Bangladesh has unveiled a national health adaptation plan to tackle climate-linked risks, aiming to protect vulnerable people, strengthen preparedness and build a more resilient, inclusive health system.
Bangladesh has launched a national plan to strengthen its health system against the growing impacts of climate change, a move hailed by partners as a major step towards resilience and equity.
The Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP) 2026–2031 was officially unveiled on Wednesday at a national workshop in Dhaka, bringing together senior government officials, development partners, UN agencies, academics and civil society representatives.
The plan sets out a strategic framework to confront rising health risks linked to climate change, including higher temperatures, floods, cyclones and shifting disease patterns. It outlines priority actions to improve preparedness across the health sector, ensure continuity of essential services and better protect vulnerable populations from climate-related threats.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Bangladesh welcomed the adoption of the plan, describing it as a pivotal step towards building a climate-resilient, inclusive, low-carbon and sustainable health system.
UNFPA said it worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the World Health Organisation, the Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research and the ministry’s Climate Change and Health Promotion Unit, alongside other partners, to develop the HNAP.
Support from the governments of the United Kingdom and Sweden was also key, with UNFPA noting their contribution has been instrumental in advancing Bangladesh’s climate and health agenda.
Bangladesh is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, facing increasing exposure to extreme weather events and climate-sensitive diseases. Climate shocks are already disrupting access to sexual and reproductive health services, raising maternal health risks and increasing vulnerability to gender-based violence.
Catherine Breen Kamkong, UNFPA Representative for Bangladesh, said the plan marked a critical milestone.
“Climate change is a public health crisis, disproportionately affecting women and girls,” she said.
“This plan provides a roadmap to ensure that, even amidst climate shocks, women can give birth safely, women and girls are protected from gender-based violence, young people have access to essential services and communities can depend on resilient health systems.”
The HNAP aligns with Bangladesh’s broader National Adaptation Plan and global commitments, highlighting the need for coordinated multi-sectoral action to reduce the health burden of climate change while strengthening preparedness and response systems.
Officials and partners stressed that effective implementation will be crucial to safeguarding the health, dignity and future of millions across the country.
