Strong local actions are pivotal to reduce NCDs, TB and tobacco use in Bangladesh
SHOBHA SHUKLA, BOBBY RAMAKANT - CNS
Unless global goals do not become a reality in the lives of every person worldwide, we will fail to deliver on those promises. Local actions are key. That is why the mayors of several municipalities in Bangladesh and other local government leaders and experts had united to form the Bangladesh Mayors' Alliance for Healthy Cities in 2019.
"Well-coordinated actions at the local level are building blocks to deliver on global goals. If all local governments of all municipalities in Bangladesh work towards reducing (and eventually ending) tobacco use and TB, and preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs), we will be able to deliver on the promises made by Bangladesh's honourable Prime Minister," said Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary, Member of Parliament of Bangladesh and co-convener of Asia Pacific Parliamentarians Caucus for Health and Development (APCAT Parliamentarians).
Barrister Patwary was addressing the 3rd Mayors' Summit of Bangladesh held in Cox's Bazar during 21-22 July 2023 om the theme "United efforts for healthy cities." The Summit was co-hosted by the Cox's Bazar Municipality, National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Mayor Alliance for Healthy Cities, International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union), Asia Pacific Cities Alliance for Health and Development (APCAT), AID Foundation, Tobacco Control and Research Cell (TCRC) of Bangladesh and others.
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"United efforts at all levels are vital if we are to end TB, or tobacco use, or prevent NCDs. Major risk factors of life-threatening and chronic NCDs (over 70% of deaths are attributed to NCDs worldwide) and TB (the deadliest of infectious diseases in most low- and middle-income nations) are common: such as tobacco, alcohol, malnutrition, obesity, lack of physical activity, etc. That is why united, and well-coordinated, efforts at the local level assume an overwhelming importance so that local people can stay healthy, prevent infections, and reduce the risk of NCDs," said Dr Tara Singh Bam, Asia Pacific Director of International Union Against TB and Lung Disease (The Union).
"Mayors play a critical role in tobacco control by implementing and enforcing policies, raising public awareness, and creating smoke-free environments in their cities to protect the health of their citizens," added Dr Bam.
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