Deaths of children

By Abdur Rahman Khan Dhaka
6 April 2005, 18:00 PM
Your editorial on how children die in our country has brought into focus a very important issue. Deaths of children take place at an alarming rate in this country. Still, we were not aware that 83 such deaths occur every day on an average in Bangladesh. The causes behind such deaths are not far too seek. Yet we have failed to do anything about this matter.

In fact, our sensitivity to accidents is far less than what it should be. Ours is a country with too many rivers and pond. But children, especially in towns, are seldom taught how to swim. Similarly, fire deaths are increasing day be day as incidents of fire are on the rise and we do not have the needed fire fighting arrangements.

But the area that I want to shed light on is first aid or quick medical attention. Injured children do not get emergency medical assistance. Obviously , the situation is pathetic when it comes to poor people. The health authorities should look into the matter and set things right.

Social awareness is another point of concern. We have to realise that children are a highly vulnerable lot and their security should be ensured by society. Enacting laws to protect the rights of children is a good thing but it will not be enough until people do their bit for the budding lives.

The government , social organisations and NGOs have a role to play here. The statistics on the premature deaths of children should awaken them to the ground reality. We have achieved remarkable success in preventing certain life-threatening diseases. But the good work will mean nothing if children die in accidents of various kinds. I do not want to say that all accidents can be prevented. But we should at least try to remove certain risk factors.

The issue should be addressed by those at the helm of affairs.