The use of low-cost Bubble Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (bCPAP) is rapidly expanding across hospitals in Bangladesh. Currently, six hospitals are providing treatment to children suffering from severe respiratory distress, and as of April 7, a total of 29 children have received this service. Timely application of this method has helped prevent the need for complex and expensive treatments for many children.

Innovation and Effectiveness

The Bubble CPAP method was developed by senior scientist Dr. Mohammad Jobayer Chisti and his colleagues at icddr,b. It is a simple respiratory support technology that helps keep the lungs open and increases oxygen levels in the blood. It is particularly effective for children suffering from pneumonia and low blood oxygen levels.

Government Initiative and Implementation

This initiative is being implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with support from the Directorate General of Health Services. icddr,b is providing technical assistance. To ensure rapid implementation, hands-on training sessions are being conducted regularly. In the latest training held in Dhaka, 30 healthcare workers from various hospitals participated.

So far, more than 75 doctors and nurses from over 30 hospitals across the country have received training, enabling them to start providing the service immediately after completing their training.

Training and Guidelines

At the event, icddr,b Acting Executive Director Dr. Thaddeus David May praised the government’s initiative. He noted that this technology, developed in Bangladesh, is now being used in several African countries and has proven effective even in resource-limited settings.

Dr. Muhammad Mostafizur Rahman, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Health, stated that Bubble CPAP is already helping reduce mortality and complications among children suffering from measles-related pneumonia and respiratory distress. He emphasized the importance of further expanding this service.

The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Chowdhury Ali Kawsar. Along with Dr. Chisti, he highlighted standard protocols for using Bubble CPAP, including early initiation of treatment, proper patient selection, regular monitoring of oxygen levels, and timely referral when necessary.

Future Plans

Hospitals across the country are being encouraged to adopt this method. icddr,b is providing equipment free of charge, along with training and a clinical support hotline.

In the coming days, direct training, supervision, and support will be extended to hospitals in Rajshahi, Barguna, Mymensingh, Sylhet, Chattogram, and Natore.

Amid the ongoing measles outbreak, this initiative is expected to play a significant role in reducing child mortality and strengthening routine pneumonia treatment systems.