Experts urge policy reforms to strengthen urban health systems in Bangladesh

The Business Standard
Feb 01, 2025

Experts urge policy reforms to strengthen urban health systems in Bangladesh


Health policymakers, researchers, and development partners gathered in Dhaka to discuss challenges and prospects for urban health in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The policy dialogue, titled Strengthening Urban Health Systems: Prospects & Challenges, was organized by ARK Foundation Bangladesh and BRAC James P. Grant School of Public Health on Thursday (30 January 2025). Experts highlighted the urgent need for evidence-based policy reforms and program interventions to address health inequities in cities.

According to the World Health Organization, a significant portion of the 4.2 billion people living in cities face inadequate housing, poor transport, insufficient sanitation, weak waste management, and poor air quality—posing severe health risks. The urban poor, in particular, have limited access to quality healthcare.