Planning Minister MA Mannan has laid emphasis on more research to adopt effective policy for the development of the public health system.
Speaking at an event as the chief guest, the minister said that research-based knowledge is considered as an invaluable resource for developing effective policies in the public health system. Data obtained through scientific research helps in making sound decisions while adopting effective policies. So, research-based knowledge is a must for the development of the public health system in Bangladesh, he added.
ARK Foundation, a research-based private organisation in the country, arranged the event at The Westin Dhaka at Gulshan in the capital on Saturday (October 14, 2023) on the occasion of its 10th founding anniversary.
In his speech, MA Mannan said that research on public health contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The ARK Foundation is effectively supporting the government in adopting timely policies and achieving SDGs through carrying out research on public health, he added.
The minister also said, “We have to work together to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) under the leadership of the Prime Minister. You (ARK Foundation) is playing a vital role in advancing the government initiatives to achieve Vision 2041 as well as achieving Goal-3 of the Sustainable Development Goals through research activities.”
The Planning Minister at the event unveiled the new logo of ARK Foundation and celebrated the organisation’s 10th founding anniversary by cutting a cake.
Executive Director of ARK Foundation Professor Dr. Rumana Huque delivered the welcome speech, while president of Diabetic Association of Bangladesh and National Professor Dr. AK Azad Khan, and senior director of the Infectious Diseases Department of ICDDR, B Ferdowsi Qadri were present as special guests with Vice-Chancellor of Sylhet Medical University Professor Dr. AHM Enayet Hussain in the chair.
In her opening speech, Professor Dr. Rumana Huque highlighted the research activities of ARK Foundation in different sectors, especially in the development of public health.
She stated that ARK Foundation is carrying out various research programmes on primary health care, development of urban health systems, control of communicable and non-communicable diseases, financial management for public health development, tobacco control, advocacy for determining public health policies, and raising public awareness. Through this, ARK Foundation has tried to identify the areas of public health development as well as provide contemporary and innovative solutions.
Expressing her gratitude to everyone for the cooperation in the 10-year journey of ARK Foundation as a public health research institute, Dr. Rumana Huque called upon all to continue their cooperation.
Speakers at the event said that research-based institutions like the ARK Foundation are playing a vitalrole in the development of the country. Since research is a catalyst for positive change and the necessity of research-based knowledge to adopt effective and useful policies is undeniable, the government should be more focused on supporting the necessary research and allocating an adequate budget for the research.
A policy dialogue on addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) was held on the occasion of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Coordinator (additional secretary) of National Tobacco Control Cell (NTCC) Hossain Ali Khondoker presided over the session, while Line Director of Non-Communicable Disease Control at Directorate General of Health Service (DGHS) Professor Dr. Mohammad Robed Amin, Executive Director of Centre for Disability in Development Professor AHM Noman Khan, Health Consultant of British High Commission in Dhaka Dr. Rashid Zaman, and Reproductive Health Epidemiologist at John Hopkins University Dr. Halida Hanum Akhter spoke at the session.
Additional Director at DGHS Dr. Ahmedul Kabir and Additional Secretary of Ministry of Finance Md. Abdur Rahman Khan were present as panelists in the policy dialogue.
Officials from various government institutions, public health experts, tobacco control experts, media representatives, and representatives from various public and private institutions were also present at the event.
