AS BANGLADESH undergoes rapid urbanisation and faces challenges of a shifting global health landscape, the nation stands at a critical turning point. Public health and development, often addressed separately though, are inextricably linked and essential for building a sustainable future. With urban centres expanding and climate-related health risks rising, addressing the fields together has never been more urgent. For Bangladesh to achieve long-term progress, the two domains must be viewed not as separate goals but as mutually reinforcing pillars that work in tandem to develop communities and promote resilience.
Good health is not merely the absence of illness. It is the foundation on which economic and social progress can thrive. Healthy individuals contribute more effectively to their family and communities, fuelling economic growth and resilience. In a country where poverty and inequality remain pressing challenges, improvement in public health can break cycles of disadvantage and create opportunities for empowerment. For instance, investing in maternal and child health yields long-term benefits for future generations. Expanding access to quality health care for women and children does not only save lives but also fosters a healthier, more productive work force. In rural areas, where healthcare services are often sparse, addressing the gaps in care can significantly boost national development. The government鈥檚 commitment to expanding healthcare access is critical. However, targeted interventions, such as investing in mobile health clinics, training more healthcare workers and ensuring the availability of affordable medicines, are essential to closing the gaps.
As Bangladesh strives to meet Sustainable Development Goals, investing in health, especially maternal and child health, also drives progress in areas such as gender equality, education and poverty reduction. However, despite significant improvements in vaccination coverage and sanitation, many communities, particularly in remote and underserved areas, still face significant barriers to accessing health care. Rural regions, in particular, continue to struggle with limited healthcare facilities, leading to preventable death and chronic health issues. Addressing the disparities requires renewed attention to strengthening primary healthcare systems and ensuring universal access to essential medicines. Investments in local healthcare infrastructure, such as constructing more health centres and improving supply chains, are critical. By focusing on equitable healthcare delivery, the government can ensure that no one is left behind, whether in urban slums or rural villages. The investments would not only improve health outcomes but also contribute to the economic growth. Families would be able to invest more in education, housing and other necessities, instead of spending precious resources on treating preventable illnesses.
While Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in reducing infectious diseases and improving overall public health, a new challenge is emerging: the rise of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. As urban centres grow and the way of life changes, the diseases are becoming leading causes of death, particularly in cities where poor diet, lack of physical activity and air pollution are common. Tackling the chronic conditions requires a more comprehensive public health strategy which should include policies for reducing tobacco and alcohol use, promoting physical activity and improving urban air quality. Bangladesh鈥檚 recent efforts to curb tobacco use through regulation show the potential of policy-driven health improvement. However, there is more work to be done to address other risk factors such as sedentary way of life and pollution.
Moreover, climate change has emerged as a significant health threat in Bangladesh, exacerbating health risks for vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children and those living in poverty. Floods, cyclones and rising temperatures are already intensifying health challenges. For instance, the spread of waterborne diseases after floods and heatwaves worsening chronic conditions highlight the need for urgent action. The nation鈥檚 response must include climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure such as flood-resistant health centres, improved water management systems and forward-thinking urban planning. Integrating health considerations into development strategies is vital to mitigating the health impacts of climate change and the rise of non-communicable diseases. Only by addressing both of these interconnected challenges can Bangladesh build a healthier, more resilient population that supports sustained economic growth.
The relationship between public health and development runs in both directions: development initiatives addressing the root causes of health problems such as poverty, inadequate housing, and lack of education, lead to improved health outcomes. For example, improving access to clean water and sanitation not only reduces the spread of waterborne diseases but also enhances educational outcomes and increases productivity. Healthy children and adults are more likely to attend school and work, benefiting society as a whole. Integrating health into national development policies will foster a more inclusive, resilient society. This approach involves not only enhancing healthcare access, by expanding primary healthcare and addressing maternal and child health gaps, but also tackling the broader social determinants of health, including access to education, safe housing and food security. Furthermore, integrating health into development policies creates economic benefits as healthier populations are more productive, less reliant on the healthcare system and contribute to greater economic stability.
Countries such as Thailand and Sri Lanka have showed the success of integrating health and development, demonstrating that a robust health sector is directly linked to economic prosperity. Bangladesh has the opportunity to follow this path, positioning health as a core component of development and leveraging it to advance other priorities, such as poverty reduction, gender equality and environmental sustainability.
The path forward for Bangladesh lies in recognising that health and development cannot be separated. To achieve a future of shared prosperity, policymakers must actively embrace the interdependence of the fields. This requires integrating health into all aspects of development, from education and economic growth to environmental protection and social equity. By prioritising health in development strategies, Bangladesh can accelerate progress in key areas and create a more equitable, productive, and resilient society. However, failures to integrate health and development risk undermining the country鈥檚 development goals, as poor health outcomes perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.
This critical moment presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to ensure a healthier, more prosperous future for all citizens by embedding health into the core of its development policies and initiatives.
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Zaziratul Zannat is a public health scholar and humanitarian aid practitioner in a non-profit international organisation based in South Asia.
