Climate Change and Public Health in Bangladesh

Dhaka, Bangladesh || Saturday, 18 October 2025 || 2 Kartik 1432

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Climate Change and Public Health in Bangladesh

Md Shafi Ullah

Published : Saturday, 10 August, 2024 at 6:41 AM, Update: 18.07.2025 5:09:15 PM, Count : 338

Climate Change and Public Health in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is one of the countries most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and these environmental shifts are having serious consequences for public health. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, frequent floods, cyclones, and salinity intrusion are contributing to a growing health crisis that disproportionately affects the most vulnerable communities.

One of the immediate health impacts of climate change in Bangladesh is the rise in heat-related illnesses. Increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves cause heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke, particularly affecting elderly people, children, and outdoor workers. These health risks are compounded in densely populated urban areas such as Dhaka, where heat can be intensified by the urban heat island effect.

Flooding, a frequent climate disaster in Bangladesh, worsens waterborne diseases. Floodwaters contaminate drinking water with bacteria and pathogens, leading to outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, typhoid, and other illnesses. These diseases disproportionately affect children and those with limited access to clean water and sanitation. Cyclones and storms also destroy infrastructure and health facilities, disrupting essential services during critical times.

Salinity intrusion is another growing threat to public health, especially in the coastal regions. Increased saltwater in soil and water sources affects drinking water quality and food production. High salt consumption is linked to hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, while loss of agricultural productivity increases food insecurity and malnutrition.

Vector-borne diseases such as dengue fever and malaria are spreading due to warmer temperatures and increased humidity, which create ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes. Recent years have seen surges in dengue cases, particularly in urban areas, placing additional strain on healthcare services.

Mental health challenges are also rising as climate change forces displacement and loss of livelihoods. Communities hit by floods, cyclones, and other disasters often face anxiety, depression, and trauma, yet mental health support remains limited in Bangladesh.

The government of Bangladesh, along with international partners like UNICEF and WHO, is working to address these challenges through improved health infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate adaptation strategies. Despite these efforts, experts warn that without accelerated action to mitigate climate change and strengthen public health systems, the health of millions of Bangladeshis will remain at risk.

In conclusion, climate change poses an urgent threat to public health in Bangladesh, affecting disease patterns, nutrition, mental well-being, and healthcare access. Addressing this crisis requires integrated policies combining climate resilience with public health interventions to protect the country’s most vulnerable populations.

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