Health Is An Overriding Concer In Bangladesh

Q and A with World Bank's Bangladesh Country Director Xian Zhu

In Bangladesh, 'health is an overriding concern'

The World Bank's Bangladesh Country Director Xian Zhu answers questions about impact of the South Asia flooding on Bangladesh

Rivers around Dhaka are reportedly flowing above danger levels. What is the current situation and is Dhaka in danger of floods?

Dhaka is in danger of floods. All the rivers surrounding Dhaka and Narayanganj have continued rising and are flowing above danger levels. The low-lying areas in the eastern part of Dhaka are already affected and this may continue to deteriorate if further rains set in. The Bangladesh government along with development partners is closely monitoring the situation and will step in quickly to assist when necessary.

We, however, do not yet know how severe the floods will be this year and the overall impact it will have on Bangladesh. Initial assessments show that the extent of the damage may be less than the 1998 and 2004 flood, both of which were very severe. The exact magnitude can only be assessed at the end of October 2007 after the end of the monsoon season. The extent of the damage will increase if the flood situation escalates.

Can you tell us how the Government of Bangladesh is handling the disaster relief?

The government's relief efforts are ongoing and they are working closely with development partners and other stakeholders on the relief distribution. The primary challenge for the government will be to ensure that basic relief reaches all affected families--identifying gaps in distribution as well as gaps in items needed and providing relief to those affected.

Assistance, in terms of food, clothing, and shelter, has so far been provided to 36 of the 39 flood-affected districts. The Chief Adviser's Relief and Welfare Fund has also recently allocated 11 crore (110 million) taka [approx. US$1.6 million] to assist the 15 most severely affected districts.

Do you fear a looming health crisis?

Health is an overriding concern. Water-borne diseases--such as diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and typhoid--threaten flood-affected populations who lack access to safe drinking water, medicine and hygienic food. Some 40,000 cases of diarrhea have so far been reported and the situation may escalate if the flood continues. The challenge will be to ensure that widespread outbreaks of diarrhea and other similar water-borne-related diseases do not occur.

There is a serious shortage of medical supplies, amounting to about US$2.5 million, as estimated by WHO at this moment. The Development Partners plan to work closely with the Health Ministry to mitigate this gap. The Bank is trying to simplify procurement procedures, in the Health SWAP led by the Bank, so that medical supplies can be quickly delivered to the affected population.

Is the government providing cash-grants as part of relief efforts?

Yes. The government is providing cash for relief efforts and so far has provided cash grants of about US$30,000 to 36 flood-affected districts.

How big of a role are local NGOs playing in relief activities?

Local NGOs are active and play a significant role in relief operations.

Development agencies, such as the UN, are providing relief efforts to flood-affected communities through local NGOs. National and international NGOs, including the BRAC [Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee] and International Federation of Red Cross, have also geared up relief activities in the flood-hit districts by providing food, medical, water and sanitation support to the distressed population.

In addition to this, various government and private organizations and individuals have donated Taka 11 crore directly to the Chief Advisor's Relief and Welfare Fund.

How would you characterize the coordination among the International donors/relief organizations?

The local consultative group, an apex body of both bilateral and multilateral donors, met just today to discuss with the government the modalities of coordinated efforts for relief as well as rehabilitation support to the floods victims.

UN agencies in particular have been actively coordinating the relief activities of international donors and NGOs as well as maintaining a close liaison with government. The rest of the development partners, including the World Bank, are very concerned and are closely monitoring the evolving flood situation and working on various options to assist the government in immediate relief operation and/or post flood rehabilitation support.

ENDS

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