Staff Correspondent
Bangladeshi children are facing multifaceted health risks due to climate change-induced heatwaves, floods, waterlogging, waterborne diseases, and crises in safe water and sanitation. Low-income families and children living in slum areas are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of climate disasters and socioeconomic crises.
These were the findings of a joint study, conducted by the Children Watch Foundation (CWF), BARCIK, and the Environmental Innovation and Research Network (EIRN), revealed at a citizen dialogue on Tuesday
The study also saw that the low-income families and children living in slum areas are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of climate disasters and socioeconomic crises.
The citizen dialogue titled "Urban Child Health Amid Climate Risks: Crises and Solutions," organized by the Children Watch Foundation (CWF) at the Ajimur Rahman Conference Room of The Daily Star Bhaban in the capital.
State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M.A. Mohit, MP, attended the event as the chief guest, while Member of Parliament for Madaripur-3 Anisur Rahman Khokon was present as the special guest.
The keynote paper was presented by Shah Israt Azmeri, Chairman of the Children Watch Foundation and Chief Executive of EIRN with CWF General Secretary Md. Jahangir Alam in the chair.
Addressing the event as chief guest, State Minister Dr. M.A. Mohit noted that the unity forged among the youth through the 2024 mass uprising can be harnessed to tackle problems related to climate change, child health, and urbanization.
He emphasized enhancing school-based awareness activities and community engagement.While acknowledging that appointing permanent doctors and nurses in all schools may not be feasible, he suggested that student healthcare could be ensured through visiting physicians and mobile nursing services as needed.
Special guest Anisur Rahman Khokon emphasized the need to bring expert opinions to the policy-making level to initiate effective environmental protection measures.
He stated that the country possesses the necessary experts, manpower, and goodwill of the younger generation, which could be channeled into forming a voluntary force to build public awareness.Stressing the importance of early environmental education, Khokon recommended incorporating environmental studies into primary-level curricula and considering the appointment of necessary teachers.
"Values learned in childhood influence future life," he added, urging government bodies, non-governmental organizations, experts, and citizens to work together.
Presenting the keynote, Shah Israt Azmeri stated that inadequate housing, poor drainage systems, unsafe water, and limited sanitation facilities in urban slums are exacerbating children's health risks.
During heatwaves, excessive heat in tin-shed houses and unhygienic environments caused by waterlogging heighten the risks of dehydration, dengue, diarrhea, and skin diseases.
She further noted that a field survey conducted in 2025 identified 54.5% of slum families as the most affected members regarding child welfare. An analysis of temperature trends from 1990 to 2025 showed an increase in the duration of temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in Dhaka, Rajshahi, and Satkhira, with Dhaka experiencing the highest intensity and prolonged heat persistence.
The research also highlighted that approximately 35 million ($3.5$ crore) children's educational activities in Bangladesh were disrupted in 2024 due to various climate-related events.
The study recommended ensuring safe water and sanitation for children, developing improved sewage and waste management in slum areas, providing shaded spaces and adequate drinking water during heatwaves, and guaranteeing accessible healthcare.
It also emphasized dengue prevention, air pollution control, and establishing emergency healthcare and safe shelters for children during disasters.
Representing students, Zaira Rahman, a student at Scholastica School, called for the active involvement of youth in combating climate risks, ensuring student health safety during disasters, and providing necessary healthcare in schools. She also recommended expanding online class opportunities to maintain education during severe heatwaves.
The event was also attended by Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nurunnabi, Director of the Center for Sustainability and Climate and UNESCO Chair; public health expert Dr. Mohammad Mushtaq Hossain; Prof. Dr. Mahmud Hossain Faruki; and Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA) General Secretary Md. Alamgir Kabir, alongside various other experts and institutional representatives.
