COVID-19 in Bangladesh as an Example of the World Region South Asia

This chapter aims (i) to present epidemiological data of COVID-19 through epidemic curves of daily cases and daily deaths for each country of South Asia with a (ii) major focus on Bangladesh. Additionally, strategies are highlighted to address present and future burdens associated with COVID-19. According to secondary data (until May 23, 2022), daily cases and deaths including vaccination coverage varied remarkably in South Asia. Three populous countries namely India (1,420 million), Bangladesh (168 million) and Pakistan (225 million) reported over 1 million cases of COVID-19. Epidemic curves of these three countries also revealed more peaks of daily cases than other countries. Likewise, more COVID-19 deaths were observed in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The case fatality rate (CFR) was the highest in Afghanistan (4.28%), followed by Sri Lanka (2.49%) and Pakistan (1.99%), respectively. Bhutan and The Maledives were the least affected countries in South Asia. Bangladesh has experienced a series of COVID-19-related burdens, which are classified as economic, health and healthcare, nutritional, and socio-cultural burdens. Economic burdens were caused by growing poverty and unemployment and by declining remittances and household income. Lack of preventive, promotive and curative services for COVID-19 and co-morbidities, weak case management and healthcare governance including widespread vaccine hesitancy are the leading problems in the health and healthcare sector. Nutritional deficiencies are manifested through higher rates of stunting, wasting, a lower BMI, and anaemia. Similarly, socio-political burdens became evident through e.g., an increasing level of social inequality, domestic violence and crime, poor psychosocial health, and widespread violation of public health measures. In sum, COVID-19 is an enormous public health challenge in South Asia including Bangladesh. These countries require well-designed and evidence-based recovery plans, both short- and long-term, to reduce and minimize the impacts of COVID-19.