Summarizing the recommendation of arsenic research during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) era in Bangladesh-future directions for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

It is evident that arsenic has detrimental effect on health including deadlier disease such as cancer, diabetes mellitus, birth defects which can eventually lead to adverse effect on our social life. Over the last 40 years, several research on arsenic epidemiology and public health carried out in Bangladesh to ratify its adverse effect on our health and social life. However, most of these researches focused on the extent of arsenic contamination in groundwater and related health consequences. Lack of comprehensive matrix lead us to compile all published arsenic research articles that had been undertaken in Bangladesh during Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) period (2000–2015) focused on the recommendation of arsenic mitigation and technologies, and future direction. Review matrix was developed in three different categories (1) Policy level (2) Facilities and technologies and (3) Health system, as these categories were the key areas to mitigate arsenic exposure. We noted mixed policy recommendations, and of those, incoordination among different stakeholders came up as one of the key barriers for arsenic mitigation in Bangladesh. Sharing low or arsenic-free tubewell, proper use and maintenance of arsenic filters, structural supply water such as the pipe water and pay-per-use concept were highlighted in several research. Women should be actively involved in all mitigation programs in Bangladesh.