PM for universal health coverage

NEW YORK, Sept 24 (BSS): Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stressed the need for collective efforts for ensuring universal health coverage (UHC), saying that its benefits are global and fundamental to development.

"Benefits of universal health coverage are global and we need to work collectively," she said while delivering the national statement at the plenary session of the High-level meeting on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the Trusteeship Council in the UN Headquarters here on Monday afternoon local time.

The premier added: "Collaboration amongst stakeholders around a common goal like universal health coverage is fundamental to our development … we should work together to achieve health for all."

Pointing out that health is an integral part of the development journey, she said it is essential for continued socioeconomic progress.

"Ensuring 'Universal Health Coverage' for all has assumed greater importance. It also helps ensure access to quality health services without adding financial hardship on the disadvantaged people in particular," she said.

In Bangladesh, the premier mentioned that in the face of all constraints and limitations, the government has developed innovative ways to ensure universal health coverage for all.

She said that government's comprehensive support to health sector today includes risk protection, access to quality essential health-care services and access to safe, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all.

Later, the prime minister delivered a statement at the Climate Action Summit at the General Assembly Hall in the UN Headquarters.

She said the impacts of climate change have been devastating the lives of almost two billion people globally every year.

The prime minister said Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. "We have adopted adaptation and resilience building measures, including an 82-year Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100, to deal with issues on climate change, natural disasters and water management," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has built 4,291cyclone shelters and 523 flood shelters in the coastal areas to give refuge during disasters. Some 56 thousand volunteers are available to warn and facilitate preparation for danger, she said.

The premier said she is delighted to launch today the Risk-informed Early Action Partnership (REAP). It is an ambitious new initiative created by the United Kingdom, Finland and the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been conferred with the prestigious "Vaccine Hero" award in recognition of Bangladesh's outstanding success in vaccination.

Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunisations (GAVI), a global Vaccine Alliance, conferred the award on the prime minister at a ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York on Monday evening local time.

Receiving the award from GAVI Board Chair Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the prime minister dedicated it to the people of Bangladesh.

"The award that I received today is not of mine, the award belongs to the people of Bangladesh and I dedicated this award to them," she said.

The prime minister simultaneously urged the countrymen to continue immunisation programme which will keep their children healthy.