The Story of Md. Mosaraf Hossain

I am Md. Mosaraf Hossain, a public health professional with a Bachelor of Public Health (BPH) and a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Jahangirnagar University. Dedicated to addressing urban health disparities, I emphasize the critical role of collaborative efforts between government entities, NGOs, and local communities in implementing sustainable solutions. Bangladesh Urban Health Network (BUHN) stands poised to play a pivotal role in advocating for and implementing initiatives aimed at improving urban health outcomes, particularly in marginalized communities like the sweeper population at Jahangirnagar University.

In the study examining water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices among the sweeper community of Jahangirnagar University, they faced numerous challenges in their work environment, including social stigma and hygiene-related health issues like allergies and skin irritations, lack of water treatment practices, no social constraints on waste disposal, skin afflictions. Despite the evident need, there was a glaring absence of health awareness initiatives, with the majority of respondents having no exposure to such programs.

Given the critical findings, urgent interventions are imperative. The collaboration of key stakeholders, including BUHN, government bodies, NGOs, and academic institutions, is crucial to implementing targeted initiatives. Comprehensive health education campaigns tailored to the sweeper community's specific needs and cultural context are essential, emphasizing hygiene practices and the importance of water treatment. Additionally, initiatives should focus on promoting social inclusion by addressing stigma and discrimination, fostering a supportive environment within the university and surrounding communities and capacity-building programs to empower community members with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain good hygiene practices and effectively manage sanitation facilities.