Photo : BSS

DHAKA, Aug 9, 2025 (BSS) - One in every five people across the globe is affected by rheumatism, with millions suffering from joint, muscle, or bone-related issues, according to data from the Global Burden of Disease study. 

More than three crore new cases of rheumatism are recorded each year worldwide, it added.

This alarming statistic was highlighted at an arthritis awareness program held at the Shaheed Abu Sayeed Convention Center in the capital on Saturday. 

The event, organized for the ninth time by the 'Professor Nazrul Rheumatology Foundation and Research (PNRFR) Trust', aimed to raise awareness about arthritis and related conditions.

Dr. Neera Ferdous, Vice Chairman of the PNRFR Trust and Associate Professor of Medicine at MH Samorita Medical College and Hospital, presented the keynote address, shedding light on the increasing burden of arthritis in Bangladesh.

Despite the growing number of patients suffering from rheumatism and other related conditions in the country, Dr. Ferdous noted that there remains a significant shortage of skilled rheumatologists to meet demand.

According to the latest figures, approximately 1.75 million people in Bangladesh are living with rheumatoid arthritis. 

Globally, for every 100,000 people, around 40 women and 20 men are diagnosed with the disease annually. 

Based on this trend, Bangladesh is seeing an estimated 6,500 new cases of rheumatoid arthritis each year.

The event was presided over by PNRFR Chairman and Vice President of the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam.

Medicine, diabetes and thyroid disorders specialist Professor Dr. Nasim Akhter Chowdhury, Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC) Members Md. Munir Hossain, Major General Kazi Iftekhar-ul-Alam, former President of Rotary Club Dhaka Sheikh Nahar Mahmud; Chairman of the Non-Government Teachers' Registration and Certification Authority (NTRCA) Aminul Islam and PNRFR Secretary General Dr. Piyush Kanti Biswas also spoke.