In a significant development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed keen interest in enhancing Bangladesh’s healthcare infrastructure, particularly by bolstering the capacity of doctors and healthcare professionals.
During a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban, WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Saima Wazed conveyed the organization’s eagerness to lend support towards capacity-building initiatives in the health sector.
Addressing reporters post the meeting, PM’s Speech Writer Md Nazrul Islam highlighted WHO’s commitment to various facets of healthcare development in Bangladesh.
“The WHO has expressed keen interest in extending support, particularly in training programs aimed at enhancing the capacity of doctors and healthcare professionals in Bangladesh,” he disclosed.
The scope of WHO’s assistance encompasses a broad spectrum of health-related challenges faced by Bangladesh, including climate change-induced diseases, mental health concerns, and aid for vulnerable segments such as women, children, and persons with disabilities.
Given Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change impacts, WHO’s focus will extend to assisting climate-vulnerable groups, addressing diseases exacerbated by environmental factors like air and sound pollution, and combating rising temperatures.
In the realm of mental health, WHO advocates for integrating behavioral approaches into training programs and educational curricula for healthcare professionals, aiming to enhance patient care and support.
Furthermore, WHO pledges support towards achieving universal health coverage in Bangladesh, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive healthcare access.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina acknowledged WHO’s pivotal role as a development partner in Bangladesh’s health sector. She highlighted the nation’s significant strides in healthcare, citing the establishment of community clinics and the provision of free healthcare services and medicines, particularly for women and children, resulting in notable declines in maternal and child mortality rates.
Emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis, the Prime Minister underscored the need for raising awareness about diseases like breast cancer, stressing the curability of the disease if detected early. Plans are underway to implement a referral system at the Upazila and union levels to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
In a display of solidarity, Bangladesh commits to assisting Bhutan in constructing a burn unit, showcasing the nation’s commitment to regional healthcare cooperation and support.