Researchers from icddr,b, in collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh and several universities conducted the study titled "The portrayal of antimicrobial resistance in Bangladeshi newspapers during 2010–2021: Toward understanding the narrative, according to a press release on Wednesday . The study examined how AMR has been reported in mainstream Bangladeshi newspapers over the last decade, it said. The analysis focused on 275 AMR-related news articles from 12 leading newspapers—six in English and six in Bangla—published between January 2010 and September 2021. These newspapers included Prothom Alo, Ittefaq, Jugantor, Kaler Kantho, Samakal, The Daily Star, New Age, Financial Express, Janakantha, Naya Diganta, Bhorer Kagoj, and Daily Sun, chosen for their high circulation and prominence in the media landscape. The articles comprised reports, editorials, and opinion pieces. The findings indicated that the most frequently reported issues were the misuse of antibiotics by consumers (32.2%), the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions (29%), and over-prescription by healthcare providers (26.1%). However, the role of pharmaceutical companies—particularly their influence on AMR through practices like incentivising doctors to prescribe certain antibiotics—needs more attention, the release said. Nearly 45% of the articles were event-oriented, often responding to World Health Organization reports rather than providing continuous, in-depth analysis. This episodic focus means that AMR is usually highlighted during specific incidents, leading to gaps in sustained public education. Dr Tahmidul Haque, lead author and Research Investigator at icddr,b, stressed the importance of accurate AMR reporting to educate the public. “We need valid and consistent AMR news coverage to raise awareness and support national action plans,” he stated, calling for more Bangla articles with scientific information, added the release.Bangladesh is experiencing a significant rise in antimicrobial resistance, with alarming resistance rates among common pathogens. For instance, E. coli has shown resistance rates of 94.6% to Ampicillin and 67.1% to Amoxiclav, posing severe public health threats, it also said. To improve coverage, journalists should investigate how pharmaceutical practices contribute to antibiotic resistance and collaborate with healthcare experts to ensure accurate reporting. Increasing the number of detailed, scientifically grounded articles in Bangla-language media can enhance public awareness and understanding of AMR. Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health threat, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 10 million annual deaths from antibiotic-resistant infections by 2050, primarily impacting Asia and Africa, resulting in substantial economic losses.

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning, bringing the total fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 188 this year. During this period, 1,218 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the recent fatalities, one was reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), while one occurred in Barishal division. Emergency meeting held to address dengue situation across Bangladesh Of the patients, 256 were admitted to Dhaka North City Corporation, while 169 received treatment in Dhaka South City Corporation. As per the DGHS record, 14 people died in January this year, three in February, five in March, two in April, 12 in May, eight in June, 12 in July and 27 in August, and 80 in September. Red Crescent to support Bangladesh in combating dengue, cholera A total of 35,365 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.

Four more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Sunday morning, bringing the total fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 186 this year. During this period, 1,225 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Foreign medical teams to treat July Movement victims’ eye injuries Among the recent fatalities, two were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), while one occurred in each of the Khulna and Rajshahi divisions. Of the patients, 244 were admitted to Dhaka North City Corporation, while 207 received treatment in Dhaka South City Corporation. As per the DGHS record, 14 people died in January this year, three in February, five in March, two in April, 12 in May, eight in June, 12 in July and 27 in August, and 80 in September. Experts stress youth engagement for universal access to sexual and reproductive health A total of 35,365 dengue cases have been reported since January 1, 2024. Last year, 1,705 people lost their lives due to dengue, making it the deadliest year on record, with 321,179 cases recorded.