শনিবার, ৭ জুন, ২০২৫
By Ahmad Zaim Khan
Amidst mounting concerns over urban pollution and its toll on vulnerable populations, a new initiative is quietly reshaping how public health and climate action intersect in Bangladesh. Medical students, long confined to hospital wards and lecture halls, are stepping into a new role—as frontline advocates for climate resilience and environmental justice.
Launched under the name Prosshash—meaning “Breath”—the initiative is a collaborative effort led by the Bangladesh Medical Students’ Society (BMSS) and The Earth, a youth-driven climate platform, with backing from the British High Commission. Grounded in the urgency of Dhaka’s deteriorating air quality, Prosshash addresses a critical yet often overlooked public health concern: the respiratory wellbeing of construction workers exposed to hazardous environmental conditions.
Screening the Invisible Threat
In one of its flagship interventions, Prosshash conducted on-site respiratory health screenings for 121 construction workers employed at various projects by Bay Developments Ltd. Using peak flow meters and standardized clinical questionnaires, a team of registered physicians and student volunteers assessed lung function and symptoms.
The findings were stark: many workers exhibited signs of chronic respiratory ailments—ranging from persistent cough to wheezing and significant difficulty breathing.
“This wasn’t just data collection—it was direct action for a neglected group,” said one of the participating doctors. “We’re proud that this initiative brought care to those who are usually invisible in the healthcare system.”
Notably, more than two-thirds of participants were full-time employees with years of cumulative exposure, and little to no access to protective gear or regular medical evaluation.
Youth-Led Health Advocacy in Action
While the screenings served as a clinical intervention, the broader intent of Prosshash is educational and catalytic. The initiative expands the traditional role of medical students, positioning them as stakeholders in climate adaptation and public health advocacy. In addition to medical outreach, the project has encompassed:
Tree plantation drives in key urban zones
Educational workshops on climate and health intersections
Community-centered awareness campaigns across online and offline platforms
“We believe medical students have a unique responsibility to speak up about climate change because they understand both the science and the human cost,” said a BMSS spokesperson.
In this regard, Prosshash fosters a growing consciousness among emerging health professionals—equipping them not only to treat illness, but to engage its root causes.
Recognition and Global Engagement
The initiative has earned formal recognition from the British High Commission, which underscored its value in promoting sustainable development and youth leadership. For BMSS and The Earth, the collaboration has opened pathways for deeper participation in regional and international dialogues on climate-health synergies.
“Prosshash shows what happens when young people are trusted and supported,” noted a representative from The Earth. “This is just the beginning.”
A Breath of Change
Prosshash arrives at a pivotal moment. As Bangladesh grapples with escalating climate-driven health threats—from heat stress to airborne disease vectors—the need for innovative, community-level responses has never been clearer.
This initiative, rooted in medical science and youth-led activism, offers a scalable model for integrated climate-health programming. It not only provided vital care to an underserved population, but also reimagined how students can serve as architects of systemic change.
In a country where the air itself is a daily hazard, Prosshash is helping people breathe a little easier—and inspiring others to do the same.
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