Berlin:The government of Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have announced a £250 million investment plan to enhance women's health and bolster the national healthcare system. This initiative, named the 'Women's Health Initiative,' aims to extend healthcare services to approximately 47 million women and adolescent girls between 2027 and 2031.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a meeting at the Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin, Germany, coinciding with the World Health Summit 2026. The meeting, titled 'Women's Health and Enhancing Healthcare Resilience,' was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain and Prime Minister's Special Adviser on Health Dr Ziauddin Hyder, who led the Bangladesh delegation.
The programme focuses on improving maternal and newborn healthcare, treating cervical and breast cancer, and providing emergency obstetric services. It also aims to enhance primary healthcare, district hospitals, patient transfer and referral systems, and critical care services, while preparing for future pandemics and health emergencies.
During the meeting, Health Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain emphasized the importance of protecting the health of women and adolescent girls for Bangladesh's future, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring quality healthcare through disease prevention. The partnership with the EIB and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is seen as pivotal in achieving these objectives.
Dr Ziauddin Hyder stated that the investment signifies a shift from a treatment-oriented healthcare model to one that prioritizes disease prevention and health promotion. EIB Vice-President Marek Mora remarked that investing in women's health contributes to stronger families, resilient communities, and sustainable economic development.
The UNFPA, through its 'WomenX Collective' programme, supported the initiative's development and will provide technical assistance during its implementation. Executive Director Diene Keita of UNFPA noted the initiative's role in addressing the funding gap in women's health and improving healthcare for millions of women and adolescent girls.
Bangladesh's government has committed to increasing health sector spending from 1% to 5% of GDP and plans to recruit 100,000 community health workers, with 80% being women, as well as 25,000 professional midwives. UNFPA is securing at least £25 million in grant funding for technical assistance, with additional support from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and private sector partners.
The initiative will be presented by the government of Bangladesh at a panel discussion during the World Health Summit 2026 in Berlin.