Health - The Daily Ittefaq

Dengue now a year-round public health challenge: Experts

UNB — Sat, 04 Jul 2026 19:07:19 +0600

Dengue has evolved from a seasonal threat into a year-round public health challenge in Bangladesh, prompting health experts, researchers and government officials to call for stronger coordination, evidence-based interventions and greater public participation to curb the spread of the mosquito-borne disease. The observations came at a roundtable discussion titled "Dengue Situation and Our... Details

Measles-like symptoms claim 5 more lives

UNB — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:19:23 +0600

Five children died from measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Thursday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 724 this year. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths in the country... Details

4 more children dead, suspected cases cross 1 lakh

UNB — Mon, 29 Jun 2026 16:20:35 +0600

Four more children died from measles and measles-like symptoms in 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 716. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 623... Details

4 more 'measles' deaths logged; fatalities reach 712

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 16:56:17 +0600

Four more children have died with symptoms consistent with measles in 24 hours until 8:00am on Sunday, bringing Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 712. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to... Details

DSCC launches day-long Vitamin A Plus Campaign

UNB — Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:17:36 +0600

The day-long Vitamin A Plus Campaign officially began in the areas under the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) on Sunday, with the city authorities aiming to administer Vitamin A capsules to nearly 6 lakh children by 4:00pm. The campaign was inaugurated by DSCC Administrator Abdus Salam at Kakoli High School and College in the capital. Under the National Vitamin A Plus Campaign, DSCC has... Details

France confirms first Ebola case

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:59:02 +0600

France has confirmed its first case of Ebola - a doctor who had returned from a humanitarian mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The doctor was "immediately admitted to a specialised facility" and is in a stable condition, the French health ministry said on Wednesday, reports the BBC. DR Congo announced an Ebola outbreak last month, but experts believe the virus had been circulating... Details

Measles death toll reaches 680 as 3 more die in 24 hrs

UNB — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:11:28 +0600

Three more children died with symptoms consistent with measles in 24 hours until 8:00am on Sunday, taking Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 680. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to 587,... Details

Record health budget ushers a new era of universal healthcare

BSS — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 13:23:06 +0600

Bangladesh's healthcare sector is poised for a major transformation as the government rolls out an ambitious package of reforms, combining a record health budget, universal digital health cards, massive workforce recruitment and new specialized hospitals to expand affordable healthcare services nationwide. The proposed national budget for fiscal year 2026-‘27 and a series of recent... Details

Measles-like symptoms claim 4 more lives

UNB — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:19:44 +0600

Four children have died with symptoms consistent with measles in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Friday, taking Bangladesh’s combined tally of confirmed and suspected measles-related deaths to 670. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest deaths as suspected measles fatalities. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen to... Details

Govt plans major upgrade of Shishu Hospital

UNB — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:29:46 +0600

Every day hundreds of anxious parents arrive at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute (BSHI) with critically ill children, hoping for treatment that could save young lives. But the country’s largest specialised paediatric hospital has long been under pressure, struggling with rising patient loads and limited capacity for advanced care. Now, the government has undertaken a Tk 344.02... Details

Measles, similar symptoms claim four more lives

UNB — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:27:18 +0600

Four more children have died from measles and measles-like symptoms in the country in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, bringing the cumulative number of deaths to 656. Of the new deaths, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS has classified one as confirmed measles fatality while three others as suspected. With the latest update, the number of suspected measles deaths has risen... Details

Govt to launch pilot ‘e-Health Card’ in 5 districts: PM

BSS — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 21:18:31 +0600

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today informed the Jatiya Sangsad (JS) that the government has taken an initiative to launch the ‘e-Health Card’ programme on a pilot basis in five districts within 180 days of the formation of the government. “Under the 180-day programme, an initiative has been taken to provide ‘e-Health Cards’ to the people. A project is awaiting... Details

Govt to ensure ambulance services for people

BSS — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 17:13:22 +0600

The government will ensure ambulance services for reaching primary healthcare at people's doorsteps. As part of this plan, initiatives have been taken to manufacture electric ambulances using indigenous technology. The decision was taken at a meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) in the city's Tejgaon area this morning with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the... Details

5 more children die from measles-like symptoms

UNB — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:21:58 +0600

Five more children have died from measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours till 8:00am Friday, raising the fatalities from the disease in Bangladesh to 610. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest casualties as suspected. With the latest figure, the total number of suspected measles deaths has reached 519, while the confirmed deaths remained the same at 91. A... Details

309 deaths in May alone; toll reaches 594

UNB — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 17:07:01 +0600

Bangladesh recorded 309 deaths from measles and related symptoms in May alone while six more children died in 24 hours till 8:00am on Tuesday, pushing the overall death toll to 594 since mid-March, according to official data. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified the latest casualties as suspected. With the latest figure, the total number of suspected measles deaths... Details

Measles death toll 585, two more deaths in 24hrs

UNB — Sun, 31 May 2026 18:59:20 +0600

Two more children have died from measles-like symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday, taking the total death toll to 585 since March 15, 2026. The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has classified both the casualties as suspected. With this, the total number of suspected measles deaths has reached 495, while the confirmed deaths remained the same at 90. A total... Details

Ebola spread in DR Congo 'deeply alarming', MSF warns

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 31 May 2026 13:38:44 +0600

The rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has created a "deeply alarming" situation, the medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned. Speaking two weeks on from the outbreak, MSF deputy director Dr Alan Gonzales said never before had "so many cases" been recorded so soon, BBC reports. His comments came as the head of the World Health... Details

Daily cases stay above 1000 even during holidays, 8 more die

UNB — Sat, 30 May 2026 18:33:15 +0600

Eight more children died from measles-like symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00 am on Saturday, taking the total death toll to 583 since March 15. The deaths were classified as suspected measles-related cases, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest number (three) was reported in the Dhaka Division. With these deaths, the total... Details

Another child dies with measles-like symptoms in Sylhet

UNB — Fri, 29 May 2026 12:24:10 +0600

A child has died with symptoms consistent with measles in Sylhet in the past 24 hours till Friday morning, raising the death toll linked to the outbreak in the division to 58 this year. The information was confirmed on Friday morning by Dr Md Mahbubul Alam, director of the Sylhet divisional office of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the divisional health office,... Details

UK's first rooftop intensive care ward opens

Click Ittefaq Desk — Fri, 29 May 2026 11:08:27 +0600

Hollie Allan, 29, is in a hospital lift being transferred out of intensive care for the first time in two months. She's heading upwards, towards a new outdoor ward on the roof of the hospital. "Brace yourself for the cold!" say the nurses crowded into the lift around her bed. As the doors open, sunshine hits Hollie's face, reports the BBC. She brightens into a smile, then tears come. "I'm... Details

10 more measels deaths logged in 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 26 May 2026 19:19:11 +0600

Ten more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00 am on Tuesday, taking the total death toll to 555 since 15th March 2026. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining nine were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest three were... Details

Daily measles deaths hit record 17 again

UNB — Mon, 25 May 2026 17:12:58 +0600

Bangladesh logged another record-high daily measles death toll as 17 children died from measles and related symptoms in the 24 hours until 8:00am on Monday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). With the latest fatalities, the total deaths from the ongoing outbreak have risen to 545 since March 15 this year. This marks the second time the country has recorded 17... Details

Bangladesh logs 13 more measels deaths in a day

UNB — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:33:24 +0600

Thirteen more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00 am on Saturday, taking the total death toll to 512 since 15th March 2026. Thus is the second highest single-day toll since the outbreak of the highly contagious but preventable disease in March this year. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining 12 were... Details

Measles, similar symptoms claim lives of 11 more children

UNB — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:33:05 +0600

Eleven children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in the 24 hours till 8:00am on Friday, bringing the total death toll to 499 since March 15, 2026. Of the new deaths, two were confirmed as measles-related while the remaining nine were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest five were... Details

Ebola spreading faster than first thought, WHO warns

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 19 May 2026 23:00:37 +0600

People living close to the epicentre of a deadly Ebola outbreak have told the BBC of their fear, as the World Health Organization (WHO) warned cases may be spreading faster than originally thought. One man in the Democratic Republic of Congo's north-eastern Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak, said infected people were dying "very fast", and added: "Ebola has tortured us." The virus... Details

Death toll climbs to 475 with 11 more deaths in 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:54:06 +0600

Eleven more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00 am on Tuesday, taking the total death toll to 475 since 15th March 2026. Of the new deaths, nine were confirmed as measles-related while the remaining two were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the suspected deaths, the highest three were... Details

At least 118 dead in Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, official says

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 19 May 2026 09:58:47 +0600

At least 118 deaths have been reported in an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 390 cases suspected, local officials have said. In addition to updating the death toll, a spokesman for the DR Congo government said cases were now being reported over a wider area, BBC reports. There are also two confirmed cases and one death in Uganda, says the US Centers for... Details

6 more children die in 24hrs

UNB — Sun, 17 May 2026 17:15:56 +0600

Six more children died from measles and similar symptoms in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday, taking the death toll to 459. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining five were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the suspected deaths, highest three were recorded in Dhaka division. With... Details

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 17 May 2026 10:47:25 +0600

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern Ituri province a public health emergency of international concern. The agency added that the outbreak, with around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency, BBC reports. WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned... Details

Measles death toll reaches 439, 7 more kids die in 24hrs

UNB — Thu, 14 May 2026 19:49:40 +0600

Seven more children died from measles and similar symptoms in Bangladesh in 24 hours till 8:00am on Thursday, taking the death toll to 439. Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related while the remaining six were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka division. With... Details

WHO confirms eight cases of Andes hantavirus in outbreak

BSS — Thu, 14 May 2026 10:51:49 +0600

Eight people infected in the hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship have tested positive for the Andes virus, the only strain transmitted between humans, the World Health Organization said Wednesday. "Eight cases were laboratory-confirmed for Andes virus (ANDV) infection, two are probable, and one case remains inconclusive and undergoing further testing," the UN health agency... Details

Screen time, poor lifestyle fuel diabetes surge: Experts

BSS — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:32:49 +0600

Medical experts have voiced concern over the growing prevalence of Type-2 diabetes among young Bangladesh’s people, warning that unhealthy lifestyles, excessive screen dependency, poor sleep habits and unhealthy dietary practices are accelerating the spread of the disease among those aged between 20 and 30. Doctors say diabetes, once regarded primarily as a disease affecting middle-aged... Details

Six children die with measles-like symptoms in 24hrs

UNB — Mon, 11 May 2026 16:16:02 +0600

Six children died with measles-like symptoms across the country in the 24 hours until 8:00am Monday, pushing the number of suspected measles-related deaths to 350 since March 15, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). However, no new confirmed measles deaths were reported during the period, leaving the number of laboratory-confirmed fatalities unchanged at 65. With... Details

EDCL to produce measles, dengue vaccines

BSS — Sun, 10 May 2026 16:52:13 +0600

The state-owned pharmaceutical manufacturer Essential Drugs Company Limited (EDCL) is set to begin producing vaccines for dengue, rabies, and measles, along with antivenom for snakebites, under a government initiative for the first time in Bangladesh. "If implemented successfully, this initiative by the current government will not only meet the country’s vaccine demand but also create... Details

Dhaka division accounts for 50% of total fatalities

UNB — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:35:19 +0600

Dhaka division has accounted for half of the total deaths reported across the country from measles and similar symptoms this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Since March 15, a total of 336 children have died from measles and symptoms consistent with the highly contagious yet preventable disease nationwide, with 168 deaths reported in Dhaka division alone,... Details

How worried should we be about hantavirus?

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 07 May 2026 22:39:03 +0600

The outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship carrying passengers from across the world is a situation that authorities say they are taking incredibly seriously. Three passengers have died either on board or after travelling on the ship, which set sail from Argentina a month ago, BBC reports. Four others have been medically evacuated from the ship for treatment. A huge operation is in place to... Details

Bangladesh logs highest single-day measles death

BSS — Mon, 04 May 2026 20:14:16 +0600

The country on Monday recorded 17 deaths from measles and similar symptoms, the highest single-day toll since the outbreak of the highly contagious but preventable disease in March this year. Of the new deaths recorded in the 24 hours till 8:00am on Monday, two were confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining 15 were classified as suspected, according to the Directorate General of Health... Details

10 die of measles, similar symptoms in 24 hours: DGHS

UNB — Sun, 03 May 2026 16:57:36 +0600

Ten children died from measles and symptoms consistent with the highly contagious but preventable disease in the country in 24 hours till 8:00am on Sunday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Of the new deaths, one was confirmed as measles-related, while the remaining nine were classified as suspected. Of the suspected deaths, highest four were recorded in Dhaka.... Details

Tax tobacco, cut NCD deaths: Doctors

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:55:01 +0600

Leading physicians and public health experts in Bangladesh have called for comprehensive tobacco tax reform in the upcoming FY 2026–27 national budget, emphasizing its critical role in reducing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and strengthening public finances. The call was made at a seminar titled ‘‘Increasing Tobacco Taxes for the Prevention of Non-Communicable... Details

German birth rate drops to lowest since 1946

BSS — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 23:23:55 +0600

Germany's birth rate has fallen to its lowest level since 1946, official data showed Tuesday, as the country struggles with the challenges of an ageing population. There were around 654,300 births in 2025, statistics agency Destatis said, compared with 677,117 the previous year -- a drop of around 3.4 percent. It was the fourth year in a row that the number of births had fallen. The number... Details

UK approves phased ban on future cigarette sales

UNB — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:21:03 +0600

Britain has moved closer to phasing out smoking for good after Parliament approved a new law that will stop future generations from legally buying cigarettes. Under the Tobacco and Vapes Bill, anyone born after December 31, 2008 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes. The measure, described by supporters as a landmark step in public health policy, now only needs formal approval from King... Details

Nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign launched

UNB — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:05:07 +0600

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Monday formally inaugurated a nationwide emergency measles-rubella vaccination campaign aimed at addressing the ongoing outbreak. The campaign launched around 8:15am at Little Angel Seminary in Jinda Park, Rupganj Upazila of Narayanganj. The initiative aims to vaccinate around 1.8 crore children aged 6 months to under 5 years... Details

10 more die with measles, symptoms in 24 hours: DGHS

UNB — Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:36:48 +0600

Ten more patients died with measles and symptoms of the disease in 24 hours till 8 am on Sunday morning, taking the total death toll to 151, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Among the deceased, four were confirmed measles patients, it said. During this period, 1,268 suspected measles cases were reported during the period. Besides, 762 patients were admitted to... Details

Journos push Tk100 minimum price for cigarettes

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:03:13 +0600

Journalists have called for setting the minimum retail price of a 10-stick cigarette pack at BDT 100 by merging the low and medium tiers, in order to protect public health and prevent tobacco use among youth. They also proposed imposing a specific tax of BDT 4 per pack across all tiers, according to a statement. The demands were raised at a workshop titled “Tobacco Tax Increase in the FY... Details

'Nationwide measles vaccination to begin on May 3'

BSS — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 15:22:51 +0600

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain today said measles-rubella vaccines will be given to children simultaneously in all districts and upazilas across the country from May 3. He made this statement while speaking at an event organised to inaugurate the measles-rubella vaccination programme at Nawabganj Upazila Health Complex in Dhaka. The health minister said the... Details

Khulna reports 56 suspected measles cases in 24hrs

UNB — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:35:58 +0600

A total of 56 more children, showing symptoms consistent with measles, were admitted to hospitals across 10 districts of Khulna division in the 24 hours till Saturday afternoon. During the period, two children died in Kushtia Medical College Hospital while undergoing treatment with such symptoms. Of the new suspected measles patients, 13 were hospitalised in Satkhira, 12 in Kushtia, six in... Details

All leave of DGHS staff cancelled until measles outbreak ends

BSS — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:14:36 +0600

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has cancelled all leave of its doctors and employees across the country until the ongoing measles outbreak among children comes to an end. A Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the DGHS confirmed the matter today. He said the health directorate issued an official order in this regard on April 2. According to the office order signed by DGHS... Details

Measles outbreak raises alarm in Bangladesh

UNB — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 23:35:10 +0600

A measles outbreak in Bangladesh is triggering public health concerns, with a rising number of infections among children and dozens of deaths reported in recent weeks. Measles cases are spreading in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Khulna, and other districts. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes measles as a highly contagious viral disease that spreads through coughing, sneezing or... Details

Drinking coffee daily for 14 days linked to improve health

UNB — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:01:50 +0600

For many people, starting the day without a cup of coffee is unthinkable. Beyond providing a quick energy boost and helping with bowel movements, coffee may offer several health benefits. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist trained at Harvard and Stanford, recently shared on Instagram how drinking black coffee daily for two weeks can positively affect the body. He said regular coffee... Details

UK races to contain meningitis outbreak

Click Ittefaq Desk — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 21:56:01 +0600

Britain will roll out meningitis vaccines to students at a university in southeastern England after an “unprecedented” outbreak of the disease killed two people while the number of new cases jumped to 20. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said all those affected were young people. A 21-year-old student at the University of Kent and a teenage student ⁠at a school in the town of... Details

Anti-tobacco groups for swift passage of TCO 2025

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:41:58 +0600

Anti-tobacco organizations have urged that the Smoking and Tobacco Products Usage (Control) (Amendment) Ordinance (TCO), 2025 be enacted into law during the first session of the 13th National Parliament to safeguard public health from the harmful effects of tobacco. Speakers made the demand at a press conference titled “Call for Enactment of the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2025... Details

'Public healthcare must be ensured despite constraints'

UNB — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 12:30:35 +0600

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday urged authorities to ensure health services for public even if it requires working with limited resources. He made the remarks in the morning while talking to reporters after inspecting the 250-bed General Hospital in Thakurgaon. Fakhrul, also BNP secretary general, said the establishment... Details

Parkinson’s drugs linked to gambling, sexual urges

UNB — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:08:47 +0600

Hundreds of patients have reported that certain medications for movement disorders, including GSK’s Ropinirole, triggered compulsive behaviours such as gambling, overspending, and hypersexuality, according to a BBC investigation. Emma, a patient who developed Restless Legs Syndrome during pregnancy, lost tens of thousands of pounds to gambling after taking Ropinirole. She only discovered... Details

Tk 10,000-cr food industry expands in Bangladesh; are our meals safe?

UNB — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 10:41:02 +0600

Bangladesh’s booming food industry, now estimated to be worth over Tk 10,000 crore, is expanding at an unprecedented pace across urban and semi-urban areas but experts warn that this growth is outpacing quality control and regulatory oversight, posing a serious public health risk. From roadside carts to high-end restaurants, food businesses are mushrooming nationwide with minimal... Details

CIPRB celebrates 21-yrs of excellence in public health

Click Ittefaq Desk — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:36:17 +0600

Since its establishment on 6 February 2005, the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB) has been playing a pioneering role in advancing public health advancing public health and wellbeing. While the organisation initially focused on injury prevention research, over the past 21 years CIPRB has significantly expanded its scope, contributing to critical public health areas... Details

The dark truth behind historic anatomical art

UNB — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 10:13:58 +0600

A new exhibition at the Thackray Museum of Medicine in Leeds exposes the grim history behind centuries of anatomical art and illustrations. Beneath the Sheets: Anatomy, Art and Power explores how executed criminals, the poor, women, and other marginalized people were dissected without consent and became subjects for medical textbooks and artworks. Rembrandt’s 1632 painting The Anatomy... Details

Covid control measures revived in Thailand amid Nipah virus scare

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:37:27 +0600

The Thai government has revived disease control measures earlier imposed to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, to prevent a Nipah virus outbreak in the country, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Sunday. "Public health screening systems have been adjusted, based on the model that we used during the Covid-19 outbreak in Thailand,” the prime minister said, reports the Bangkok Post.... Details

Protecting health demands no money: Bangladeshi expert

UNB — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:13:20 +0600

The widespread consumption of bad and junk food—highly processed and often cooked with unhealthy oils—is increasingly posing serious health risks to Bangladesh’s population, particularly the younger generation, with experts warning that it is contributing to lifestyle diseases and even premature deaths. Experts at a discussion in the capital on Friday said the trend is still... Details

Govt to cap prices of 295 essential medicines

UNB — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 18:01:15 +0600

The interim government on Thursday decided to fix the prices of 295 essential medicines in Bangladesh, making it mandatory for all pharmaceutical companies to sell these drugs at government-determined rates. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Council of Advisers, aimed at ensuring affordable access to medicines for the majority of the population. “Prices of 295 essential... Details

Bangladesh bans e-cigarettes, emerging tobacco products

UNB — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 15:08:21 +0600

E-cigarettes, vapes and other emerging tobacco products have been completely banned in Bangladesh as the Smoking and Tobacco Products Use Control (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 has come into effect with provisions for jail terms and hefty fines for violations. The ordinance, proposed by the Health Services Division under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to strengthen the existing Smoking... Details

2 more die of dengue, 455 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:23:08 +0600

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 398 this year. The new fatalities were reported in Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the same period, 455 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total... Details

BMU study finds alarming resistance to key antibiotics in 46,279 samples

UNB — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:39:51 +0600

Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) warned of a rapidly worsening antimicrobial resistance (AMR) situation in the country, as its Microbiology and Immunology Department recorded alarming levels of drug resistance in major pathogens after analyzing 46,279 clinical samples over the past year. The findings were revealed on Monday during the dissemination of the Antimicrobial Resistance... Details

Bangladesh achieves 97% typhoid vaccine coverage for children

UNB — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:27:47 +0600

Bangladesh has successfully vaccinated over 42.5 million children in the Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) Campaign 2025, achieving more than 97% coverage nationwide, UNICEF notified on Thursday. Rana Flowers, UNICEF Representative in Bangladesh, called the achievement a national breakthrough and said it makes Bangladesh the eighth country in the world to launch this life-saving campaign.... Details

Dengue: Death toll reaches 396 this year

UNB — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 17:45:49 +0600

Five 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 396 this year. The recent fatalities occurred in the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC), Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Mymensingh Division, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the period,... Details

CIPRB celebrates Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:58:19 +0600

It is essential to appropriately identify the needs and requirements of persons with disabilities to make development and service delivery activities inclusive. The Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB), an injury prevention and public health research institute, has opined that adequate research is necessary to specifically determine the types of disability and ensure... Details

Dengue claims 2 more lives, 565 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:39:04 +0600

Two more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 386 this year. During the period, 565 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 95, 577 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the DGHS, new... Details

572 more hospitalised with dengue in 24hrs

UNB — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 21:12:33 +0600

Bangladesh reported no deaths from dengue in the 24 hours till Saturday morning. However, 572 new dengue cases were recorded during this period, bringing the total number of cases this year to 93,766. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the new cases were reported as follows: 90 in Barishal Division (out of CC), 132 in Chattogram Division (out of CC), 116 in Dhaka... Details

Bird flu poses risk of pandemic 'worse than Covid'

Click Ittefaq Desk. — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:02:36 +0600

The bird flu virus that has been spreading among wild birds, poultry and mammals could lead to a pandemic worse than the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) if the virus mutates to transmit between humans, the head of France's Institut Pasteur respiratory infections centre said. The highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has led to the culling of hundreds of millions of... Details

Dengue Crisis: 7 dead; 567 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 16:46:59 +0600

The dengue situation in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate, with seven more deaths and 567 new hospitalisations recorded across the country in the 24 hours till Thursday morning. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest fatalities bring this year’s death toll from the mosquito-borne disease to 377. Of the newly reported deaths, three occurred in Dhaka... Details

Dengue: 3 more die, 615 hospitalised in 24 hrs

UNB — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:12:24 +0600

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 370 this year. During the same period, 615 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 92,217, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new fatalities were... Details

8 more dead, 778 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Sun, 23 Nov 2025 17:49:33 +0600

The dengue situation in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate as eight 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 364 this year. During the same period, 778 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 90,264, according to the Directorate... Details

Bangladesh logs 593 dengue cases, 3 deaths

UNB — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 21:21:25 +0600

Bangladesh’s ongoing battle with dengue shows no sign of easing, as 593 new infections and three more deaths were recorded in the latest 24-hour period ending Saturday, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The fresh figures highlight a continuing public health strain, with the country’s total caseload climbing to 89,486 since January and fatalities... Details

Fake ‘iodized’ salt floods market

Muhammad NIzam Uddin — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 10:22:16 +0600

Packets of adulterated edible salt are being sold in retail markets across the country, falsely labeled as iodized by various companies. Traders are buying salt from farmers at just Tk 6–7 per kilogram, packaging it, branding it as iodized, and selling it at high prices. Among the country’s 250 salt mills, only seven use vacuum technology. The rest rely on mechanical and... Details

Four more die of dengue

UNB — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 18:40:00 +0600

Four 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 353 this year. During this period, 745 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 88,457 so far this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Two of the new... Details

Dengue: 6 more die, 788 hospitalised in 24 hours

UNB — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:24:07 +0600

Six 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 349 this year. During the same period, 788 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 87,712, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new fatalities were... Details

Barguna battles relentless dengue surge even in winter

UNB — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:09:51 +0600

Even as winter sets in, the coastal district of Barguna remains gripped by dengue, with new infections being reported daily and the death toll continuing to rise. As of November 18, the district has recorded at least 15 dengue deaths, while more than 9,000 people have been affected this year. According to data shared on Tuesday by the district civil surgeon’s office, 117 dengue... Details

5 more die of dengue; 1139 hospitalised in 24 hours

UNB — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 17:54:33 +0600

Five 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 336 this year. During the same period, 1139 new patients were admitted to hospitals, raising the total number of dengue cases this year to 84,997, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new fatalities were... Details

5 more die of dengue; 792 hospitalised in 24 hours

UNB — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 20:55:29 +0600

The dengue situation in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate, with five more deaths and 792 new hospitalisations reported across the country in the 24 hours till Saturday morning. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), the latest figures bring this year’s total death toll from the mosquito-borne disease to 331. The new fatalities were reported in Dhaka North City... Details

Dengue: 5 dead, 1,034 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 17:56:02 +0600

The dengue crisis in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate as five more patients died and 1,034 were admitted to hospitals across the country in the 24 hours till Thursday morning. With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh has risen to 307 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Three of the new deaths... Details

Dengue claims 10 more lives

UNB — Wed, 05 Nov 2025 18:58:26 +0600

The dengue outbreak in Bangladesh continues to worsen, with ten more deaths recorded in 24 hours till Wednesday morning, marking the second-highest daily toll of the year. With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh has risen to 302 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Five of the new deaths were... Details

Death Crisis: 4 dead, 1, 101 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 17:51:20 +0600

Four more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 292 this year. During the period, 1, 101 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 73, 923 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the DGHS, new... Details

Dengue crisis deepens: 5 dead, 1,147 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 17:07:59 +0600

The dengue crisis in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate as five more patients died and 1,147 were admitted to hospitals across the country in the 24 hours leading up to Monday morning. With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh has risen to 288 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Three of the new... Details

3 more die of dengue; 928 hospitalised

UNB — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 18:23:46 +0600

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 278 this year. During the period, 928 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 69,356 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Two of the deaths were... Details

2 more die of dengue; 964 hospitalised

UNB — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 17:49:08 +0600

Two 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 275 this year. During the period, 964 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 68,428 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The deaths were reported in... Details

Dengue: 468 more dengue cases reported in 24hrs

UNB — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:51:35 +0600

Four hundred and sixty-eight more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 63, 638 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 73 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 87 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 104 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 111 in Dhaka... Details

Dengue claims 4 more, 942 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 17:29:46 +0600

Four more deaths from dengue were reported in the 24 hours till Monday morning, raising the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease to 249 this year. During this period, 942 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 60,791, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Dhaka South... Details

Dengue: 1 dead, 715 hospitalised

UNB — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 18:53:23 +0600

One more death from dengue was reported in the 24 hours till Sunday morning as Bangladesh continues to grapple with a surge in infections. With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh has risen to 245 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new death was reported in Barishal Division (outside of... Details

4 more die of dengue; 758 hospitalised

UNB — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:13:25 +0600

Four more deaths from dengue were reported in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease to 242 this year. During this period, 758 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 57,105, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Dhaka South... Details

Dengue claims 5 more lives; 841 hospitalised in 24hrs

UNB — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:31:14 +0600

Five more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till Tuesday morning, raising the number of fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh to 238 this year. During the period, 841 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, raising the total infected-case to 56, 257 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). According to the DGHS, new... Details

Dengue toll rises: Five dead, 953 hospitalised in 24 hours

UNB — Sun, 12 Oct 2025 19:06:33 +0600

The dengue crisis in Bangladesh continues to deteriorate as five more patients died and 953 were admitted to hospitals across the country in the 24 hours leading up to Sunday morning. With the latest fatalities, the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease in Bangladesh has risen to 230 this year, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Two of the new... Details

3 more die of dengue; 700 hospitalised

UNB — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 17:24:47 +0600

Three more deaths from dengue were reported in the 24 hours till Wednesday morning, raising the total number of deaths from the mosquito-borne disease to 220 this year. During this period, 700 more patients were hospitalised with viral fever, bringing the total number of cases to 52,104, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). The new deaths were reported in Dhaka... Details

Dengue claims 9 more lives in 24hrs

UNB — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 19:13:30 +0600

The relentless scourge of dengue continues to tighten its grip on Bangladesh, claiming nine more lives in the 24 hours till Sunday morning, the second highest daily toll recorded this year. With these latest fatalities, the death count from the mosquito-borne disease has climbed to 212 in 2025, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). During the same period, 1,042 fresh... Details

How HIV cases soared in Fiji

Click Ittefaq Desk — Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:46:26 +0600

Ten: that's the age of the youngest person with HIV that Sesenieli Naitala has ever met. When she first started Fiji's Survivor Advocacy Network in 2013, that young boy was yet to be born. Now he is one of thousands of Fijians to have contracted the bloodborne virus in recent years – many of them aged 19 or younger, and many of them through intravenous drug use, BBC reports. "More young... Details

Bangladesh reports 263 more dengue cases in 24hrs

UNB — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:47:23 +0600

Two hundred and sixty-three more new dengue cases were reported in the 24 hours leading up to Friday morning, bringing the total number of cases to 48, 491 this year. According to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), new cases were reported as follows: 56 in Barishal Division (Out of CC), 64 in Chattogram Division (Out of CC), 34 in Dhaka Division (Out of CC), 56 in Dhaka North... Details

33 Covid XFG cases found in Thailand

Click Ittefaq Desk — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 16:03:31 +0600

Thailand has recorded 33 cases of the new Covid-19 strain XFG so far this year, most of them in Bangkok, according to the Department of Medical Sciences. The department said on Tuesday that XFG, also known as Stratus, has become the dominant Covid-19 strain worldwide and case numbers are rising. However, there is no evidence to show that its symptoms are more severe than those caused by other... Details

Trump’s remarks on Tylenol, vaccines worry pregnant women

UNB — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 11:48:15 +0600

U.S. President Donald Trump’s warnings about Tylenol and vaccines during pregnancy have sparked confusion and anxiety among expectant mothers, drawing pushback from doctors who say his claims are not backed by science. At a White House news conference on Monday, Trump urged pregnant women not to take Tylenol, citing a supposed risk of autism in children. He also revived widely debunked... Details

Dengue claims 12 in a single day in Bangladesh

UNB — Sun, 21 Sep 2025 18:22:07 +0600

Bangladesh logged its deadliest day of the year from dengue on Sunday, with 12 people succumbing to the mosquito-borne virus in just 24 hours. The latest fatalities pushed the nationwide death toll to 179 since January, according to the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS). Health officials said 740 new patients were admitted to hospitals in the same period, taking the total number... Details

Deadly Brain-eating Amoeba: How It Spreads, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

UNB — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 12:11:52 +0600

The troubling surge of the free-living microbe infamously called the brain-eating amoeba is casting a shadow of deadly threat across Kerala in India. Once spotted mainly in a few districts such as Kozhikode and Malappuram, infections are now surfacing more widely. The organism heightens concern among doctors and health officials. Its characteristics, equal parts scientific fact and public... Details

Climate change behind world’s worst dengue death rates in Bangladesh

UNB — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 14:03:02 +0600

Bangladesh continued to log one of the world’s worst case fatality rates during dengue outbreaks, apparently almost throughout the last two decades, underscoring the strain put on the country’s already fragile healthcare system and the people, particularly the poor. The case fatality rate represents the percentage of people dying out of the total infected population. Often called... Details

Russia’s cancer vaccine set for approval after promising trial results

UNB — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 11:15:24 +0600

Russia’s experimental cancer vaccine has successfully cleared preclinical trials, proving both safe and highly effective, according to Russian state news agency TASS. Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA), announced at the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) that the vaccine has been in development for several years, with the past three devoted to... Details