A Nation Unites 35 Ministries in Landmark Move to Fight Against Noncommunicable Diseases

In an unprecedented show of political leadership and whole-of-government collaboration, the Government of Bangladesh took a bold step to tackle the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health conditions, and injuries.

NCDs, including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and mental health disorders—now cause 71% of all deaths in Bangladesh, with over half of these being premature deaths. With 69% of healthcare costs paid out-of-pocket in Bangladesh, thousands of families face severe financial hardship. NCDs are not just a medical challenge, they are a socioeconomic threat, straining the health system, increasing poverty, and jeopardizing national development. Prevention and control of NCDs go beyond the Health Ministry, requiring coordinated action across all sectors of the government and society.

Recognizing these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW), Bangladesh in collaboration with WHO country office, initiated a paradigm shift in approach to tackling NCDs, that began with a high-level consultation with the Secretaries of 20 different Ministries on 3 June 2025.   

The meeting secured unanimous recognition of NCDs as a national priority and a commitment from all Ministries to act through a whole-of-government approach.

High-level consultation on NCD with Secretaries and senior government officials, 3 June 20, Photo: WHO/Bangladesh

This culminated on 20 August 2025, when Secretaries from 35 ministries signed a “Joint Declaration on Strengthening Inter-ministerial Collaboration for Multisectoral Action on NCD Prevention and Control”. The landmark signing ceremony took place at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Dhaka. During the event, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus handed over the signed Joint Declaration to the senior secretaries of different Ministries, symbolizing the transfer of shared responsibility across the top tiers of Bangladesh government.

The ceremony was attended by key dignitaries, including Ms. Nurjahan Begum (Hon’ble Health Adviser); Professor Dr Md. Sayedur Rahman (Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the MOHFW); Mr. Saidur Rahman, Secretary (Health Services Division, MOHFW); and Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi (Director of Programme Management, WHO SEARO), among other senior officials, Advisers, Special Assistants, Senior Secretaries and Secretaries, senior government officials from ministries, WHO, UN and development partners.

Key Remarks

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Hon’ble Chief Adviser of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh delivered a speech at the event.

“Today, we address one of Bangladesh’s most critical health challenges: noncommunicable diseases. Healthy, skilled, and productive citizens are essential for national development, and tackling NCDs requires active participation from all sectors. Ministries will work together under a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, prioritizing children, adolescents, and women, while engaging youth and civil society in awareness campaigns. Strong public-private partnerships, technical support, and rigorous monitoring will ensure effective implementation. I would like to particularly thank WHO for their commendable support in advancing health sector initiatives like today’s Joint Declaration. With such partnerships, I am confident that Bangladesh will accelerate progress in preventing and controlling NCDs, ensuring a healthier and more productive future for all citizens.”- Dr Muhammad Yunus, Hon’ble Chief Adviser of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Ms Nurjahan Begum, Adviser, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare delivered an insightful speech at the event.

“Today we make a historic pledge that goes beyond the health sector—it is a commitment to the future of our nation. Noncommunicable diseases silently threaten families, the workforce, and our economy. Health is no longer the responsibility of one ministry; through a ‘Health in All Policies’ approach, every sector—from education to agriculture—will prioritize health. Under this Joint Declaration, ministries will submit action plans and work together with accountability, marking a new path toward a healthier, conscious, and dignified Bangladesh.”- Ms Nurjahan Begum, Adviser, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Professor Dr Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser For MOHFW, delivered an informative speech at the event.

“Noncommunicable diseases cause five out of every seven deaths in Bangladesh. Hospitals and medicines alone cannot stop this silent epidemic. Our fight will succeed only through unity—families, society, and the State acting together. Today’s ceremony is a historic and far-reaching moment: 35 ministries have come together to sign a Joint Declaration, likely the first of its kind in Bangladesh’s history. This initiative transforms the responsibility for citizens’ health from a single ministry into a national effort. Unity will be our greatest strength in preventing and controlling NCDs. We thank WHO for their technical support, and we pledge to stop the epidemic of noncommunicable diseases and secure a healthier future for all”- Professor Dr Md. Sayedur Rahman, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser For MOHFW

Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director of Programme Management at WHO SEARO, delivered a speech at the event.

“The NCD challenge is not unique to Bangladesh — it is a regional crisis, demanding solidarity and bold multisectoral action. Today’s commitment resonates far beyond this room, setting an example for the entire South-East Asia Region. The roots of NCDs run deep—into our food systems, transport, education, environment, taxation policies, and workplaces. On behalf of WHO, I congratulate the Government of Bangladesh for this bold step, and I commend this vision and pledge our full support to ensure that today’s commitments translate into real impact for the health and well-being of all citizens,” said Dr Thaksaphon Thamarangsi, Director of Programme Management, WHO SEARO

Mr. Saidur Rahman, Health Secretary, HSD, MoHFW, delivered a speech at the event.

“To confront this crisis, Bangladesh has mobilized 35 ministries through a Joint Declaration, ensuring a whole-of-government and whole-of-society response. With guidance from WHO and alignment with its recommended ‘Best Buys’, this initiative will accelerate our journey towards reducing premature NCD deaths, achieving Universal Health Coverage, and meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.” – Mr. Saidur Rahman, Health Secretary, Health Services Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Bangladesh

Joint Declaration Commitments

The 35 Ministries and Divisions formally endorsed the Joint Declaration, pledging to:

• Make NCDs a Policy Priority: Integrate health promotion and NCD prevention and control across all relevant policies following Health in All Policies approach.
• Implement the Action Plan: Allocate human and financial resources and scale up WHO “Best Buy” interventions with strong monitoring.
• Ensure Participation: Engage communities and citizens in a Whole-of-Government, Whole-of-Society approach.
• Strengthen Coordination & Cooperation: Support MOHFW in leading the National Multisectoral Coordination Mechanism.
• Ensure accountability: Review progress,, publish reports, and address challenges transparently.

Impact:

If Bangladesh turns this historic commitment into concrete action, the nation will achieve:

• Better Health – Fewer preventable deaths, stronger mental health, longer lives.
• Greater Equity – Reduced financial burden and protection for the most vulnerable.
• Stronger Economy – A healthier, more productive workforce driving growth and resilience.
• Resilient Communities – Less strain on the health system, thriving families, progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
  

A Regional Model

Bangladesh’s Joint Declaration demonstrates that cross-sectoral action, backed by political leadership and strategic partnerships, can drive transformative change, even in the face of complex public health threats. By uniting ministries of health, finance, education, agriculture, transport, and more, Bangladesh is institutionalizing a whole-of-government and Health-in-All-Policies approach, setting an example for the South-East Asia Region and beyond. This Declaration is more than a document—it is a political commitment to protect lives, safeguard wellbeing, and strengthen resilience against future health and economic shocks.

WHO Bangladesh staff with DPM-SEARO and MOHFW official. Photo: WHO/Bangladesh

For more information about this publication, please get in touch with Salma Sultana, NPO – Communication and Media, WHO Bangladesh, e-mail ssultana@who.int