WaterAid Bangladesh hosts dissemination event on WASH and AMR linkages in Dhaka

WaterAid Bangladesh organised a dissemination event in the capital to present findings from a study titled "Impacts of WASH on AMR and strategies to control AMR through WASH Interventions." The event was attended by senior representatives from the government, NGOs, development partners, donor agencies, media, and civil society, all working in the areas of One Health and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

The programme provided a platform for multi-sectoral dialogue on the role of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in the spread of AMR, and the need for integrating WASH into Bangladesh's national AMR response. The study revealed strong links between poor WASH conditions and the development and transmission of antimicrobial resistance, particularly among low-income urban communities.

Key findings from the research highlighted the presence of AMR hotspots in densely populated areas, widespread household water contamination with E. coli, inadequate sanitation facilities in healthcare centres, gender-related barriers to accessing hygiene services, and low public awareness of AMR risks and the responsible use of antibiotics.

To complement the study, WaterAid Bangladesh launched a series of awareness videos featuring public personalities to promote improved hygiene, safe water use, and sanitation practices. The campaign aims to engage stakeholders from grassroots to policy levels in driving behavioural change and strengthening WASH-related interventions.

Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant (State Minister Equivalent) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, attended the event as chief guest. He highlighted the critical implications of AMR and stressed the need for improved hygiene practices within healthcare settings. He further mentioned that a comprehensive AMR intervention plan will be sought from relevant organisations and proposed incorporating handwashing and AMR education in school curricula through the National Curriculum and Textbook Board.

Dr Rajesh Narwal, Acting Representative of WHO Bangladesh, noted that the declining efficacy of antibiotics poses a silent global threat. He called for the prioritisation of WASH as a practical entry point for addressing AMR.

Prof Dr Tahmina Shirin, Director of IEDCR, highlighted the environmental aspect of AMR, referring to pharmaceutical waste and water contamination. She underscored the need for a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach under the One Health framework.

Md Khairul Islam, Regional Director for South Asia at WaterAid, pointed out that while policy and regulation are essential, public awareness remains a critical component. He emphasised the importance of using social media platforms to promote hygiene and behaviour change cost-effectively.

Md Mostafizur Rahman, Senior Programme Officer at the Embassy of Sweden, said the environmental dimensions of AMR—such as pollution during antibiotic production—must be addressed alongside human health. He called for greater attention to the environmental contributors to AMR.

Hasin Jahan, Country Director of WaterAid Bangladesh and chair of the event, stressed the importance of linking environmental health with AMR strategies. She highlighted the need to address the widespread misuse of antibiotics, noting that preventive measures and collaborative efforts between the health and WASH sectors are key to curbing the AMR crisis.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, where participants discussed ways to integrate WASH interventions into Bangladesh's National Action Plan on AMR, improve surveillance, and support community-led efforts.

WaterAid Bangladesh reaffirmed its commitment to working with government bodies, civil society, and development partners to promote WASH integration into health and environmental policy frameworks as a sustainable approach to reducing AMR.