Khulna, Bangladesh

Khulna City, with a population of 1.5 million, is one of the fastest growing cities in Bangladesh. It is the third largest city after Dhaka. The city is experiencing rapid expansion with increasing health risks due to unplanned urbanization. Health services are provided by the city corporation, the Government, and private health-care facilities. As there are few Government facilities, access to health care remains challenging, particularly for disadvantaged populations.

Under the leadership of the Mayor of Khulna City Corporation, a 4-year action plan has been developed for “Healthy City Khulna”, with three priorities: (i) using a health-in-all-policies concept; (ii) promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening primary health-care services; and (iii) good governance and multisectoral coordination. To accelerate progress in these areas and build bridges between key sectors of the city, a memorandum of understanding for a multisectoral coordination platform for “Healthy City Khulna” has been signed by 11 city stakeholders. This is the first step in institutionalizing a coordination platform to ensure regular dialogue and consultations with communities, local leaders, and key stakeholders to implement the plan.