A bitter cold: Winter takes a toll on children
Three-year-old Anisha lies in a hospital bed at the Bangladesh Children’s Hospital and Institute in Dhaka, her fragile frame connected to an oxygen tube and a cannula. She has been battling pneumonia and asthma since late November.
Her mother, Shahinur Akhter, sits by her side, sharing that this isn’t the first time her daughter has faced such a challenge. "Anisha had pneumonia when she was one. This time, her condition was so critical that she spent three days in the ICU," Shahinur recounts.
Anisha’s story reflects a growing concern in Bangladesh’s healthcare system: the rising number of children suffering from cold-related illnesses during the winter.
Hospitals struggle with overcrowding
The Bangladesh Children’s Hospital, with a total capacity of 681 beds, has only 19 beds designated for pneumonia patients—all of which are occupied. Outside the outpatient department, anxious parents line up with their sick children, hoping for a chance at admission.
From January to December 12 this year, the hospital admitted 4,118 pneumonia patients, a significant increase from 3,511 cases in 2022. This trend aligns with the broader seasonal surge in cold-related diseases, as children under five years old remain the most vulnerable.
In just the first 11 days of December, 74 children were hospitalized for pneumonia, compared to 227 cases in all of November. The demand for pediatric care is overwhelming, leaving many families grappling with limited resources and beds.
Rising numbers of winter illnesses
According to the Director of Bangladesh Children’s Hospital and Institute, Professor Dr Mahbubul Haque, the number of children admitted with cold-related illnesses, particularly pneumonia, has risen by 10 per cent compared to other seasons.
“Children under five are particularly vulnerable during the winter months. Cold weather, coupled with air pollution, exacerbates allergies and respiratory issues,” Dr Haque explained.
Pneumonia, a major contributor to child mortality globally, claims about 7,00,000 lives annually, according to the International Center for Diarrheal Disease Research (Icddr,b).
Bangladesh is no exception, with two to three children under five dying of pneumonia every hour, and 24,000 deaths annually, accounting for 24 per cent of all deaths in this age group.
Air pollution: A silent aggravator
A study by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights air pollution as a contributing factor in one-third of pneumonia-related deaths. Dr Nabila Akand, Assistant Professor at Bangladesh Children’s Hospital, emphasised how polluted air disproportionately affects children.
“Children’s respiratory systems are immature, making them more vulnerable to pollutants. Airborne bacteria and viruses are major causes of respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchiolitis, and pneumonia,” she said.
Dr Akand added that improving air quality could significantly reduce the incidence of these illnesses, but immediate action is required to protect vulnerable children.
The human toll
Statistics from the Department of Health paint a stark picture: Between November 15 and December 4, 19 people died of cold-related illnesses, while 85,469 sought treatment across the country.
The toll is even higher for children, as they face not only pneumonia but also related conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, and diarrhea. The season’s shifting weather further weakens their immunity, making recovery even more challenging.
A call to action
The rise in cold-related illnesses, coupled with overcrowded hospitals, underscores an urgent need for policy interventions. Reducing air pollution, expanding healthcare capacity, and raising public awareness about preventative measures are vital steps in safeguarding the health of Bangladesh’s youngest and most vulnerable citizens.
As Anisha slowly recovers, her mother’s words echo the concerns of countless parents navigating this seasonal health crisis: “Every year, winter brings this struggle. I just hope next year will be different.”
