The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have set out a shared ambition to direct €250 million under an existing EIB sovereign loan towards women’s health and stronger, more resilient health services.

The programme, known as the Women’s Health Initiative, proposes to use funds that were approved in 2021 to support Bangladesh's COVID-19 immunization programme, mid-term pandemic preparedness and general health system resilience to expand access to essential health services for approximately 47 million women and girls between 2027 and 2031. It would improve maternal and newborn care and cervical and breast cancer services, while strengthening primary healthcare, referral services, district hospitals and critical care to deliver reliable, high-quality care and respond more effectively to future emergencies.

“The health and well-being of women and girls are fundamental to Bangladesh’s future,” said Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hussain MP, Minister of Health and Family Welfare of Bangladesh announcing the government’s initiative. “This initiative reflects our determination to build a stronger and more equitable health system — one that prioritizes prevention and protects women throughout their lives. A commitment to  ensuring that quality services reach communities closer to where they live across our country. Our partnership with the European Investment Bank and UNFPA will help us turn that ambition into lasting results for millions of people.” 

“Our vision is to shift health systems from treatment to prevention and health promotion, and this new investment will help drive that national vision forward,” added Dr. Ziauddin Hyder, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Health.

The programme represents a significant step towards addressing the historic underinvestment in women’s health. By combining national leadership, long-term development financing and specialised technical expertise, the programme demonstrates substantial social and economic benefits of investing in women’s health care. The European Investment Bank Vice-President Marek Mora noted that:

“Investing in women’s health means investing in stronger families, more resilient communities and sustainable economic development. Together with the Government of Bangladesh and UNFPA, we are developing an ambitious model that brings long-term financing and technical expertise together to improve people’s lives.”