This Ramadan, I’m dedicating my efforts to a cause close to my heart - improving urologic care across Bangladesh through the Sonar Bangla Foundation (SBF). Our mission is clear: to establish comprehensive healthcare facilities nationwide, ensuring that kidney dialysis, disease screening/prevention, and transplant services are accessible to everyone in need.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health crisis, affecting over 10% of the population worldwide. In Bangladesh, the situation is even more severe, with a prevalence rate as high as 26%. The Kidney Foundation of Bangladesh reports nearly 40,000 new cases of end-stage renal disease annually, highlighting a desperate need for affordable dialysis treatments.

SBF is at the forefront of addressing this crisis, having established approximately 23 dialysis centers that provided over 76,000 dialysis cycles in 2022 at substantially subsidized rates. Beyond dialysis, SBF is also pioneering in kidney disease research and prevention and has established a nursing institute to nurture the next generation of healthcare professionals in Bangladesh.

My connection to this cause is deeply personal. I’ve witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of kidney disease within my own family. My Khala (maternal aunt) battled kidney failure due to Lupus nephritis (autoimmune disease), relying on thrice-weekly dialysis treatments to survive until she could secure a kidney transplant (which took years). This experience was eye-opening and heart-wrenching, especially considering the stark contrasts in healthcare accessibility/affordability between countries like the US and Bangladesh.

Similarly, my own recent struggle with urologic health issues has been a journey of fear, hope, and gratitude. Access to early detection and quality healthcare has allowed me to navigate this challenge effectively, underscoring how fortunate some of us are and how many more desperately need this level of care.

The mission of SBF speaks to me on multiple levels, driven by my personal experiences and the shared stories of countless others facing the harsh realities of kidney disease in Bangladesh.

Your donation can make a tangible difference. With a goal of $5000, we can provide a year’s worth of dialysis (144 cycles) for two people, offering not just medical treatment, but hope and a chance for a better future for their families.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or check out https://sbfus.org/.

For a specific breakdown on how your money will be used, check out: https://sbfus.org/donate/where-does-your-money-go/

With love,

Zuhayer