WHO has supported the Government of Bangladesh to disseminate the Multisectoral Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases, a strategy that spans the period 2018 to 2025 and involves a wide range of ministries and agencies.
The action plan was disseminated in the presence of Mr. Zahid Maleque, Minister of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) through an event organized by Directorate General of Health Services and attended by representatives of central and local authorities and development partners.
The multisectoral action plan takes into account that public policies of diverse sectors have a direct or indirect impact on health. In this regard, the health sector plays a central role in guiding, mobilizing and obtaining commitments from other sectors to develop and shape policies which determine population levels of risk factors for NCDs such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and exposure to poor air quality.
NCDs are the leading cause of death in Bangladesh, far surpassing infectious diseases. Furthermore, over half of people who die from NCDs, such as heart diseases, stroke, cancers, chronic lung diseases and diabetes, are dying before the age of 70 years. “This is a loss for our families, our communities, the economy and the future development of the nation. Noncommunicable diseases are one of the most urgent and complex public health challenges in Bangladesh. But there is hope. Because NCDs can be prevented, and premature death and disability avoided. The majority of heart disease, strokes, and Type 2 diabetes and a significant portion of cancers can be prevented by eliminating common risk factors including use of tobacco, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity,” said Dr Tara Kessaram, WHO Noncommunicable disease Team Leader, on behalf of Dr Bardan Jung Rana, WHO Representative to Bangladesh.
WHO Bangladesh/ C. Bercaru
The social determinants of health and the risk factors for NCDs are often beyond an individual’s control. They are, however, able to be influenced by the policies of multiple sectors. To prevent and control NCDs we cannot do business as usual and the health sector cannot do it alone. Action on NCDs will contribute to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals, including those related to poverty, hunger, education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.
WHO Bangladesh/ C. Bercaru
WHO remains committed to supporting the Government of Bangladesh to implement this plan and the much needed solutions to secure the health, social and economic wellbeing of the present and future generations of Bangladesh.