NCDs are now akin to a health emergency and require a three-pronged national effort focused on prevention, detection and integrated risk management. This was the consensus emerging out of the multi-stakeholder health debate organized by PPRC and the UHC Forum with support from UNICEF on 17th March, 2025.

Hypertension, diabetes, cancer and respiratory complications are not only the cause of 70% of deaths annually but are also impacting the lives of youth and children. The discussion highlighted the urgent need to integrate NCD management into primary healthcare (PHC) through healthy life promotion, early detection and risk management.

In his closing remarks, PPRC Executive Chairman and UHC Forum Convener Dr Hossain Zillur Rahman who chaired and moderated the event, stressed the importance of a unified, systemic solution.

“Behavioural change comes from ongoing awareness efforts, not fear-based messaging. A nationwide social campaign, like the successful oral saline initiative, is crucial for engaging communities and creating lasting change,” he said.

He also highlighted the role of Bangladesh’s strong pharmaceutical industry in ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines. “A well-planned, multi-sector approach is key to effectively addressing the rising burden of NCDs,” he concluded.

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