Dhaka: Health and Family Welfare Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) held a high-level consultative meeting to accelerate multi-sectoral action on NCDs, mental health, and injuries in Bangladesh. The UN agency representatives praised the government's leadership and reiterated their commitment to align their programs with the National Multi-sectoral Action Plan of Bangladesh and the 'Joint Declaration'.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting, chaired by Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, took place at the old conference room of the Public Administration Ministry. It was attended by high-ranking government officials and representatives from various UN agencies, including the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, WFP, UNFPA, FAO, IOM, ILO, UNOPS, and UNIDO.
Participants noted that the death rate in Bangladesh has risen to more than 71 percent due to non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health problems. They highlighted that more than half of these deaths were premature, impacting the country's economic productivity, household financial security, and national development goals.
Md Saidur Rahman emphasized that the government recognized the severity of the situation, leading to the signing of a 'Joint Declaration' in August 2025 with the participation of 35 ministries and departments. This declaration marked a historic milestone for a comprehensive Whole-of-Government approach to preventing non-communicable diseases, mental health, and injuries.
The secretary mentioned that Bangladesh has established a strong multi-sectoral foundation through the implementation of this declaration. However, its success relies on coordinated and consistent support from within the UN agencies. He noted that more than 20 UN agencies are working in areas such as food systems, education, urbanization, climate resilience, labor, gender equality, and social protection.
The need for greater coordination and coherence to avoid duplication and ensure a unified message across ministries was stressed by the secretary. Dr. Rajesh Narwal, WHO Deputy Representative to Bangladesh, highlighted WHO's commitment to providing technical assistance and policy advice to support a coordinated and multi-sectoral response involving governments and UN partners.
Participants expressed hope that their efforts would continue to strengthen coordination, joint programs, and accelerate the achievement of national and global goals, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Universal Health Coverage.