Health and Family Welfare Ministry and World Health Organization (WHO) held a high-level consultative meeting to accelerate multi-sectoral action on NCDs, mental health and injuries in Bangladesh. 

The UN agency representatives praised the government’s leadership and reiterated their commitment to align their programmes with the National Multi-sectoral Action Plan of Bangladesh and the ‘Joint Declaration’.

Health services division secretary Md Saidur Rahman chaired the meeting, held at the old conference room of public administration ministry. 

The meeting was also attended by high-ranking government officials and representatives of various UN agencies including UN Resident Coordinator’s Office, WHO, UNICEF, UNDP, WFP, UNFPA, FAO, IOM, ILO, UNOPS and UNIDO.

Currently, the death rate rose to more than 71 percent with non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and mental health problems in Bangladesh, according to participants. 

Out of the deaths, more than a half was premature, they added. 

The growing burden of diseases is having a significant impact on the country's economic productivity, household financial security and the achievement of national development goals.