State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit . File photo

DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (BSS)- State Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr. M A Muhit today called for building climate-resilient public health systems through stronger cross-sector collaboration to protect communities from the growing health risks posed by climate change.

"Climate change is no longer only an environmental issue; it is a major public health challenge. Bangladesh must continue investing in resilient health systems, environmental protection and preventive measures to safeguard the wellbeing of our people, particularly the most vulnerable communities," he said.

The state minister made the call while addressing a roundtable discussion titled "Nature and Health: Building Climate-Resilient Public Health Systems" at the Department of Environment conference room in the capital.

The event organised by UNOPS Bangladesh in collaboration with the Department of Environment, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) and the Embassy of Sweden

The event brought together policymakers, experts, development partners, environmental practitioners and representatives of government agencies, international organisations and academia to discuss the increasing impacts of climate change on public health and the role of nature-based solutions in strengthening health systems.
Addressing the programme as the chief guest, Dr. Muhit stressed the need for enhanced cooperation among relevant sectors to tackle the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health.

UNOPS Bangladesh and Bhutan Country Manager Sudhir Muralidharan in his special remarks highlighted the close relationship between healthy ecosystems and healthy communities.

"Investing in nature is also an investment in human health. Climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable public systems are critical to protecting communities from emerging environmental and health risks," he said.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Kabir, Director of the Center for Climate Change and Public Health, outlined the growing health impacts of climate change, including heat stress, changing disease patterns, air pollution and water-related health risks.
BIMSTEC Secretariat Director Sonam C. Namgyel underscored the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the interconnected challenges of climate change and public health.

Public Health Adviser at the Embassy of Sweden Dr. Zahirul Islam reaffirmed Sweden's commitment to supporting climate action and sustainable development initiatives that place human health and resilience at the centre.

Speakers at the discussion emphasized the importance of integrating environmental sustainability, public health planning and climate adaptation into national policies to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and better prepare communities for future environmental and health challenges.