URBAN centres, especially in Dhaka, face a significant rise in cold-related illness. The most vulnerable segments, the children and the elderly, bear the brunt, causing overcrowded hospitals and overextended healthcare system.
Recent official data show a concerning trend. On January 2, 2024 alone, 3,040 people sought treatment for winter-related diseases across the country. The situation intensified by mid-January, with hospitals having reported a surge in child patients suffering from respiratory infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis and diarrhoea. Children under five were especially susceptible to cold-related illnesses during the winter. The Bangladesh Shishu Hospital and Institute in Dhaka reported a 10 per cent increase in hospital admission for pneumonia and other cold-related diseases compared with other seasons.
From January to December 12, 2024, the hospital admitted 4,118 pneumonia patients, up from 3,511 cases in 2022. In the first 11 days of December, 74 children were admitted for pneumonia, compared with 227 cases in all of November. Dhaka Medical College Hospital reported a similar trend, with an average of 10 children admitted daily for pneumonia in recent weeks, up from two to three cases in November.
The elderly are also at heightened risk during this cold spell. An increase in cold-related illnesses, including shortness of breath and the exacerbation of chronic conditions, has been noted in the elderly. Air pollution in urban areas like Dhaka exacerbates the situation. The World Health Organisation highlights that polluted air contributes to respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Children鈥檚 immature respiratory systems make them more vulnerable to pollutants, leading to increased hospital admissions during the winter.
Additionally, the dense population and inadequate housing in urban centres contribute to the rapid spread of infectious diseases. Many residents lack proper insulation and heating, increasing exposure to cold and related health risks.
A study analysing 20 years of data from 2000 to 2019 found an average of 281 cold wave-induced death annually in Bangladesh, with January recording the highest number of fatalities, followed by December. The study also noted a slight increase in cold wave frequency over the period, with the north-west being more prone to cold waves and reporting higher mortality rates.
In the winter of 2023鈥�2024, more than 200,000 individuals nationwide were affected with winter-related illnesses a month and a half, resulting in 25 death from respiratory issues and diarrhoea. In contrast, the current winter has seen a more pronounced impact on urban areas, especially Dhaka, because of increased air pollution and higher population density. The lowest temperature recorded in Dhaka this season is 13.8掳C on January 2, contributing to the surge in cold-related illnesses.
The influx of patients has put immense pressure on healthcare facilities. Hospitals are operating beyond capacity, with many patients sharing beds or being treated in corridors. Medical professionals are working for extended hours and there is a growing concern about the availability of essential medical supplies.
Healthcare experts recommend several measures to mitigate the impact of cold-related illnesses: ensuring that children and the elderly wear adequate warm clothing, including caps and scarves, to maintain body temperature; minimising exposure to cold by staying indoors during peak cold hours and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities; providing a balanced diet rich in vitamins to strengthen the immune system; implementing policies to reduce air pollution; conducting awareness campaigns to educate the public in recognising early symptoms of cold-related illnesses and seeking medical attention.
Addressing contributing factors such as air pollution and inadequate housing along with implementing effective preventive measures is crucial to protect the most susceptible segments of the population, children and the elderly, from the adverse effects of severe cold weather.
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Dr Md Shamim Hayder Talukder is member secretary and Md Wahiduzzaman is a project assistant of the Bangladesh Urban Health Network.
