Ten years ago today, Bangladesh launched its Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) program, a milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to address the mental well-being of its citizens. Initially focused on reducing the impact of disasters, the program has expanded to support daily living, becoming a vital part of Bangladesh’s strategy for tackling mental health challenges.
The program’s launch was a joint effort between Bangladesh’s government, Action Contre La Faim (a charity), the Innovation for Wellbeing Foundation, and MHFA England. Together, they adapted the training to fit Bangladesh’s unique needs and cultural context, making the country the 24th to adopt the MHFA program globally.
Thousands of people—ranging from ordinary citizens to leaders, teachers, and emergency service workers—have been trained in mental health first aid. Many of these individuals have now become trainers themselves, passing on their knowledge to others and creating a network of mental health first aid supporters across the nation.
At the time of the program’s inception, it was estimated that 16 percent of Bangladeshis suffered from mental health and well-being conditions. However, this figure was likely an underestimate, as many individuals were either unaware of the issues or hesitant to seek help. The stigma surrounding mental health, prevalent in many cultures, often prevents people from recognizing the importance of addressing mental health issues early on.
Mental health first aid is not only a critical tool for daily life; it is essential for disaster response, particularly in a country like Bangladesh, which is frequently hit by natural calamities. The nation faces regular floods, cyclones, landslides, and droughts—events that take a heavy toll on both physical and mental well-being. Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change, including rising sea levels and increasingly severe heatwaves, only adds to the challenge.
Despite these obstacles, Bangladesh’s success in disaster risk management has become a global model. The country’s culture of cyclone education and early warning systems has drastically reduced fatalities from storms. In fact, the death toll from recent cyclones has dropped from hundreds of thousands in the 1970s to just dozens in more recent years. The country has also implemented an early warning system for landslides, drawing on local knowledge to help mitigate the effects of flooding.
While these achievements are notable, Bangladesh continues to grapple with significant challenges. The country struggles with corruption, poor infrastructure planning, widespread poverty, and preventable diseases like dengue fever. Political violence and extremism remain persistent issues, and the country faces a massive refugee crisis as thousands of Rohingya refugees have fled Myanmar, creating additional mental health and psychosocial challenges.
Moreover, the risk of a major earthquake remains a looming concern. Despite advancements in disaster preparedness, the fear of a catastrophic earthquake—potentially the deadliest in history—has not been fully addressed. Bangladeshis, who were deeply shaken by the 2015 Nepal earthquake, continue to worry about their vulnerability to seismic events. Just last month, the country felt a tremor from Myanmar, reminding everyone of the ever-present threat.
As Bangladesh celebrates the tenth anniversary of its Mental Health First Aid program, it remains clear that the work is far from over. While the program has made great strides in raising awareness and providing life-saving skills, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure that mental health remains a priority in both day-to-day life and in times of disaster. With continued dedication and collaboration, Bangladesh can further strengthen its mental health resilience, offering hope and support to future generations.
Related Topics:
