Save children from the silent epidemic

Winter is knocking at the door. Along with the northern wind comes dreadful news. Air pollution is increasing in Bangladesh, and as a result, children are suffering the most. According to media reports, children wards in various hospitals in Dhaka are already full of patients. Experts warn that if the level of air pollution rises further this season, it may turn into a severe health crisis.

Experts say that in cold weather, the heavy particles in the air remain trapped close to the ground, resulting in rapidly increasing respiratory diseases among children.

According to a recent report jointly published by the Health Effects Institute and UNICEF, titled “State of Global Air 2024”, nearly 19,000 children under the age of five died in Bangladesh in 2021 due to air pollution. That means, on average, more than 50 children died every day.

The report states that the level of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) in Bangladesh’s air is 14 times higher than the safe limit set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). In cities like Dhaka, the daily level of pollution is around 100 micrograms per cubic metre, while the safe limit set by the WHO is only 5 micrograms. These tiny particles enter children’s lungs, increasing their risk of pneumonia, asthma, and long-term respiratory complications.

During a recent visit at Mugda General Hospital in the capital, the children’s ward was found full of children suffering from breathing difficulties.

According to recent data from the World Health Organisation, several thousand children die in Bangladesh every year from diseases caused by air pollution. Asthma, pneumonia, and bronchitis—these respiratory diseases have now become the main threat to child health. On one hand, there is mismanagement in the name of development; on the other, uncontrolled vehicles, low-quality fuel, black smoke from brick kilns, and dust from construction sites—all together are spreading the seeds of death in the air.

Without broad and conscious government initiatives, there is no way out of this pandemic. Although the government occasionally conducts drives to curb air pollution, they do not last long. Brick kilns are shut down for a few days only to reopen again, dust continues to blow at construction sites and the use of low-quality diesel and petrol does not stop. Even though there are environmental protection laws, enforcement is weak, and there is no coordination among responsible agencies.

It is time to treat air pollution as a national security and public health issue. Control of brick kilns, use of clean fuel, reform of public transport, expansion of green infrastructure, and strict quality control at construction sites—these steps must be taken immediately. The city must ensure green playgrounds and clean air for children. To stop this silent pandemic of toxic air, strict action must be taken now. Every family must also remain alert. Protect children from air pollution this winter. At the same time, public awareness from every individual is essential to prevent air pollution. Our collective awareness alone can save tender young lives.