Blf and climate change
"Bangladesh Lung Foundation contributes actively towards Climate Health Initiatives and improving the air we breathe"
Climate change significantly impacts lung health in Bangladesh, exacerbating respiratory disorders due to increased air pollution. Rising temperatures, humidity, and pollution levels pose a serious threat, especially to vulnerable groups like children and the elderly, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Bangladesh Lung Foundation (BLF) is dedicated to raising awareness of the link between climate change and lung health, organizing various activities throughout the year. These efforts position BLF as a leading advocate for lung health amidst climate change challenges, advocating for policies, research, and community-driven initiatives for a healthier future.
Climate Health Initiatives
- Sessions dedicated to exploring climate change's effects on respiratory health at Pulmocon
BLF's scientific conference, featuring research findings and expert dialogues.
- Supports the Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act safeguards public health by regulating air pollution, ensuring cleaner air for all.
- Collaborates with Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA)
To advocate for robust environmental policies.
- BLF hosts talk shows and roundtable discussions with media personalities and activists
To highlight climate change's impact on respiratory health. media platforms like Ekhon TV, Channel 24, and radio Foorti
- Goodwill ambassadors
BLF has designated leading showbiz celebrities to strengthen its media campaign
- BLF theme song
A theme song promoting lung health is available on YouTube.
- Conducts community-based interventions
To address smoking cessation and occupational hazards, including those in tanneries, through lung health camps in rural areas.
Smoke-Free Environment Advocacy
- Advocate Industrial workers and patrons from the dangers of Direct & second-hand smoke
- Motivate smokers to quit
- Reduce death and diseases associated with secondhand smoke
- Reduce the number of people who start smoking
Reducing the Burden of Lung Disease
More than 5 million Bangladeshi live with a chronic lung disease like asthma and COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Through education and support programs for those living with a lung disease, their caregivers and those that love them, the Bangladesh Lung Foundation is continually working to reduce the burden of living with a lung disease.
Asthma makes breathing difficult for more than 5 million Bangladeshi, including over 1 million children. While there is no cure, asthma can be managed and treated, helping those with the disease lead a healthier life.
The Bangladesh Lung Foundation is the premier resource for any lung-related question from the common flu to lung cancer, pneumonia to smoking cessation help. Our national Lung HelpLine is staffed by registered nurses, respiratory therapists, certified tobacco treatment specialists and counselors. Our quest to find cures and new and improved treatments for lung disease includes our Nationwide Research Program that has been a cornerstone of our organization for more than a century, and our Airways Clinical Research Network, the nation’s largest not-for-profit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and COPD treatment research.
Working to Defeat Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both women and men in the Bangladesh, and approximately two-thirds of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked or are former smokers. In the past 41 years, new lung cancer cases have increased by 87 percent among women, while decreasing 35 percent among men. Each year, more lives are lost to lung cancer than any other cancer.
Simultaneously, we are continually developing and improving support resources for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. Through LUNG FORCE Expos and Walks, online support resources and advocacy efforts, we are making a difference for the more than 100,000 Bangladeshi currently living who have ever been diagnosed with lung cancer and the more than 10,000 women who will be diagnosed every year.
Bangladesh Lung Foundation: Aroggo Niketon
Nirmol Shash: A series of talk shows to raise awareness on various lung health issues
Community Engagement
Bangladesh Lung Foundation (BLF) engages in community outreach through various impactful activities:
1. Old home dwellers support: BLF provided a 15-day food supply to Uttarkhan's Elderly Home residents, ensuring nourishment during Eid. Collaboration with Safa Samad Communication extended this support to two orphanages, amplifying its reach.
2. Gifts for Orphaned Children: BLF distributed Eid gifts to 150 orphaned children across three Chuadanga district madrasas, including essential food items. Iftar arrangements were made for Karimpur madrasa children.
3. Medical Equipment Donation: BLF received a Bipap machine from the Bangladesh Medical Association of North America (BMANA), presented by the Health Minister. This donation aims to support impoverished patients.
Heat Relief Initiative: Amidst a nationwide heat alert, BLF initiated the provision of clean drinking water in Chuadanga Sadar streets to alleviate heat-related health issues like exhaustion, stroke, flu, and diarrhea.
BLF: Frontliner in Covid Pandemic
Bangladesh Lung Foundation (BLF) has been actively involved in various scientific, academic, and philanthropic activities related to COVID-19:
Training Program for Frontline Workers: In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BLF collaborated with USAID, Save the Children Bangladesh, and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to conduct a nationwide training program for doctors and nurses involved in the frontline fight against COVID-19. BLF was responsible for formulating the training module and organizing the training sessions. These sessions focused on COVID-19 case management and infection prevention control. Over the course of a year, BLF organized 57 episodes of 2-day long training sessions in different districts of Bangladesh, training approximately 1500 participants. Active BLF members, who are specialists in Pulmonology or Internal Medicine, served as facilitators for these sessions.
Support and Collaboration: BLF received support and collaboration from various organizations and pharmaceutical companies such as Save the Children Bangladesh, Incepta Pharmaceuticals, Aristopharma Ltd, Unimed Unihealth Pharmaceuticals Limited, and ACI Pharmaceuticals. These entities provided assistance in various aspects to ensure the success of the training program.
Coverage and Impact: Through these efforts, BLF reached 55 out of 64 districts in Bangladesh, leaving a significant footprint in the country. The training program aimed to equip frontline healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage COVID-19 cases and prevent infections.
BY TheDevGarden