Dhaka:State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. MA Muhit emphasized the need for an integrated approach and inter-ministerial cooperation to tackle the health risks posed by climate change. He advised against relying solely on a single ministry or government system to address the complex impacts on human health.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Dr. Muhit highlighted the importance of increasing budget allocations and innovating working methods to effectively address health risks induced by climate change. He advocated for collaboration among institutions such as the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM), and Health Economics Unit to develop evidence-based research and policy interventions.
Dr. Muhit's remarks were made during a policy dialogue titled "Climate Change, Health Systems and Resilience in Bangladesh," where he served as the chief guest at the BRAC Centre located in the city's Mohakhali area. The event was organized by the Knowledge Hub Institute, with its Chairman Dr. Khondaker Golam Moazzem presiding.
The State Minister also stressed the importance of collecting disaggregated data and establishing an effective early warning system to protect vulnerable groups, including women, children, elderly people, and persons with disabilities, during climate change-induced disasters. NIPSOM Director Professor Dr. Nasrin Sultana, Bangladesh Country Lead of the Global Strategic Communications Council Farah Anjum, and Joint Secretary of the Medical Education and Family Welfare Division Yeasmin Akter also contributed to the dialogue.