Remembering Zafrullah Chowdhury: A Pioneering Public Health Advocate

19 April, 2025

Remembering Zafrullah Chowdhury: A Pioneering Public Health Advocate

Today marks the second anniversary of the passing of Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, a remarkable Bangladeshi public health activist and freedom fighter. Chowdhury was part of a generation of pioneers who brought the issue of healthcare affordability and access to the forefront, challenging the dominance of multinational pharmaceutical corporations and indifferent governments.

Some key reflections on Chowdhury's legacy:

1. He played a crucial role in shaping Bangladesh's landmark 1982 Drug Policy, which prioritized the needs of the people over the profits of big pharma.

2. Chowdhury highlighted the importance of not leaving healthcare decisions solely in the hands of doctors and executives, but involving the public in these critical discussions.

3. His unwavering commitment to improving public health outcomes and making essential medicines more accessible continues to inspire ongoing efforts for equitable healthcare.

4. As a freedom fighter, Chowdhury exemplified qualities of dedication and selflessness that made him a respected and influential figure in Bangladesh.

Chowdhury's legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of grassroots activism to drive meaningful change in public health. Let us honor his memory by continuing the fight for affordable, accessible healthcare for all.

To read more reflections on Zafrullah Chowdhury's life and work, I encourage you to check out the article "Remembering Zafrullah Chowdhury (1941-2023): Reflections on his second death anniversary" by S. Sreenivasan, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics.

#ZafrullahChowdhury #PublicHealth #HealthcareEquity #Bangladesh

Regards,

Augustine Veliath - +918826680070

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HIFA profile: Augustine Veliath is a Health Communication Specialist and Independent Consultant in India. Professional interests: Child Survival, Advocacy, Environment Building, Behavior Change communication, Entertainment education. augustinevj AT gmail.com