Autism a major health challenge for South Asia: Saima
Chairperson of National Advisory Committee on Autism in Bangladesh Saima Wazed Hossain yesterday described Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as one of the major public health challenges in South Asia urging all concerned to work together to develop and deliver effective solution to this disorder.
Saima, daughter of Bangladesh premier, was speaking at a panel discussion at the National Consultative Workshop on 'ASD' being held in Delhi where she called for private sector cooperation along with the government drives in effective management of ASD.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, government of India and World Health Organisation (WHO) organised the two-day workshop that started yesterday.
Indian Health and Family Welfare Secretary P K Pradhan addressed, among others, while Vice-chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Pran Gopal Dutta was present at the workshop.
Saima presented a comprehensive scenario on the current status of ASD in Bangladesh and briefly highlighted the government's and private sector's initiatives in combating the disorder.
She proposed a twin track approach for the purpose.
One is horizontal approach that would integrate autism related activities into the existing infrastructures, be it health, social or education sector and the other is vertical approach, which is envisioned to help enhance capacity building of professionals and introduce new academic modules for the primary schools or early child learning centres.
She further said that there was a political will in Bangladesh for supporting initiatives to be taken in this regard and termed it (political will) as her great strength.
Saima, during an international autism conference in Dhaka in July 2011, proposed to build up a South Asian Autism Network (SAAN) aiming to develop an international collaboration through high-level political and social network.
Many high profile foreign dignitaries, including the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, attended the Dhaka conference.
Our Correspondent from New Delhi adds: Saima is expected to call on Sonia this morning before returning to Dhaka.
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