Photo : TDM
Residents, especially women, in Shyamnagar Upazila of Satkhira district, are suffering from the detrimental effects of salinity, with many experiencing various health issues.
Prolonged exposure to saline water has led to irregular menstruation, adverse childbirth, miscarriage, breast and cervical cancer, urinary tract infections (inflammation), and skin diseases among women and adolescent girls.
Selina Khatun, a resident of Shora village in 6 No. Ramzannagar Union of Shyamnagar Upazila, shared with The Daily Messenger that the adverse effects of salinity are particularly visible in adolescent girls, as many of them experience health problems, including irregular menstruation.
Maryam Akhter, another resident of the same village, pointed out that the problem arises not only from drinking saline water but also from prolonged exposure while washing clothes, cooking, bathing, and engaging in other daily activities that require water. Maryam further mentioned that she now has to fetch water from a distant pond in Ramzannagar, which incurs significant travel expenses.
Akbar Kabir, a local journalist and president of the Shyamnagar Press Club, informed The Daily Messenger that salinity is most prominent in Shyamnagar and Koira, bordering the Sundarbans, and local residents are facing numerous health issues. He added that women in the area are highly involved in collecting shrimp fry from rivers and canals, leading to increased exposure to saline water for residents of Gabura, Padmapukur, and Burigoalini Unions.
Lt. Col. (Retd.) Dr. Mozahidul Haque, Director of Shyamnagar Friendship Hospital, shared his experience with the health conditions of coastal residents. He mentioned a recent case in which a patient experienced a burning sensation while urinating, and further examination revealed that excessive exposure to saline water caused the issue.
To save her life, the medical team had to perform a hysterectomy, which involves the surgical removal of the uterus. Dr. Mozahidul added that miscarriages and uterine problems, as well as the birth of premature babies, are common due to prolonged exposure to saline water. Dr. Mozahidul attributed the health problems faced by coastal women to salinity, stating that it has been proven to increase skin diseases and urinary tract infections, particularly during pregnancy. He also highlighted that unstable blood pressure, convulsions, or eclampsia can lead to miscarriage or premature delivery.
Dr. Ziaur Rahman, the Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer, acknowledged that urinary infections and skin diseases among women are increasing due to salinity in the southwest coast. He explained that fresh water is scarce in the region, and residents have no choice but to use saline water for daily activities, leading to their suffering from these conditions. Dr. Rahman also noted that the rate of such cases is relatively high in Shyamnagar Upazila.
Runa Khan, founder and executive director of FRIENDSHIP, a social purpose organisation working to improve the well-being of people in saline areas, spoke to The Daily Messenger, highlighting the challenges faced in the Satkhira coastal area. Since 2008, after Cyclone Sidr, FRIENDSHIP has been working in the saline-affected areas, prioritizing healthcare for women, children, and adolescents affected by salinity and climate change. Shyamnagar Hospital provides specialised facilities for early detection and subsequent treatment of breast or cervical cancer resulting from prolonged exposure to salinity.
The adverse effects of salinity on women's health in Shyamnagar.
TDM/SD
