Abdul Awal

Foundations, Members at Large

Bangladesh

Prof. Khondker Abdul Awal currently serves as the president of the National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh. The National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB), established in 1978, is a leading non-profit and non-governmental organization dedicated to the prevention, control, treatment, and research on cardiovascular diseases— a major cause of death and disability in developing countries. NHFB is the leading organisation in Bangladesh, providing cardiovascular care to a large population at a subsidised costs through the National Heart Foundation Hospital and Research Institute (NHFH&RI). The NHFH&RI is also deeply involved in extensive research work, carried out by its in-house experts and in collaboration with numerous national and international universities and organizations. Prof. Awal has been a part of NHF since 1986, holding various key positions including executive member and secretary-general for many years. Since 2008, NHF has been a member of the World Heart Federation and participated in all its activities. One of the main objectives of National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh is to promote health and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As a president of the Foundation, Professor Awal oversees and guides the various prevention programs of the Foundations such as anti-tobacco program, hypertension control program. Professor Awal is playing a pivotal role in organizing awareness programme for control of risk factors such as high blood pressure, tobacco use, salt intake through engaging with 46 affiliated bodies NHFB throughout the country. He is also leading the various networks involved in tobacco control and NCD control in Bangladesh as well as working closely with high level makers for adoption of policies for NCD management, prevention and control in Bangladesh. He is the treasurer of Bangladesh network for NCD Control and Prevention, which is a member of NCD Alliance. A physician by profession, Prof. Awal is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon in Bangladesh. He was Director and Professor at the National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedic Rehabilitation (NITOR), the leading orthopedic teaching institution in the country. Prof. Awal has significantly contributed to orthopedic education and training. During his tenure as director of NITOR, he played a crucial role in transforming the institute into a modern 1,000-bed hospital, catering to the growing needs of the country. His qualifications—MBBS, MS, FCPS, and FICS—highlight his deep commitment and expertise in medicine. From 1994 to 1996, he completed a visiting fellowship at the Princess Margaret Orthopedic Hospital in Edinburgh, UK. Prof. Awal has authored numerous publications in both national and international journals. Prof. Awal has also served as the President and General Secretary of the Bangladesh Orthopedic Society for multiple terms. He was the founding President of the Bangladesh Spine Society and served in that capacity for 14 years, playing a pivotal role in establishing spine surgery in Bangladesh. Additionally, Prof. Awal is a board member of the Asia Pacific Spine Society (APSS) and the Chief Delegate representing Bangladesh in the Asia Pacific Orthopedic Association (APOA). He is also an active executive member of several subspecialty organizations. As an esteemed educator in the fields of trauma and orthopedics, Prof. Awal is an examiner for all major universities in Bangladesh as well as for a few universities abroad. A highly engaged professional, Prof. Awal works at Green Life Medical College and Hospital as a senior consultant in orthopedic and spine surgery. He has a particular interest in arthroplasty and spine surgery and is recognized as one of the pioneering arthroplasty surgeons in Bangladesh. He also serves as a director of Green Life Hospital Ltd. Beyond his professional work, Prof. Awal is actively involved in various social activities and is associated with several organizations. He is a member of Dhaka Club Ltd. and Savar Golf Club.

Motivation

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death worldwide and this is more true in the developing countries. Bangladesh is a densely populated developing country with very high mortality rate due to cardiovascular diseases. One fourth of the adult population is suffering from high blood pressure and many of them are undetected and most of their blood pressure is uncontrolled. Consequently many of them suffer heart disease and dying premature death.

National Heart Foundation of Bangladesh (NHFB) is a non-profit organisation and working to promote awareness, prevention, treatment and education in the field of cardiovascular diseases since 1978.

NHFB over the years has made significant contributions to the health of people in Bangladesh by policy changes, awareness building, education, treatment and research through its 46 affiliated bodies and collaboration with national & international universities and non governmental organisations.

One of such combined program is the identification, treatment and follow up of hypertension in people in rural settings where medications are given free. About half of the population of Bangladesh has been benefiting, controlling their blood pressure. Recent reports suggest that this program has helped to increase the number of controlled patients from 12% to 49%.

I have been associated with the activities of NHFB since 1986 and played vital role as secretary general for 9 years and as president since January this year. NHFB is a member of World Heart Federation since 2008. I feel myself fortunate to be able to uphold the program of WHF and could make the of our organisation more aligned with WHF.

WHF is a prestigious apex body of the organisations of the countries of the world. Since its inception it is doing excellent work in reducing the cardiovascular burden of the world involving nations of the Globe.

Bangladesh is a developing country aspiring to overcome the economic, health and social challenges. In fact, we have to some extent been able to achieve some of the goals. This experience can be of interest to many of our partners.

Bangladesh never had an opportunity to join the activities in the helm of WHF. If we get an opportunity, I believe it will give us opportunity to share our thoughts with you.

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