Dr. Mohammed Mahtab Hossain Majed 

The main driving force of a country's development is its population. However, if this population increases unplanned, it can have multiple negative impacts on society, economy and environment. Health and security are also deeply involved with population growth. Population pressure can weaken the health system and it is also difficult to ensure basic protection of citizens. In developing countries like Bangladesh, these three issues - population, health and security - have emerged as a three -dimensional challenge. This article will analyze population, health and security relationships, existing problems, government initiatives and future activities.

> Figure of Population: An worrying reality

Bangladesh is one of the densely populated countries in the world. According to 2021, the total population of the country is about 10 million. More than 1,220 people are living per square kilometer. Although the birth rate has decreased slightly in recent years, the population density and growth of older population have challenged our health and security structure.

Unplanned urbanization, environmental pollution, healthcare crisis and lack of employment - this population is now becoming more curse than blessings. Especially due to population density in rural areas and city slums, health risk has increased.

Figure of Health: Acquisition and weakness

Although Bangladesh has achieved a lot in the health sector, there are still many challenges. Although maternal mortality and infant mortality have decreased, it has not yet reached the desired level. Receiving healthcare in rural areas is still difficult today. Due to the city -centric medical system, people in the rural areas are deprived of service.

Although the government increases the annual budget allocation in the health sector, it is not enough compared to the population. Lack of doctors, nurses and modern equipment in government hospitals is evident. The Coronavirus epidemic has shown the weakness of our health system with a finger in the eye.

Non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc. are increasing alarmingly. On the other hand, infectious diseases like dengue, chikungunya, cholera, typhoid have not yet come under control.

> Protection system crisis: Public Health and Human Security

Protection with public health is very close. Pure water, nutritious food, sanitation, air pollution control and lack of safe environment are constantly threatening the quality of life of the people.

Natural disasters, floods, waterlogging and cyclones are a major challenge for public health and security. People in the coastal region of Bangladesh are facing more risk, especially due to climate change. The marginalized people of the society, including slum dwellers, homeless and Ezra, are at the highest risk of health and protection.

Women and children suffer the most sufferers such as torture, human trafficking and sexual violence. Although there is a social security project, effectiveness is questionable.

> Relationships of population, health and protection

These three things are intimately involved with each other. As the population increases, the pressure on the health system will increase, which disrupts human security. Again, the quality development of the population is not possible if health and security are not guaranteed.

A population of sick, malnourished, illiterate and unconscious cannot contribute to the development of the nation. Therefore, the demand for time to control population, expansion of health care and strengthen social security force.

> Government initiatives and plans

The Government of Bangladesh has taken several effective steps to control population control and health:

Family planning activities

Family planning activities have been strengthened at government health centers and union levels.

Contraceptive equipment has been made available.

The media is campaigning to raise public awareness.

Universal Healthcare Confirmation (UHC)

The goal of ensuring universal health care has been set by 20.

Community clinics have been activated.

Social security program

The safety of the marginalized people is being ensured through adult allowance, disability allowance, maternity allowance, etc.

Digital healthcare

Healthcare is being made easier through telemedicine, e-helat card and mobile app system.

Problems and challenges

However there are still many obstacles, eg:

Unconsciousness: Many people still do not understand the importance of family planning.

Lack of education: Many are not aware of health and security.

Corruption and waste: The health sector budget is not properly used.

Inadequate manpower: There is a shortage of doctors, nurses and health workers in rural areas.

Limitations of Technology: Digital healthcare still has many limitations.

> The future to do

1. To raise awareness of population control

There will be widespread publicity in the media.

Religious and social leaders have to be involved.

2. Increase the allocation in the health sector

A large part of the budget should be allocated to health and family plans.

3. Primary health care

Establish more health centers and modernization at the union level.

3. Definition of Women and Child Protection

The law enforcement agencies have to be activated.

Strict measures should be taken to prevent child marriage and sexual violence.

3. To strengthen disaster management

In advance of climate change health risk, advance precautions and assistance systems should be developed.

Finally, sustainable development of Bangladesh is not possible without the combination of these three things - population, health and protection. If we can properly control the population, make health care available and ensure social security, then our people will be the power of development. All citizens along with the government require awareness, responsibility and sincere efforts. The population will be wealth, not the burden - we have to move forward with this goal.

The writer is author, physician, columnist, founder and chairman, National Patient Welfare Society. He can be reached at email, drmazed96@gmail.com