Great contributions
Bangladesh or Bengalis made quite a few contributions to mankind of which Oral Saline, Micro-credit and UN Peace Keeping are well known. We are so proud of these great achievements.
I am sure all of you readers have heard about AIDS, cancer, diabetes and similar deadly diseases menacing the universe. There are many clinics, hospitals and research centres but I doubt very much whether most of them heard about another disease known as Polycystic Kidney Disease which is known as PKD. This disease is not much heard about as only a few fall victim to it, roughly about fourteen million people each year. In comparison Bangladesh has one hundred and fifty three million inhabitants. Till date there is no cure for this disease. This is a genetic disorder of the kidney from birth. The kidney functions just like a normal kidney and begins to reduce its function as the person ages. By the time the person reaches the age of 30 hypertension begins to develop.
The patient and regular doctors, without knowing the real cause prescribes hypertension medications, which reduces the blood pressure. By the time the patient reaches 35-40, he begins to feel weak and depressed. The patient assumes this is the result of age and does not give much attention.
Then come restlessness, loss of appetite and finally a strong sense of smell. The regular doctors prescribe immediate ultrasound (scanning) and then only it can be determined that the kidney does not work anymore, or kidney failure. For survival the patient must undergo regular dialysis which is extremely expensive or a kidney transplant.
Some will blame the regular doctors for failing to detect the disease earlier, others will prepare to face death. Even if doctors could detect the disease, he actually could hardly do anything. There is no cure.
People fluctuate their emotions back and forth between hate and sorrow, rocked between the waves of life. They turn their sorrows into anger and frustrations. When financial restrains limits treatment and care their visions fail to see any element of beauty of life.
PKD hits the rich and the poor, the kings and paupers, the Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Jews, Atheists, the devoted religious and unfaithful, believers and non-believers. It has no limits and boundaries and Bangladesh is not spared.
Bangladesh being a developing country has very limited resources. The average family is more concerned to provide food for the family then participate in medical care of family member.
A country with one of the most densely populated places of the world, a nation of about 153 million people, and the annual per Capita Gross National Product (GNP) is less than $500. How can we make a contribution is the question.
You may feel proud that a brand new research organization has sprung up in California, United States of America. The organization is made up with Bangladesh origin Microbiologists, Nephrologists, Academics, Doctors, PKD patients, Renal Nurses and Social Workers. Members come from different areas of the USA.
The Charitable dialysis and Research Centre will be soon established in Chittagong, Bangladesh. They wish to make a gift not only to Bangladesh but also to the human race of the world which is a cure or at least delayed progression of PKD.
Will you, children of Bangladesh the world around, join them with your support and encouragement?
Surely together a difference can be made, or you are too busy?
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments