The government will incorporate the health dimension into its national adaptation plan (NAP) strategies to address climate-induced non-communicable diseases in the country, said Environment Minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury.
For this to happen, the nexus between health and climate change is essential, he added.
The minister made these remarks as the chief guest at the NIHR Global Health Research Centres Symposium in Dhaka on Monday. Icddr,b organised the programme on Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change.
Emphasising changing public attitudes towards public health, the minister said, "How Bangladesh fares in the next 50 years will depend on how we address public health issues. Therefore, public health will become central to the country's future growth."
Referring to the ideal conditions for dengue virus spread in the country, Mr Chowdhury attributed the recent dengue outbreak to climate change.
"We have almost perfect rainfall, humidity and temperature."
"Therefore, we need to work on the link between climate change and health and develop science-guided policies for effective action," the minister added.
Examples of environment-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs) include dengue, chikungunya, malaria, miscarriages, premature births, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders and kidney diseases.
The environment minister mentioned ongoing projects, such as ensuring safe drinking water in saline-prone coastal zones and a comprehensive delta plan for sustainable growth.
Hosted by icddr,b and supported by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, UK (NIHR), the event brought together 60 leading experts, thought leaders and professionals from five global health centres across West Africa, Latin America, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Dr Aliya Naheed, scientist at icddr,b and country director of the NIHR Global Research Centre for Non-Communicable Diseases and Environmental Change, Bangladesh, said, "The ultimate goal of the Bangladesh centre is to build a high-quality research team that can continue to find solutions to save more lives in the future."
Dr Tahmeed Ahmed, executive director at icddr,b, said, "We stand at a pivotal moment in global health, where collaboration and innovation intersect to address the most pressing health challenges of our time."
Matt Cannell, acting high commissioner at the British High Commission in Bangladesh, underscored the need for collaborative research among countries in development work to address the challenge of climate change.
Professor Kara Hanson, NIHR programme director for Global Health Research, also spoke at the event.
nsrafsdanjugmail.com
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
