12/05/2026
After a well known figure in Bangladesh developed acute liver failure following combined Hepatitis A and E infection, this should have sparked a serious national discussion - not mockery or body shaming.
We should be asking:
* How prepared are we for advanced liver care in Bangladesh?
* What is the current progress of liver transplant facilities in our country?
* When will patients no longer need air ambulances to seek life saving treatment abroad?
Not only Hepatitis or Acute liver failure, we are losing many valuable lives every year with liver cirrhosis and liver cancer as well in which cases liver transplant can be a game changer. But we remain hopeful that our country’s renowned liver specialists, hepatologists, and hepatobiliary surgeons are actively working toward advancing liver transplant services in Bangladesh that a well-established liver transplant facility will become a reality in Bangladesh in the near future- so that critically ill patients can receive life-saving treatment within their own country.
At the same time, this incident also raises another important public health question:
Along with Hepatitis B, should Hepatitis A vaccination now be considered more strongly and encouraged routinely, especially in high-risk settings?
Instead of spreading negativity, making fun of appearances, or creating online humiliation, we should use moments like this to increase awareness about viral hepatitis, sanitation, vaccination, and healthcare preparedness.
Diseases do not discriminate by fame, status, or appearance. Compassion, awareness, and constructive discussion are far more valuable than ridicule..
Dr. Md. Siam Moazzem
Assistant Professor of Medicine