SHARE Bangladesh - The fourth Café Scientifique discusses on ‘Social and healthcare needs of the elderly population in Bangladesh’

The European Union supported (SHARE)’ project of icddr,b  in collaboration with  Department of Population Sciences (DPS), University of Dhaka has organised the fourth Café Scientifique event on 14 January, 2019 with the theme of ‘Social and Healthcare Needs of Elderly Population in Bangladesh’. Café Scientifique event is a platform where common people, health managers, policy makers, researchers, journalists, students and other relevant stakeholders discuss the current urban health affairs under the NCDs burning issues in line with the strategies of National Health Policy.  

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In the discussion of the event, Mohammad Bellal Hossain, Associate Professor, DPS, DU presented his findings on current situation of social and health care needs of the elderly population in Bangladesh. He highlighted that; the rapidly growing social and healthcare of the elderly (60+) population, which is about 8% of the populations, are facing the emerging challenges in Bangladesh. To ensure their better health service first and consider them as potential human resource in the society. The discussion has also sought ways to address the emerging challenges the elderly face in country. Around 60% from elderly populations are suffering from Non-Communicable Disease. Like; Hyper- Tension, Diabetes, Chronic Disease and Mental Health disease are common.

Dr. ATM Iqbal Anwar, Scientist ‘SHARE’ project of icddr,b highlighted the importance of introducing elderly people friendly health service, for example by introducing old age corner in every Upazilla Health Complex  in Bangladesh. In addition, he said that, the health policy should include this group of people to avail health service considering different economic class and social condition. On the other hand, Dr. Mahbub Elahi, Scientist & Head of Universal Health Coverage, HSPSD Division, icddr,b said that, we need to explore, how we can incorporate their knowledge  in policy planning for the welfare of our society. There were around 121 participants in that discussion event; among them 52 were female. From participating students, Ms Tabassum- a student of Women and Gender Studies of University of Dhaka suggested to consider elderly women citizen with higher attention while designing any policy for this group of 

population as most often this group of women are more vulnerable due to critical diseases in our society. Mr. Shishir Morol, Senior Reporter from Prothom Alo, said that, the newly elected Government of Bangladesh is planning to provide free health support to elderly population in Bangladesh. There is however, no such research analysis yet on the disease pattern and the burden of disease among elderly population in Bangladesh. It is important to find the gaps and afterwards, the incentives from Government would be effective for the betterment of the society. Professor Dr Mohammad Mainul Islam, DPS, DU has moderated the discussion.

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Café Scientifique is an approach of public engagement to discuss on any scientific theme or current health issues at any cafeteria of any institution, at a public gathering place or any well- known community space. To share views in an informal discussion on health and other scientific issues, icddr,b has  initiated the Café Scientifique in Bangladesh from 2016.