Over 40m suffer from pain-related illnesses in Bangladesh: Study

In Bangladesh, a nationwide study conducted under the "Community-Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD)" has revealed that nearly one-third of the adult population -- around 40 million people -- suffer from joint, muscle, or bone-related conditions. The number of patients experiencing pain continues to rise steadily.

Globally, 1 in every 5 people suffers from some form of chronic pain, with conditions affecting joints, muscles, or bones being the most common. Each year, over 30 million new individuals are diagnosed with some form of pain-related illness, according to the Global Burden of Disease study.

These statistics were presented on Saturday at the 9th patient awareness event organised by the Professor Nazrul Rheumatology Foundation and Research (PNRFR) Trust at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in Dhaka.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr Neera Ferdous, Vice-Chairman of PNRFR Trust and Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at MH Samorita Medical College and Hospital.

The day-long programme included scientific presentations, interactive Q&A sessions, and hands-on demonstrations of therapeutic exercises for pain relief.

Medical experts at the event expressed concern over the increasing number of patients suffering from rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, contrasting with the limited number of qualified rheumatologists in the country. They emphasised the urgent need for government intervention and support in this area.

According to the 2022 national census, around 30 million people in Bangladesh are aged 50 and above. In neighbouring India, about 20 per cent of people suffer from osteoporosis. Nearly 6 million people in Bangladesh may be affected by this condition.

A scientific seminar during the event highlighted the seriousness of osteoporosis, revealing that a bone fracture due to this condition occurs in every 3 seconds worldwide. One in three women and one in five men over 50 suffer fractures due to osteoporosis.

Annually, around 9.0 million osteoporotic fractures occur, with spinal fractures being the most common. Alarmingly, the risk of death increases up to 8 times following such fractures.

The event was presided over by Professor Dr Md Nazrul Islam, Chairman of PNRFR and Vice President of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR).

In his address, he noted, "One in four people in the country is falling into poverty due to various causes, with healthcare expenses being a major factor. Despite this, support in this area is minimal. Our journey began with the vision of standing by those who suffer from chronic pain. We are grateful to those who continue to inspire and support this mission."

Among others, notable speakers were Prof Dr Nasim Akter Chowdhury, Md Munir Hossain, Member, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (BPSC), and Major General Kazi Iftekhar-ul-Alam and Sheikh Nahar Mahmood.

During the event, scholarships were awarded to meritorious students, and a financial grant was handed over to a kidney patient in need.

Additionally, Mohammad Badruddoza, Executive Director of rural development organization "HANDS," was honoured for his contributions to uplifting marginalised rural communities.

sajibur@gmail.com