Bangladesh is strengthening climate-resilient health systems through improved surveillance, early warning and community measures to address rising disease risks, disasters and displacement linked to climate change
Bangladesh is intensifying efforts to build climate-resilient health systems as the country grapples with rising disease risks and the growing impact of climate-induced disasters and displacement.
A high-level workshop titled “Lessons Learned and Sustainability Planning for Climate-Resilient Health Systems in Bangladesh” was held in Dhaka on Monday, bringing together senior government officials, development partners and technical experts to assess progress and chart future priorities.
The event was organised under ongoing climate and health initiatives led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Directorate General of Health Services, with support from partners including the Global Fund, UNOPS, IEDCR and BRAC, alongside key government programmes such as the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the DGHS Communicable Disease Control unit.
Bangladesh is increasingly facing climate-driven health risks, including the spread of dengue, malaria and waterborne diseases, as well as impacts from floods, cyclones and climate-induced displacement. In response, authorities and partners are expanding climate-informed disease surveillance, strengthening early warning systems and promoting community-based adaptation measures to improve preparedness and protect vulnerable populations.
A Global Fund-supported climate and health project, implemented with technical support from UNOPS, was highlighted at the workshop. The initiative focuses on strengthening surveillance and mapping of climate-sensitive diseases, enhancing laboratory and diagnostic capacity at IEDCR, upgrading ICT systems for data management and supporting logistics, procurement and human resources to improve service delivery.
The project also supports the National Malaria Elimination Programme and the DGHS Communicable Disease Control unit in strengthening response capacity and health services.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain attended the event as chief guest, while State Minister Dr MA Muhit was present as special guest and Health Services Division Secretary Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury chaired the session.
Senior officials from DGHS, representatives from the Global Fund, UNOPS, the Economic Relations Division under the Ministry of Finance, IEDCR, BRAC and other development partners also took part.
Speaking at the event, the health minister said climate change is increasingly shaping public health risks in Bangladesh and strengthening resilience in the health system has become a national priority.
The state minister said innovative approaches such as climate-informed surveillance and community-based interventions are already delivering results and should be expanded nationwide.
The health secretary emphasized the importance of integrating successful initiatives into national systems through long-term planning, financing and coordination.
DGHS Director General Prof Dr. Pravath Chandra Biswas said integrating climate considerations into the health system is essential for timely response, preparedness and protecting vulnerable communities.
The Global Fund’s senior portfolio manager Qi Cui said Bangladesh is showing strong leadership in linking climate and health, while UNOPS country manager Sudhir Muralidharan noted that operational strengthening remains critical for sustainable implementation.
The workshop concluded with a commitment to strengthen intersectoral collaboration, integrate climate-informed approaches into national health systems and ensure sustainable financing and capacity building.
The initiative supports Bangladesh’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on health and well-being and SDG 13 on climate action.
