In a landmark move to combat the growing threat of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh, 35 ministries and divisions jointly signed a “Declaration on NCD Control” on Wednesday.
The signing ceremony was held at Shapla Hall of the Chief Adviser’s Office, with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus attending as the chief guest.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to implement a long-term integrated action plan to prevent and control NCDs such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic respiratory illnesses.
Dr. Yunus formally handed over the declaration to senior secretaries from five ministries during the event.
In his address, Dr. Yunus stressed the severe economic burden of NCDs, noting that families often fall into poverty when forced to finance expensive treatments, particularly cancer care. He highlighted that many patients seek treatment abroad, resulting in significant outflows of national resources.
“Healthcare is not the responsibility of one ministry alone. Building a healthy generation is essential for socio-economic development and for creating a skilled, productive workforce. Sustainable solutions require coordinated efforts from all ministries,” the Chief Adviser said.
The joint declaration commits ministries and divisions to developing specific action plans in key areas, including promoting healthy diets and reducing excessive sugar consumption, raising awareness among young people about the dangers of tobacco, encouraging regular exercise and healthier lifestyles, and introducing health awareness programs at schools and colleges.
Dr. Yunus also emphasized the importance of collaboration beyond government initiatives, calling for the involvement of the private sector and international partners.
He underscored the potential of public-private partnership models and expressed hope that the World Health Organization (WHO) would provide necessary technical support.
Health Adviser Professor Dr. Nurjahan Begum, Health Services Division Secretary Md. Saidur Rahman, and other senior government officials were present.
Speakers at the event described the declaration as a milestone toward strengthening Bangladesh’s national health security.
