Health experts in Bangladesh have sounded the alarm, revealing that a staggering 70% of deaths in the country are now attributed to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). These include heart diseases, cancer, diabetes, kidney ailments, and more. At a workshop titled “Budgetary Allocation to Combat NCDs: Bangladesh Perspective,” organized by PROGGA (Knowledge for Progress) with support from Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), experts emphasized the urgent need for increased funding to address this growing health crisis.
Despite the prevalence of NCDs as the leading causes of death in Bangladesh, the allocation in the national budget for their prevention remains inadequate, with only 4.2% of the total health budget dedicated to combating NCDs. PROGGA’s Coordinator, Sadia Galiba Prova, highlighted this disparity in her keynote presentation.
Dr. Md Enamul Haque, Director General (Additional Secretary) of the Health Economics Unit, stressed the importance of increasing budgetary allocation in the health sector, citing the World Health Organization’s recommendation of at least 15% of the total budget for health. While the Bangladesh government’s strategic investment plan aims for a 7% allocation, the current budget has stagnated at around 5%, underscoring the need for immediate action to combat NCD-linked diseases.
Muhammad Ruhul Quddus, Bangladesh Country Lead of GHAI, emphasized the lifesaving potential of adequate funding, particularly in ensuring the availability of essential medications like anti-hypertensives in community clinics.
The workshop, attended by journalists, healthcare professionals, and leaders of Anti-tobacco Media Alliance (ATMA), underscores the critical importance of addressing NCDs and allocating sufficient resources to mitigate their impact on public health. Stay informed as stakeholders continue to advocate for effective measures to tackle this pressing health challenge.
