Senior Research Investogator, ICDDR, B, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Tel: +88-017 11 04 5454
drsislam@gmail.com
Dr. S. M. Shariful Islam is a Medical Doctor, Public Health Specialist and Epidemiologist with 10 years of experience in health research and program interventions with United Nations, NGOs, Academic and Research Institutions in Bangladesh. Dr. Shariful Islam has been providing technical assistance and capacity building to Government agencies and stakeholders for health systems strengthening and translating research findings into policies, strategies and programs.
Dr. Islam is a Member of Inter-Agency Working Group for RH in Emergencies, Reviewer for WHO Bulletin, Member of the Editorial Board of British Journal of Medical Practisioners (BJMP) and Member, Bangladesh National Task Force for MDGs 4 & 5. He is also Faculty in the People's Uni where he mentors graduate students in Maternal Health and Global Health.
For his outstanding achievements Dr. Islam has received the prestigious Fogarty International Fellowship to attend a couse by University of California, Berkey, USA, World Bank scholarship for a course on Health Economics, CDC Fellowship for training on injury in Washington, DC, USA, WHO Fellowships for working in Kampala, Bangkok, Rio de janeiro and Geneva, Hewlett Foundation Grant to attend PAA meeting in Detroit, USA and different fellowships and grants.
Abstract: The right to health has been widely recognized by States and international organizations as basic human rights without which sustainable human development can not be achieved. States are responsible for the progressive realization of the rights to health. The development and service pattern of the health system have negative correlation with human rights and contributed to the underdevelopment of Bangladesh. This paper aims to examine the existing right to health recognized in the national legislation of Bangladesh along with the health system and policies. It reviews the right to health mentioned in the international laws, defines case studies and analyzes areas for improvement. This legal case study has been based on literature review from primary and secondary sources and experience gained through personal communication and group discussions. The paper concludes that while Bangladesh has made progress in some of the indicators of health, the realization of right to health has not gained momentum and needs to be recognized as a priority area. The government should take comprehensive approach in prioritizing the rights to health of its citizens and progressive realization of these rights. The recommendations of this legal case study will help the policy makers of Bangladesh to develop policies which will reduce the health inequality and increased access to health for the entire population.
Abstract: Purpose: This study was conducted to find out the knowledge about hazards of Electro Magnetic Waves (EMW) from the mobile phone Base Transmitter Stations (BTS), to determine the health hazards from BTS and to create awareness among the inhabitants of Dhaka city.
Methods: A descriptive type of cross-sectional study was conducted among 220 respondents from Dhaka city. Data was collected from face-to-face interview using structured questionnaire. The collected data were edited and analyzed using specific statistical software SPSS (Version 11).
Results: The results of the study revealed that majority of respondents (214) reported to have seen a BTS (92.7 %) but only 65 (29.5%) knows how the BTS works and 75% had no knowledge about the EMW. During the last one year, 49 % respondents experienced sleeping disturbances while recent episodes of headache or dizziness were reported by 47% and mood change or anxiety or depression in 41%. Only 5% respondents experienced burning sensation and 2% had episodes of fits or shakings. 22% respondents mentioned about any other physical or mental symptoms mostly neurological in nature.
Conclusion: Awareness about the possible health hazards from EMW of BTS is low among the inhabitants of Dhaka City. While sleeping disturbances, headache or dizziness and mood changes were reported by a significant number of respondents, we can not conclude that these effects are direct result of the BTS. However the association of the reported health hazards with BTS should be studied in detailed.
Recommendations: The respected government authority should take the issue seriously and form an independent committee to study the harmful effects of the BTS and consider measures for prevention and develop a national strategy.
