Govt pledges coordinated action against NCDs

Staff Reporter :

Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday described the newly signed Joint Declaration on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as a milestone for Bangladesh’s public health, saying it would play a decisive role in achieving health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Speaking at the signing ceremony at his office, Prof Yunus said the declaration reaffirmed a shared national commitment to protect public health. “This should not remain a ceremonial event; it must reflect our collective responsibility,” he stressed.

He expressed confidence that effective implementation of the declaration would strengthen Bangladesh’s health protection programmes and mark a significant step forward in national progress. “This initiative will support the achievement of health-related SDGs as well as the broader post-SDG development agenda,” he noted.

Highlighting the growing threat of NCDs, he said the challenge was particularly acute in Bangladesh due to its socioeconomic realities, geographic vulnerabilities, and high population density. “NCDs have become perhaps the most critical element of national health management, with far-reaching implications for health, the economy, social protection, and sustainable development,” he observed.

Citing World Health Organization data, Prof Yunus pointed out that NCDs account for about 71 percent of deaths in Bangladesh, with 51 percent occurring before the age of 70 and classed as premature. He added that out-of-pocket expenditure on health is as high as 69 percent, the majority of which goes towards NCD treatment, often pushing families into financial distress.

He noted that many patients are also forced to seek treatment abroad at high cost, causing a significant outflow of national resources.

Prof Yunus called for broad-based awareness campaigns, prevention strategies, and expanded treatment facilities. “These challenges cannot be addressed by the Health Services Division alone. Every ministry must contribute-whether in food, agriculture, education, sports, local government, or public works,” he said, urging strong inter-ministerial action plans.

Warning against rising tobacco and sugar consumption, he emphasised the need for child- and youth-focused health awareness programmes, alongside policies that are explicitly health-friendly. “Healthy lifestyles and responsible civic practices must become part of a nationwide social movement,” he said.

He further underlined the importance of public-private partnerships, regional cooperation, and strong monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. Adequate financial allocations and skilled human resources, he added, were essential for ensuring results.

Earlier, Prof Yunus formally handed over the joint declaration to senior secretaries. In total, 35 ministries, represented by secretaries and senior secretaries, endorsed the document on NCD prevention and control.

Health and Family Welfare Adviser Nurjahan Begum, Special Assistant to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Professor Dr Md Sayedur Rahman, Health Services Division Secretary Md Saidur Rahman, and WHO Director (Programme Management) for South-East Asia Region Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi also addressed the programme.

Advisers, the cabinet secretary, the principal secretary to the chief adviser, senior officials, and representatives of development partners were also present.