Highlighting a growing health concern among children, Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Md Shahinul Alam has called for concerted efforts to protect the younger generation from the rising impacts of junk food consumption and nutrition-related disorders.

He made the call while inaugurating the two-day 6th International Conference of the Bangladesh Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (BSPGN), held on Saturday at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Centre of BMU. 

The conference brought together over 600 participants, including teachers, specialist physicians, clinicians, and students, along with several foreign experts in paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition.

The event, featuring scientific seminars and a series of discussions, emphasised the prevention, management, and awareness of gastric, liver, and nutrition-related diseases in children. 

It also underscored the importance of modern treatment, expanded research, and quality medical education in the field of paediatric gastroenterology and nutrition.

Presided over by BSPGN President Professor Dr A.S.M. Bazlul Karim, the inaugural session was attended by BMU Pro-Vice Chancellors Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad (Administration) and Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader (Research and Development) as special guests, while Professor Dr Md Atiar Rahman, Dean of BMU’s Faculty of Paediatrics, attended as the guest of honour. Professor Dr Md Rokonuzzaman, Secretary General of BSPGN, delivered the welcome address.

In his speech, Professor Dr Md Abul Kalam Azad, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration), warned that although Bangladesh has made notable progress in reducing child malnutrition, a new challenge has emerged with the increasing tendency among children to consume fast food and junk food. 

If we fail to curb this habit from now, it will lead to serious health risks in the future,” he cautioned.

Echoing similar concerns, Professor Dr Md Mujibur Rahman Howlader, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Development), said that children’s digestive and nutritional health is closely linked to their dietary habits and lifestyle. 

He stressed the need for widespread public awareness about healthy eating and avoiding foods that are harmful to children’s health.

Speakers at the conference noted that the BSPGN’s international gathering will contribute significantly to knowledge exchange among physicians and the advancement of research and treatment related to paediatric liver diseases, diarrhoea, chronic liver conditions, and hepatitis prevention. 

They also highlighted the event’s role in ensuring adequate nutrition for children’s sound physical and mental growth.

During the sessions, experts shared that BMU’s Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology currently offers advanced treatment for children suffering from liver, gastric, and nutrition-related disorders, while also conducting higher studies and research activities in these specialised fields.

The conference concluded with a renewed call for strengthening research, clinical services, and community awareness to safeguard the health and future of children in Bangladesh.

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