BP Desk
A high-level workshop titled “Lessons Learned and Sustainability Planning for Climate-Resilient Health Systems in Bangladesh” was held on Monday in Dhaka, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, and technical experts to reflect on progress and chart the way forward for strengthening climate-resilient health systems in the country.
The event was organized under ongoing climate change and health initiatives led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and partners including the Global Fund, The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), NMEP, Disease Control, IEDCR, and BRAC.
Bangladesh continues to face increasing health challenges due to climate change, including the rise of climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue, malaria, and waterborne infections, as well as the impacts of floods, cyclones, and climate-induced displacement. In response, the government and its partners have been implementing innovative approaches such as climate-informed disease surveillance, early warning systems, and community-based adaptation mechanisms, which are helping to strengthen preparedness and reduce risks for vulnerable populations.
The workshop also highlighted the Global Fund-supported climate and health project, implemented with technical and operational support from UNOPS. The project focuses on strengthening Bangladesh’s public health system through enhanced surveillance and mapping of climate-sensitive diseases, strengthening laboratory and diagnostic capacity at IEDCR, upgrading ICT infrastructure for improved data management, and providing operational support including procurement, logistics, and human resources. It also supports the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) and the Communicable Disease Control unit of DGHS to improve service delivery and response capacity.
The programme was attended by Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, as Chief Guest; Among other distinguished participants were Professor Dr. Pravath Chandra Biswas, Director General, DGHS; Professor Dr. Foara Tasmim, Additional Director General (Planning and Development), DGHS; Professor Dr. Md. Halimur Rashid, Director, Disease Control, DGHS; A K M Sohel, Additional Secretary & UN Wing Chief, ERD, Ministry of Finance; Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager, UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan; and Ms. Qi Cui, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager, the Global Fund, along with representatives from IEDCR, BRAC, NMEP, and development partners.
Speaking at the event, the Honourable Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Husain said, “Climate change is increasingly influencing public health risks in Bangladesh, and strengthening climate resilience within our health system is now a national priority.”
The Honourable State Minister Dr. M A Muhit stated, “Innovative approaches such as climate-informed surveillance and community-based interventions are already demonstrating impact, and we must now focus on scaling these efforts across the country.”
Secretary Md. Quamruzzaman Chowdhury emphasized, “Sustainability remains key. Successful initiatives must be integrated into national systems and supported by long-term planning, financing, and coordination.”
Prof. Dr. Pravath Chandra Biswas, Director General, DGHS,said: “Integrating climate resilience into our health system is essential to ensure timely response, stronger preparedness, and protection for vulnerable communities.”
Ms. Qi Cui, Senior Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund, noted, “Bangladesh is showing strong leadership in linking climate and health. Continued investment in data-driven and community-focused solutions will be critical for long-term resilience.”
Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager of UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan, said, “Building climate-resilient health systems requires strong operational foundations. UNOPS is committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh through efficient implementation, procurement, and systems strengthening.”
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen collaboration across sectors, institutionalize climate-informed approaches within national health systems, and ensure sustainable financing and capacity development for long-term resilience.
The initiative contributes to Bangladesh’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being and SDG 13 on climate action.
