Climate Change and Mental Health Awareness Campaign Held in Char Fashion

A ‘Climate Change & Mental Health Awareness Campaign’ was held along the Banglabazar riverbank in Char Fashion, Bhola, to raise public awareness about climate change, river erosion and the related mental health risks.

The campaign was organised on Monday, October 5, through a joint initiative of Wellbeing Care Foundation and the Department of Public Health of State University of Bangladesh (SUB). Local residents participated in discussions on the effects of climate change and river erosion, mental wellbeing, and ways to cope with adverse circumstances.

Mohammad Razikul Hasan, founder and chairman of Wellbeing Care Foundation and a public health worker, spoke at the programme. He said the impact of climate change cannot be fully understood if it is viewed only as an environmental issue. According to him, the effects on livelihoods, social security and mental wellbeing of people living in erosion-prone areas should also receive greater attention in public health discussions.

Local residents shared their experiences of uncertainty over their homes, livelihoods and future due to recurring river erosion. They said the repeated threat of displacement and relocation has made everyday life increasingly difficult and contributed to mental stress.

The campaign also focused on listening to local experiences and opinions while raising awareness about climate-related health risks. The importance of community resilience, social support and mental wellbeing in adapting to climate and disaster-related changes was highlighted.

The local campaign was organised and coordinated by Jobayer, a representative of the organisation.

The organisers said community-centred and health-focused initiatives should be strengthened by giving greater importance to the experiences and views of local people in addressing the long-term impacts of climate change.