Drug addiction in Israel has surged sharply since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with one in four Israelis now using harmful narcotics or addictive substances, according to a report by Haaretz citing the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, one in ten Israelis used drugs; during the pandemic, the rate rose to one in seven, and after the Gaza conflict, it reached about 25 percent.

The study found that the use of sleeping pills has increased 2.5 times, while consumption of opioids and stimulants has nearly doubled. Alcohol and cannabis use have also risen, and 54.2 percent of those with post-traumatic stress disorder are now misusing drugs. Professor Shauli Lev-Ran, the center’s founder, warned that repeated crises have entrenched stress-related habits, making drug use persistent even after immediate stress subsides.

Interviews revealed that Israelis and Palestinian citizens alike are turning to substances such as ketamine, cocaine, amphetamines, and prescription sedatives to cope with trauma, fear, and daily violence. Experts warn that ongoing war and constant alertness could deepen the crisis further.

Flooding across several upazilas of Chattogram has led to a sharp rise in snake incidents, with at least 86 people injured by snake bites over the past week. According to the Chattogram Civil Surgeon’s Office, three of the victims were bitten by venomous snakes and are currently receiving treatment at Chattogram Medical College Hospital. The remaining cases involved non-venomous species.

Health officials reported that the flooding has submerged snakes’ natural habitats, forcing them into residential areas, shelters, and other human settlements. This displacement has increased the risk of snake bites in flood-affected communities. The Civil Surgeon’s Office provided detailed figures showing the highest number of cases in Boalkhali, Patiya, and Banshkhali upazilas.

Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious, especially at night, and to use flashlights, check water areas with sticks before entering, and keep surroundings clean. The health department confirmed that sufficient antivenom supplies are available across the division and that all government hospitals are prepared to treat snakebite cases.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced that the government has canceled the leave of health workers in 11 flood-affected districts to maintain uninterrupted medical services. Speaking at a press conference at the ministry on Monday, he said adequate medicines, saline, antivenom, doctors, and health workers have been deployed, with additional medical teams ready if needed. The affected districts include Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Bandarban, Rangamati, Khagrachhari, Feni, Noakhali, Lakshmipur, Chandpur, Cumilla, and Brahmanbaria.

The minister said the government has taken swift measures to address disruptions in communication, economy, and healthcare caused by heavy rainfall and hill torrents. Senior doctors have been assigned to monitor each district, while the ministry’s control room is coordinating information and response efforts. Special attention is being given to pregnant women, children, and residents of remote areas.

Health Secretary Md. Kamruzzaman Chowdhury reported that 95 snakebite patients have been treated and all recovered. Over 1,000 vials of antivenom are in stock, with 21,000 stored at district level and 25,000 more expected within 15 days. Water purification tablets and medical supplies are being distributed to prevent waterborne diseases.

After being stalled for eight years due to administrative and land acquisition complications, the Chandpur Medical College Hospital and Nursing College project has finally resumed. On Sunday, a signboard was installed and infrastructure development work was inaugurated at the project site in Islampur Gachtala area of Bagadi Union, Chandpur Sadar. The inauguration was conducted by Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik, Member of Parliament for Chandpur-3.

Officials stated that compensation for acquired landowners will be paid within three months, after which building construction will begin. Sheikh Farid Ahmed said he prioritized the project’s implementation since his election and discussed its importance with the Prime Minister. He added that the project received quick approval as part of the government’s policy to prioritize education and health sectors. He assured that landowners will receive full compensation according to law without intermediaries.

Project Director Dr. Harun-or-Rashid said about 30.2 acres of land are being acquired in Islampur Gachtala Mouza and that verification of ownership documents is ongoing. If progress continues as planned, compensation distribution will begin within three months, followed by construction work.

World Population Day was observed on Sunday in Kaunia upazila of Rangpur through various programs under the theme “Fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of youth, building a better tomorrow.” The event was organized by the Upazila Health and Family Planning Office, where a discussion meeting was held at the Family Planning Hallroom, presided over by Upazila Family Planning Officer Dr. Shahidul Islam. Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Ankon Pal attended as the chief guest, along with several local officials and representatives.

Speakers at the meeting emphasized the importance of transforming the country’s young population into skilled human resources through planned initiatives. They called for strengthening family planning activities, ensuring maternal and child health protection, raising awareness among adolescents, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through coordinated efforts of government and non-government institutions. Participants were urged to view the population as a national asset rather than a burden.

At the end of the program, honors were presented to Maizul Islam, Aleya Begum, and Chandan Kumar as the best family welfare assistants, and to Sarai Union Parishad Chairman Babul Hossain for their contributions to family planning activities.

India has reported a resurgence of COVID-19 infections in Andhra Pradesh’s YSR Kadapa district, where eight people have tested positive and two have died. One 52-year-old man from Rajampet died while under treatment at Christian Medical College in Vellore, and another 43-year-old man died in the district’s government general hospital after being admitted with complications. A 25-year-old medical student from Kadapa Medical College also tested positive and is currently in home isolation.

Following the new infections, the state health department has strengthened surveillance and deployed special teams in the affected areas. Around 40 samples have been collected, with 18 testing negative and the rest awaiting results. Samples have been sent to a Pune laboratory for genome sequencing to identify the virus strain and transmission pattern.

Andhra Pradesh’s district minister Savitha has directed officials to enforce COVID-19 health guidelines strictly, launch public awareness campaigns, and make mask-wearing mandatory in hospitals and crowded places to prevent further spread.

A widespread outbreak of Cyclospora, a microscopic parasite that causes severe watery diarrhea, has been reported in 31 US states, with thousands of infections confirmed in recent weeks. Michigan has been hit hardest, where over 1,000 cases were identified in just two weeks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 843 confirmed cases were recorded between May 1 and July 9, with more than 1,500 additional suspected cases under review. No deaths have been reported, though 86 people have been hospitalized.

The CDC stated that the infection, known as cyclosporiasis, spreads through contaminated food or water, not from person to person. The exact source of the current outbreak remains unknown, but past incidents have been linked to raw produce such as salad mixes, cilantro, basil, raspberries, peas, and green onions. Most patients had not traveled abroad before falling ill, suggesting a domestic contamination source.

Health authorities in Michigan have advised restaurants and food handlers to wash produce thoroughly, cook leafy vegetables when possible, and discard outer layers of lettuce and green onions to reduce risk. The CDC expects case numbers to rise as new data emerge.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Sakhawat Hossain stated that a doctor’s smiling conversation can make a patient half cured. He emphasized that along with medicine, ensuring kind and respectful behavior toward patients is essential. The minister made these remarks on Saturday, July 11, during the 81st founding anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College.

Addressing doctors and medical students, the minister urged them to work with humanity, ethics, and a spirit of service. He reminded that the medical profession is not just a job but a noble service dedicated to saving lives. He added that when people face their most difficult times due to illness, they place their greatest trust, after God, in doctors.

The minister’s remarks highlighted the importance of compassionate communication in healthcare and the moral responsibility of medical professionals to uphold patient trust and dignity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said that his mother received exceptional human-centered care from Bangladeshi doctors that could not have been found abroad. He made the remarks on Saturday at the 80th founding anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. Rahman explained that although foreign hospitals might offer better technical support and equipment, the compassion and dedication shown by local doctors during his mother’s final days were unmatched. He expressed personal gratitude to those who cared for her.

The Prime Minister described Dhaka Medical College as a living witness to the nation’s history, highlighting its contributions to the Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the anti-autocracy movements. He praised the institution for producing not only skilled physicians but also teachers, researchers, social leaders, and freedom fighters.

Rahman emphasized preventive healthcare, noting that prevention costs the state less than treatment. He announced plans to provide special training for healthcare workers who will visit homes to raise awareness and reduce disease prevalence.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced that the government will recruit 25,000 midwives across Bangladesh to promote normal deliveries. He also said that 100,000 health workers and another 25,000 midwives will be appointed under government initiatives. The announcement came on Saturday, July 11, 2026, during the 81st founding anniversary celebration of Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

The prime minister stated that 51-bed hospitals at upazila and district levels will be upgraded to 100 beds to ensure healthcare services reach people’s doorsteps. He urged specialist doctors to provide services at the local level so that fewer patients need to travel to Dhaka. Emphasizing preventive healthcare, he said the government will train healthcare workers to raise awareness and reduce disease incidence.

Rahman praised Dhaka Medical College for its historical role in national movements and its contribution to producing both doctors and social leaders. He also highlighted the importance of trust between patients and doctors, describing healthcare as a deeply human service.

A parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea has spread to more than half of US states, with thousands of people affected in recent weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed 843 cases of cyclosporiasis between May 1 and July 9, while over 1,500 additional suspected cases are under review. Michigan has reported the most severe situation, with over 1,000 infections in two weeks, followed by New York, Ohio, and Illinois. Although 86 people have been hospitalized, no deaths have been reported so far.

The infection is caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora, which spreads through contaminated food or water. The CDC said all patients had eaten within the United States and none had recently traveled abroad. The exact source of contamination remains unknown, though past outbreaks have been linked to raw fruits and vegetables. Health experts note that the parasite does not spread directly from person to person.

Authorities in Michigan and the CDC have urged the public to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and seek medical advice if experiencing persistent diarrhea, as the number of infections is expected to rise with ongoing investigations.

HIV infections have been increasing at an alarming rate in Khulna, where 17 people have died from AIDS-related complications in the past eight months. During the same period, 55 new HIV cases were identified, with male homosexuals forming the largest group among the newly infected. Data from the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) corner of Khulna Medical College Hospital revealed that 37 of the new patients were men and 18 were women.

According to ART center records, 735 people underwent HIV testing in the last eight months, including 434 men and 301 women. Since 2017, a total of 7,773 people have been tested at the hospital, with 964 confirmed HIV-positive cases. ART focal person Dr. Mohammad Yunus Ali emphasized the need for regular testing among sex workers and those engaged in unsafe sexual practices to better understand the spread of infection.

Health officials, including Khulna’s Civil Surgeon Dr. Mahfuza Khatun and Divisional Health Director Dr. Sheikh Mosharraf Hossain, stated that free HIV testing and treatment are available under government programs. They warned that rising infection rates pose a serious public health concern and stressed that awareness is key to prevention.

Health Minister Sardar Md. Shakhawat Hossain announced that dialysis services for kidney patients will be introduced at the upazila level across Bangladesh. The initiative will be implemented in phases, expanding through upazila health complexes, district hospitals, and medical college hospitals. He made the announcement on Thursday at a discussion in Dhaka focused on expanding primary healthcare in urban areas, organized by the Directorate General of Health Services.

The event presented evidence-based results and lessons from the ‘Alo Clinic’ model, with participation from senior health officials and representatives of UNICEF and the World Health Organization. The minister also said that steps are being taken to increase the number of ambulances to ensure patients in remote areas can reach advanced medical centers quickly.

He emphasized that every citizen, regardless of financial capacity or location, has the right to quality healthcare. The government aims to strengthen public hospitals to boost public trust and ensure accessible healthcare for marginalized communities, with support from international partners to improve public health services amid rapid urbanization.

Bangladesh recorded two additional dengue-related deaths and 190 new hospital admissions in the past 24 hours, according to a press release from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Thursday. The previous day saw three deaths and 251 infections. In the first nine days of July, a total of 1,643 people have been infected and six have died from dengue. Last month, 2,907 infections and 13 deaths were reported.

The DGHS report detailed that between Wednesday and Thursday morning, 48 patients were admitted in Barishal division, 34 in Chattogram, 31 in Dhaka North City Corporation, 40 in Dhaka South, 22 in Khulna, six in Mymensingh, seven in Rajshahi, and two in Sylhet. During the same period, 193 patients were discharged from hospitals.

As of July 9, a total of 7,747 dengue patients have been hospitalized this year, with 24 deaths recorded. Among the deceased, two died in January, two in February, one in May, 13 in June, and four in July. In 2025, Bangladesh reported 102,861 dengue cases and 413 deaths.

At least 30 to 35 workers at Color & Co. Ltd., a garment factory in Tepirbari area of Sreepur, Gazipur, fell ill on Wednesday morning, marking the second consecutive day of similar incidents. The workers, mostly women, experienced dizziness, chest pain, abdominal pain, and nausea shortly after production began. The factory halted operations and sent the affected workers to nearby hospitals. On Tuesday, over fifty workers had reported similar symptoms, deepening the mystery surrounding the recurring illness.

According to hospital authorities, most of the affected workers were women showing consistent symptoms. Sreepur’s health officer Dr. Shafiqul Islam suggested the incident might be a case of mass hysteria or mass psychogenic illness but emphasized that confirmation would require investigation. A team led by the civil surgeon has been formed to collect samples and inspect the site. Factory officials confirmed the sudden onset of illness, while workers demanded an impartial probe into workplace conditions following the recent death of a colleague.

Police visited the factory and reported that workers expressed their concerns peacefully as authorities continued their investigation.