Nutrition and food security in Bangladesh: achievements, challenges and impact of COVID-19 pandemic.

Fahim, Shah Mohammad; Hossain, Md Shabab; Sen, Shimul; Das, Subhasish; Hosssain, Muttaquina; Ahmed, Tahmeed; Rahman, S M Mustafizur; Rahman, Md Khalilur; Alam, Shamsul

BACKGROUND Bangladesh has experienced remarkable transformation in demographic, health and nutritional status of the population. The changes have exposed the population to a number of challenges the detrimental effect of which on health and nutrition of the people is likely to be increased by the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE To provide an overview of health and nutritional challenges in Bangladesh in relation to demographic transition and COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We identified and reviewed recent reports, published articles and pertinent grey literature on nutrition and food security in Bangladesh to provide historical and contextual information. RESULTS The review identifies the progress as well as existing burden regarding nutrition and food security in Bangladesh and highlights the challenges in coming days in regard to population growth and COVID-19 pandemic. The country is on track in reducing all forms of childhood undernutrition, while the proportion of nutrition related non-communicable diseases are on a rise owing to changes in dietary intake, low physical activity and sedentary lifestyle. CONCLUSION Despite remarkable progress, health and nutritional status of the population in Bangladesh faces challenges, particularly in relation to demographic transition and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic which require concerted attention from the policymakers as well as stakeholders.