The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education of medical, dental and non-medical healthcare professionals in Bangladesh : findings and connotation

Lockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic had an appreciable impact on the education of all medical, dental, and non-medical healthcare professional (HCP) students. These included the closure of universities necessitating a rapid move to e-learning and new approaches to practical’s. However initially, there was a lack of knowledge and expertise regarding e-learning approaches and the affordability of internet bundles and equipment. We initially con-ducted two pilot studies to assess such current challenges, replaced by a two-stage approach including a full investigation involving 32 private and public universities during the early stages of the pandemic followed by a later study assessing the current environment brought about by the forced changes. Top challenges at the start of the pandemic included a lack of familiarity with e-learning approaches, cost of the internet, lack of IT equipment and the quality of the classes. Universities offered support to staff and students to a varying degree to address identified challenges. Since then, e-learning approaches have widened the possibilities for teaching and learning at convenient times. However, challenges remain. In conclusion, there were considerable challenges at the start of them pandemic. Several key issues have been addressed with hybrid learning here to stay. Remaining challenges include a lack of ICT equipment. However, new innovations will continue

Review Articles Allergic rhinitis, asthma and atopic diseases:

Bangladesh is a developing country with 150 million population. About 20 to 25 % of population is suffering from different types of allergic disorder. Few studies were carried out on asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic conditions in Bangladesh. There are many indoor, outdoor, occupational and food allergens that trigger allergy. More over many pollutants, allergens are still unidentified in the poor and developing countries due to fund constrains for research activities. In addition to multiple known and unknown allergens, over population, un-hygienic living, poverty, lack of education and awareness, negligence to take treatment leads to increasing incidence of these diseases. Diagnostic facilities are yet depending on history and clinical examination for majority of our patients. Skin prick tests and IgE estimation are not available outside capital Dhaka as well as these are expensive too. Majority of our population can’t afford them. Asthma and allergies are affecting the quality of life that has impact on national economy and development a lot. Treatment modalities and drugs available with the costs in our country are discussed. More evidence based studies and dissemination of ARIA, WHO and other guidelines to health professionals will be needed to improve the situation